NMCB 3’s Det. 4 Builds Shelters for US Forces to Brave the Afghan Cold.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.31.2011

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

By Petty Officer 2ny and Class Laura Miles and Petty Officer 3rd Class Gregory Browne

ORUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Six teams of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3’s DET 4 are braving the harsh winter weather here in Afghanistan as they continue to support the Village Stability Platform operations of the Combined Joint Special Operation Task Force – Afghanistan.

This month brings a new addition to the strong relationship that the Seabees have built with the team. CJSOTF-A has been operating in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001, but now, for the first time ever, an infantry battalion has been assigned to task force. This addition of the infantry battalion has brought on a surge of construction projects for the Seabees.

Most of the projects are centered on large wooden buildings and tent-and-floor systems to provide for the battalion’s immediate need of berthing.

“We are doing this to give them a place to lay their heads at the end of the day,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class (SCW) Jonathon Slaton, builder, whose team has been rehabilitating pre-existing Afghan structures in order to prepare for the battalion’s arrival. “We are paving the way to the establishment of a greater SOTF presence here.”

The construction projects allowed for little pre-planning time. The small group of Seabees re-deployed from their original mission on short notice to construct the two 20’ x 34’ floor systems that served as platforms for the berthing tent. In addition to the flooring systems and tents, the Seabees installed heating units in order to provide warmth for the harsh cold of Afghanistan.

“These guys absolutely love us, they can’t get enough and that is what we are here for,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class (SCW) Luke Timmerman, construction electrician, the team leader.

These six Seabees from NMCB 3 are breaking new ground and forging important relationships with the Marines, sailors, airmen and soldiers that comprise CJSOTF-A.

The infantry battalion will provide additional security to the local populace and villages that are seeking independence from Taliban influence. The infantry battalion support will drastically increase the task force’s ability to maintain a stronghold, especially in preparation for the usual summer influx of insurgents.

“The construction support that the Seabees are providing is paramount in making the transition possible,” said an U.S. Army Sergeant First Class attached to the SOTF. Furthermore, the battalion’s presence will effectively allow the special operations units of SOTF to focus on more important missions.

This union between SOTF, the infantry battalion and the Seabees is further strengthening the VSP operations, which is at the core of the Afghanistan counterinsurgency strategy.

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

• Date Taken: 01.31.2011
• Date Posted: 01.31.2011 18:58
• Story ID: 64551
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF