NMCB 4 and RCAF work together to accomplish construction projects

Courtesy Photo | Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 Detail Cambodia pose with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) army engineers at the Russey Srok Health Clinic Maternity Ward project in Kep, Cambodia. NMCB 4 and the RCAF are working together to complete multiple project throughout Cambodia in support of the U.S. Embassy initiatives to improve sanitation conditions and maternity health care across the country. (U.S. Navy photo by Equipment Operator 3rd Class Alexander Balaoing)  

KEP, CAMBODIA

11.13.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

By CE3 (SCW) Kevin Bhirdo

KEP, Cambodia - Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 deployed to Cambodia for their 2014 PACOM deployment were recently joined by army engineers from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).

The engineers from the RCAF’s Engineering Water and Supply Battalion have been assigned to assist the Seabees in their construction of bathroom facilities and maternity wards for local communities. Their combined efforts support US Embassy initiatives to improve sanitation conditions and maternity health care across Cambodia and increase the interoperability amongst the two engineering units.

The Seabees who make up Civic Construction Action Detail (CCAD) Cambodia continue an enduring presence of Naval Construction Forces in Cambodia since 2012 and are specialists in expeditionary construction and humanitarian aid missions. Beginning in August, the Seabee crew worked independently to complete their first head facility in Sihanoukville. On Oct. 6 the Detail was joined by their Cambodian counterparts as they moved into two new projects in Cambodia’s Kep province.

Both units entered the working relationship with intrigue and guarded excitement at the prospect of working daily with counterparts from another country. While the Cambodian engineers have worked with previous battalions in Cambodia on similar projects, the experience was new to most members of the NMCB 4 crew. Their language barriers and varied construction backgrounds presented potential roadblocks to their joint efforts.

Despite these concerns enthusiasm was high the first day on site when crews exchanged warm handshakes and salutes. While the integration was slow at first, the relationship quickly strengthened and has flourished beyond expectations. Working side by side in all construction activities, they developed a better understanding of their counterparts and developed unique solutions to challenges.

To overcome their language barriers, the crews adopted their own method of communications through a mix of hand signals and small phrases. To overcome their differences in methods and techniques, the crews established agreed upon quality standards that they measure both themselves and their counterparts against. When discrepancies arise, the crews work together to plan a new way ahead. Through their daily interactions, whether it’s working to place concrete, sharing a lunch or joking about their weekend adventures, they have formed an unbreakable bond as they execute their tasking with quality results.

"I enjoy working with RCAF,” said Builder Constructionman Blake Stasik, project crew leader. “Just because we speak different languages doesn’t mean we can’t communicate. If I point at something or if I'm working on something, they know how to help.”

The strengthening partnership has enabled both crews to share their unique techniques and methods. RCAF engineers have extensive experience with concrete masonry block and stucco application and routinely demonstrate their capabilities to the amazement of the Seabees. Conversely, the Seabees have provided valuable insight into project management and formwork. The on-the-job instruction to each other is invaluable to expanding the skills of each crew member and enhancing the ability of the two engineering units to work together in future endeavors.

While the integration has been built on the job site, it has extended well beyond to other activities as well. The RCAF engineers join the Seabees during morning physical training sessions, shouting cadences in both English and Khmer.

On the weekend, the detail hosts the Cambodian engineers to barbeques and competitive sand volleyball matches, a sport popular in Cambodia. The RCAF even joined the detail for their “over-the-hump” party to mark the deployment’s halfway point and celebrate their joint accomplishments.

The relationship between the Seabee and Cambodian forces has grown immensely over the past two months. As they finish up their first two projects together ahead of schedule, their working relationship on the job site has been nothing short of remarkable. They have worked seamlessly together, exchanging construction knowledge and best practices that will improve their capabilities going forward. Their work together opens the door for continued partnerships for future American and Cambodian units.

“It’s a pleasure to work with such a motivated, hardworking group and it goes without saying we would build by their side any day,” said Engineering Aide Constructionman Thomas Latimer, a crew member on the Russey Srok Health Center maternity ward.

The Seabees and their RCAF counterparts will move to Sihanoukville in early December to complete two additional bathroom facilities. For the members of NMCB 4’s Detail Cambodia, the deployment may end but their new friendships will endure.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2014
• Date Posted: 12.09.2014 03:44
• Story ID: 149740
• Location: KEP, KH
• Hometown: PORT HUENEME, CA, US