Story by Builder 3rd Class Bethann Crotchett
DIEGO GARCIA - U.S. Navy Seabees deployed with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Detachment Diego Garcia began demolition on an existing facility and construction on a Tension Fabric Structure (TFS) in support of the U.S. Air Force, Oct. 21.
The U.S. Air Force will use the TFS to increase their storage capacity, and as a result, their mission readiness. Working hand in hand with contractors employed by Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) and assigned to the island, the end result of which will be a 100’x100’ concrete pad upon which the TFS will stand. After the foundation has been placed, the Seabees of Diego Garcia will erect a structure complete with the installation of an electrical system.
In addition to working with KBR, Detail Diego Garcia also coordinates closely with the Public Works Department and the Air Force.
“Since the beginning of the projects, relationships with all of our counterparts have strengthened immensely,” said Builder 2nd Class Cameron Burrows, quality control and safety specialist.
The rest of the crew assigned to the new TFS project are in the process of the demolition of a wooden structure to prepare for eventual site work. Once the demolition is completed, work can begin on laying out form-work for the footers that will stand on either side of a concrete pad. Both sites are running simultaneously, providing an excellent opportunity for the seven personnel on their first deployment to partake in plenty of on-the-job training.
“This project is a great opportunity for all involved to increase their trade skills and further their war-fighting capabilities,” said Builder 3rd Class Joshua Kohls, project supervisor for the turnover TFS. “Every day brings a new challenge along with a learning opportunity. Making a positive impact is what our job is all about.”
Additional projects that will be completed this deployment include a dog run facility, used by the British and U.S. Naval forces working dogs and a concrete pathway extension that will be used at the Armory to allow forklift access.
NMCB-5 is deployed across the Indo-Pacific region conducting high-quality construction to support U.S. and partner nations to strengthen partnerships, deter aggression, and enable expeditionary logistics and naval power projection. The battalion stands ready to support Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) and Major Combat Operations (MCO) throughout the region.