There's No Business Like 'Chu' Business

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sj Duga | Construction at Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul Iraq offers an opportunity for work to both Americans and local nationals. The base is in preparation to close in the near future.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq - As the closure of Forward Operating Base Courage draws near, the signs of de-construction are very evident as the crews from Kellogg, Brown, & Root disassemble, load up, and move out recently occupied living quarters, also known as "Chu's, to military locations throughout Iraq.

Kellogg, Brown, & Root, often referred to as KBR, has been assisting in the military efforts in foreign countries for over a decade, according to Dan Nelson from Clarksville, Tenn., a properties foreman for KBR for the last 2 years.

"It's my job to make sure these Chu's get loaded on the trucks, that all the numbers match, and that they make it to their final destination without being misplaced along the way," said Nelson.

KBR is currently taking the Chu's from FOB Courage and relocating them to be reused throughout Iraq. KBR is hoping to be completed with the removal of all Chu's within the next three months.

"It usually takes from 3-7 days to move an entire area, or as we call it, a Pad of Chu's down the road," said Nelson.

It is also KBR's job to clean up the area following removal and try and put the property back to its nearest original state prior to the Chu's being put in place.

"Once we're done here, most of us will get split up to do the same thing throughout the country, or we may be tasked with setting them up also," said Nelson.

For Tony Jaramillo, labor foreman and native of Houston, Texas, he has the responsibility of ensuring his workers hook up the Chu's properly so they can be lifted on a truck so they do no get damaged.

"The only delay's we've encountered here at FOB Courage is the weather because of the lightning and rain, I don't want my cranes operating under those conditions," Jaramillo said. "Other than that, things have been very smooth running around here."

According to Jaramillo KBR is noted for hiring local laborers in every region they work in to try and help the local economy.
"Our laborers are from the surrounding countries, Iraqi nationals, and Americans that have come here to help out with the work that supports the U.S. efforts," said Jaramillo.

Jaramillo said as missions change and troops are relocated for the needs of the ongoing war, KBR construction teams also move.

"We try and stay one step ahead of the needs of the allied forces so they can be as comfortable as possible."

"My job is very rewarding, and I feel that we play a critical role in the needs of the Soldiers and support teams throughout Iraq," Jaramillo said. "I plan to stay as long as I can or until the job is done."

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 10:26
• Story ID: 6220
• Location: MOSUL, IQ