Seabees Bring Improved Construction Capability to the Indo-Pacific

Courtesy Photo | 190821-N-JI393-1011 SANTA RITA, Guam (Aug. 21, 2019) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 conducts a mobile asphalt batch plant setup with NMCB 11 crane support. NMCB 4 is forward-deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region ready to support major combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and to provide general engineering and civil support to U.S. and joint forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Steelworker 3rd Class Matthew Alvarado/Released)  

GUAM

08.24.2019

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

SANTA RITA, Guam – Forward-deployed Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 are working with their counterparts in NMCB 11 to set up a mobile asphalt batch plant that was shipped forward from Port Hueneme, Calif.
The asphalt batch plant was deployed to Guam to support future operations throughout the Indo-Pacific (INDOPACOM) region by manufacturing asphalt pavement wherever it is deployed. The batch plant will provide deployed NMCBs with additional capabilities not currently available in the area of operations.
“Setting up the Asphalt Batch Plant at Naval Base Guam gives Seabees the ability to construct new infrastructure,” said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Orlando Lugo. “It enables rotating battalions to gain crucial experience in paving operations and troubleshooting an asphalt batch plant, which directly affects MCO [major combat operation] readiness throughout the INDOPACOM theatre.”
Adding the asphalt batch plant capabilities to the deployed Seabees in Guam required teamwork between multiple commands and numerous military and civilian personnel.
“The reason that I feel like the arrival of the asphalt batch plant is such a historic event, is because of the amount of effort it has taken to get it this far,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class Henry J Pugh III. “I had no idea how much work and dedication that it would take to ship the asphalt batch plant across the Pacific Ocean from Port Hueneme to Guam. I have had the pleasure of working with civilians from the Construction Equipment Division in Port Hueneme, Port Authority members, gate guards, Environmental Protection Agency, Fire Departments, Naval Facilities Engineering Command representatives, 30th Naval Construction Regiment members, adjacent units and everyone in between in order to assist in getting the plant to its destination.”
Getting the plant to Guam is only the first step in expanding that capability to the entire region.
“I feel that it will drastically enhance the Naval Construction Force’s capabilities and put us in the forefront of contingency operations,” said Pugh. “By successfully setting up this plant in Guam, we have the capability to disassemble the plant, ship it, and erect it anywhere in the region. It will keep our planes and aerial warfighters where they belong, in the sky and not be downed due to untimely runway repairs from predated methods. It will enable the safe passage on supply routes as well as making it possible to park vehicles on improved surfaces without the fear of having to keep valuable equipment in harsh terrain. NMCB 4 is forward-deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region ready to support major combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and to provide general engineering and civil support to U.S. and joint forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Aller/ Released)

• Date Taken: 08.24.2019
• Date Posted: 09.12.2019 01:04
• Story ID: 338135
• Location: GU