Seabees renovate base housing on Kwajalein Atoll

Courtesy Photo | 151026-N-ZZ999-005 KWAJALEIN, Republic of Marshall Islands (Oct. 26, 2015) Tom Johnson, U.S. Garrison on Kwajalein Atoll’s Public Works Department’s project supervisor, and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Scott Tallieu, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, drill dry-wall into place during a base housing renovation project on Kwajalein, Atoll, Republic of Marshall Islands, Oct. 26, 2015. The base housing project is the renovation of 14 houses and NMCB 1 is deployed to provide humanitarian aid to the Republic of Marshall Islands. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospitalman 2nd Class Isaac P. Cajinas)  

MARSHALL ISLANDS

10.28.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Brannon Deugan 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1

Members from U. S. Garrison on Kwajalein Atoll’s Public Works Department and U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, renovate base housing on Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of Marshall Islands, Oct. 28, 2015.

Over the past three months, five houses interiors have been demolished in preparation for remodeling while one unit has been completely remodeled. There are 14 total houses requiring renovation, and the project has a limited budget of approximately $9,000 per house.

“Without the help of the Seabees, it was basically an impossible task when Public Works labor was factored in,” said NMCB 1’s Officer in Charge Lt. j.g. Cory Devonis. “This is an overall great win-win project for the Seabees and the base. The Seabees are learning great skill sets while the base will be allowed to utilize the 14 renovated houses on an island with limited space.”

This project has allowed Seabees to collectively contribute to the project while learning from each other and from the personnel of the Public Works Department.

“I work mainly with electricity and this project had me doing dry wall, mudding and taping,” said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Scott Tallieu. “These are trades that I am not too familiar with, but now I am well versed and feel that if I ever need to perform these skills again, whether at home or at another site, I’ll be more than ready.”

Throughout the project, NMCB 1 has impressed their counterparts with hard work and a desire to learn.
“I have never worked with military personnel before,” said Public Works Department’s Project Supervisor Tom Johnson. “ I was unsure of how they were going to view me as a civilian, but they really made me feel at ease and they were quick to take tips and not too proud to ask questions, I am most impressed by their ability to learn and get the job done and well.”
NMCB 1 is a Seabee battalion that specializes in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.

The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. It offers deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations support.

• Date Taken: 10.28.2015
• Date Posted: 11.09.2015 10:34
• Story ID: 181415
• Location: MH