Photo By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Spradlin | Pfc. Benjamin McDaniel, a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 19th Engineer...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Each deployment has its own unique challenges.
Shortly after the Soldiers of the 19th Engineer Battalion, out of Fort Knox, Kentucky, arrived at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to assist Area Support Group-Kuwait with refurbishing and construction projects, the rain came. A lot of rain.
During a 36-hour period in November of 2013, 3.39 inches of rain fell on Kuwait. A typical amount of rain here during November is 0.7 inches. The flash flooding caused damage to many buildings, roads and security measures around the installation.
“It was described as an event that had happened once in 60 years. Our immediate focus was helping Camp Arifjan recover from the flood and repairing infrastructure that was damaged as a result of the excess water,” said Capt. Matthew McDaniel, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th Engineer Battalion.
Immediately following the flood, Soldiers from the 72nd Survey and Design Detachment began a complete topographical survey of Camp Arifjan to determine how to address water drainage challenges. They found that there was a requirement to build more drainage ditches to prevent water from settling into one particular area of the base. Additionally, they saw the need to expand the preexisting retention ponds. From there, Soldiers with the 15th Engineering Company Horizontal worked to implement the necessary changes while other engineers were involved in patching up roads that had been washed out and rebuilding security checkpoints.
Six months later, the effects of the flood have not completely dissipated. Living quarters in the hardest hit area of the flooding were rendered inhabitable after mold formed beneath the flooring. A major project is underway to tear out and replace the flooring in more than 90 living quarters.
These recovery efforts continue as the 19th Engineers execute a variety of other missions, including a major transition project as the theater gateway and affiliated assets relocated to Camp Arifjan and many projects designed to positively contribute to the quality of life for deployed Soldiers.
“We always want to improve the footprint that we occupy. We take a personal interest in ensuring that all the projects we complete are done to the very highest standard. If that means, fixing shower and latrine trailers so that Soldiers can have hot water and functioning facilities - we want those projects, and we want to pursue them as best we can,” said McDaniel, an Ohio native.
One recent project took place at the Zone I Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Movie Theater. Over a three-week period, engineers replaced broken seating and installed new carpeting.
“Prior to the renovation, Soldiers were pretty much sitting on water [bottle] cases. After we were done, it looked a thousand times better,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Smith, a plumber with the 76th Engineer Company, 19th Engineer Battalion. “I was proud of how it turned out, and I know people are going to enjoy it.”
During a previous deployment to Afghanistan, Smith, a Richford, Vermont, native, mainly supported infantry and forward positioned units with their living quarters. The deployment to Kuwait, including the unusual flood, has afforded him different opportunities that he is grateful for.
“This deployment has given me a lot of experience. We’re doing all kinds of work that we might not usually get to do,” he said, crediting it with making him a better-rounded Soldier and engineer.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2014 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 129180 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Hometown: | RICHFORD, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 374 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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