Civic Action Team Palau Finishes First Project, a Safe Place for Kids to Play

KOROR, PALAU

05.09.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Kinsey 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133

The project was a tri-service operation consisting of efforts from U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy CATs. The Army initiated the project with 78 cubic yards of concrete placed in the first phase and the Air Force completed phases two and three with 89 and 95 cubic yards of concrete placed, respectively.
On April 23, 2016, a year after the Army team broke ground, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the access road and parking lot. Many community members came to celebrate the completed project. Speakers included Rev. Hiob Ngirachemoi, Senior Pastor of Koror Evangelical Church; Yositaka Adachi, Governor of Koror State; and Lt. Genevieve Pike, CAT Palau 133-26 Officer in Charge. Students from the Gospel Kindergarten also performed songs.
Lt. Pike shared her experience with the tri-service project: “You may have seen some differences in the techniques and finishes used by the different services, but at the end of the day, no matter who placed the concrete, we all contributed to the same goal of creating a smooth, safe surface for cars to drive and children to play.”
The ceremony was concluded when five members of the Koror Evangelical Church and Gospel Kindergarten, five members of the Koror State Government, and five United States representatives cut the ribbon together with the assistance of the Gospel Kindergarten students.
“We are fortunate that we were able to continue the legacy of the CAT team and represent the United States as we serve the people of Palau.” said Lt. Pike.
A 13-man team from NMCB 133 in Gulfport, Miss., CAT Palau 133-26 is currently deployed to Palau to provide community construction support, local apprentice training, medical outreach, and community relation programs.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2016
• Date Posted: 05.17.2016 05:11
• Story ID: 198317
• Location: KOROR, PW