Medeshi 19 Aug, 2008CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti- A detachment of 124 Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. arrived at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa, on August 3, 2008 for a scheduled six-month deployment.
Djibouti is located 11 degrees north of the equator on the eastern coast of the African continent. It consists of a population of 600,000 and is constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities. With the development of an airport, seaport, and a military camp, employment opportunities are at an all time high. Camp Lemonier currently provides 60% of the Djibouti civilian population employment and will continue to grow for years to come, according to Capt. Patrick Gibbons, Commanding Officer of Camp Lemonier.
The Seabees of NMCB 4 are an integral part of over 2,400 troops at Camp Lemonier, which is currently serving to establish a strong partnership with various military forces from around the world and to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission - - to prevent conflict, promote regional cooperation, and protect U.S and coalition Interest in order to prevail against extremism.NMCB 4 Detachment-Horn of Africa (Det HOA) will be conducting a wide variety of construction projects in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Comoros Islands. The projects range from building schools, digging fresh water wells, and performing numerous humanitarian aid projects. These efforts will provide the Seabees the opportunity to work with and teach the African labor force new skills and to win the hearts and minds of the citizens of Africa.
"This detachment of Seabees currently in HOA have been training together as one unit preparing themselves for this deployment. I have no doubt in my mind that they are capable of executing any task efficiently, safely and to be able to produce a quality product. I expect nothing less from my detachment. My goal is to leave a positive lasting impression on the people of Africa and to provide a better quality of life for the local populace," said Lieutenant Commander Rafael Miranda, Officer in Charge, NMCB 4 Det HOA."I want my Seabees to leave Africa with a strong sense of pride knowing that we (Seabees) did our best to support the mission and more importantly improve the lives of Africans in our area of influence."
NMCB 4 Det HOA will be relieving NMCB 74, who are based out of Gulfport, Mississippi. Seabees from both Dets will work together to ensure the turnover is performed accurately and efficiently. The turnover will encompass a Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program (BEEP) which will certify that all Civil Engineer Construction Equipment will meet all required certifications. Also, all of the construction tools in the Central Tool Room (CTR) will be accounted for and inventoried. With the temperature breaking 100 degrees by 9 AM, the Seabees displayed the "Can Do" attitude and completed all the necessary requirements for turnover on 09 August 2008 despite the extreme heat.
"I am very excited to be part of Det HOA. Being that this is my first deployment, I am eager to get started on the projects at task, to further my construction skills, and to improve the quality of life of the locals for years to come," said Steelworker Constructionman Apprentice Victoria Bell. "I am also looking forward to interacting with the Djiboutian people and experiencing some of their culture." Bell added.
The next six months will be truly rewarding for the Seabees of NMCB 4. With their enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment these Seabees will truly carry out the Seabee's motto,With compassion for others we build, we fight for peace with freedom.'
Djibouti is located 11 degrees north of the equator on the eastern coast of the African continent. It consists of a population of 600,000 and is constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities. With the development of an airport, seaport, and a military camp, employment opportunities are at an all time high. Camp Lemonier currently provides 60% of the Djibouti civilian population employment and will continue to grow for years to come, according to Capt. Patrick Gibbons, Commanding Officer of Camp Lemonier.
The Seabees of NMCB 4 are an integral part of over 2,400 troops at Camp Lemonier, which is currently serving to establish a strong partnership with various military forces from around the world and to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission - - to prevent conflict, promote regional cooperation, and protect U.S and coalition Interest in order to prevail against extremism.NMCB 4 Detachment-Horn of Africa (Det HOA) will be conducting a wide variety of construction projects in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Comoros Islands. The projects range from building schools, digging fresh water wells, and performing numerous humanitarian aid projects. These efforts will provide the Seabees the opportunity to work with and teach the African labor force new skills and to win the hearts and minds of the citizens of Africa.
"This detachment of Seabees currently in HOA have been training together as one unit preparing themselves for this deployment. I have no doubt in my mind that they are capable of executing any task efficiently, safely and to be able to produce a quality product. I expect nothing less from my detachment. My goal is to leave a positive lasting impression on the people of Africa and to provide a better quality of life for the local populace," said Lieutenant Commander Rafael Miranda, Officer in Charge, NMCB 4 Det HOA."I want my Seabees to leave Africa with a strong sense of pride knowing that we (Seabees) did our best to support the mission and more importantly improve the lives of Africans in our area of influence."
NMCB 4 Det HOA will be relieving NMCB 74, who are based out of Gulfport, Mississippi. Seabees from both Dets will work together to ensure the turnover is performed accurately and efficiently. The turnover will encompass a Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program (BEEP) which will certify that all Civil Engineer Construction Equipment will meet all required certifications. Also, all of the construction tools in the Central Tool Room (CTR) will be accounted for and inventoried. With the temperature breaking 100 degrees by 9 AM, the Seabees displayed the "Can Do" attitude and completed all the necessary requirements for turnover on 09 August 2008 despite the extreme heat.
"I am very excited to be part of Det HOA. Being that this is my first deployment, I am eager to get started on the projects at task, to further my construction skills, and to improve the quality of life of the locals for years to come," said Steelworker Constructionman Apprentice Victoria Bell. "I am also looking forward to interacting with the Djiboutian people and experiencing some of their culture." Bell added.
The next six months will be truly rewarding for the Seabees of NMCB 4. With their enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment these Seabees will truly carry out the Seabee's motto,With compassion for others we build, we fight for peace with freedom.'
