NMCB 4 works hand-in-hand with Philippine army engineers

Courtesy Photo | Steel Worker 1st Class Michael Rogers, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, speaks with Sgt. Emolaga, of the Philippine army special forces, about the construction of a three classroom schoolhouse in Aloguinsan, Philippines. NMCB 4 is deployed to the Pacific area of responsibility in support of humanitarian assistance operations and to maintain relationships with regional governments through construction projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Steven McAlister/Released)  

CEBU, PHILIPPINES

09.15.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

By CM3 Steven McAlister

CEBU, Philippines – Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4’s Construction Civic Action Detail Philippines is a small group of Sailors working on the Island of Cebu, Philippines, to assist the Philippine government in school construction and renovation of social welfare facilities. Their joint efforts seek to build interoperability between the U.S. and Philippine militaries and to build capacity of the Philippines to respond to natural disasters.

The crew is assisting the Philippine army engineers with renovating the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development's Girls and Special Needs Dormitory in Mandaue City. These facilities serve disabled, orphaned, and abused women and girls.

Working together is key to the success of completing the renovations of the project. The scope of the project is extensive and includes roof repair, painting, and installation of floor tile. From sharing tools to teaching each other best construction practices in their respective countries, the Seabees partner with the Philippine Army Engineers to get the job done.

"Learning how to lay floor tile differently makes us a more capable team,” said Builder Constructionman Katherine Stinnett. “It is good to know other ways to get the job done when materials and tools might be limited."

"It's good that we get to work together with [the Philippine army engineers],” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Adeleida Dacanay. “We can teach them and in turn they teach us. Working together helps us work faster, be more efficient and save money and time."

Working together builds the relationship between the Philippine Army Engineers and the Seabees of NMCB 4. It also allows for possible future projects across the Philippine islands. NMCB 4 is deployed to the Pacific area of responsibility in support of humanitarian assistance operations and to maintain relationships with regional governments through construction projects.

Keep up-to-date with the battalion at www.facebook.com/nmcb4.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.22.2014 01:39
• Story ID: 142846
• Location: CEBU, PH
• Hometown: PORT HUENEME, CA, US