v a a n s u - orig13.deviantart.net · the spotlight from det 2, sw3 (scw) aquino; and a closer...

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ContentsVolume 11, Issue 5

Commanding OfficerCDR La Tanya Simms, CEC

Executive OfficerLCDR Ben Leppard, CEC

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SCW) Charles Thomas

Public Affairs OfficerLTJG Noel Macatangay, CEC

Editor-in-ChiefMC1(SW/AW/MTS) Russ Stewart

“Focus on FOUR” is U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR’s official familygram, printed with appropriated funds in accordance with NPPRP-35. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of NMCB FOUR.

Commanding Officer 3Executive Officer 4Command Master Chief 5Chaplain’s Corner 6Sailor in the Spotlight 7Welcome Aboard 8Alfa Company 9Delta Company 11Headquarters Company 13Kamp Krutke Over-the-HumpPicnic 15Det. Four 18Det Kheryabad 20Det. Musa Qal’eh 22Det. Payne 24Det. Two 26Det. Water Well 27

Front Cover:CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (October 13, 2011) CE1 Class Ryan Nichols and CMCN Justin Bates parade the colors at the Camp Leatherneck Navy birthday ceremony where the Seabees joined their Navy and Marine Corps brethren in celebrating 236 years of naval history and tradition.(U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart)

Back Cover:MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan(October 09, 2011) Looking westward over the nearly completed eastern section of the Musa Qal’eh low water crossing.(U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart)

You may also visit us on the web at:www.facebook.com/nmcb4

www.dvidshub.net/units/nmcb4www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4

www.flickr.com/photos/nmcbfour

CDR La Tanya Simms

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Commanding Officer

Greetings FABULOUS Friends and Families of FOUR,

Those of us who frequently contribute to this and other FOUR publications, sometimes struggle to begin writing while maintaining originality and interest. Command Master Chief Thomas paces the passageway harassing unsuspecting Seabees for inspiration; Chaps plagiarizes his own writing, thinking no one reads his commentary, when in fact we know you do; I chew on sunflower seeds, hoping for divine intervention from a sodium rush. In case you were wondering…that doesn’t work. What does work is writing about our fabulous battalion, great work, and Seabees. Seabees like Builder 1st Class (SCW) Reno Perryman, who was selected as Task Force FORAGER’s Warfighter of the Month for September. Need I remind you that BU1 was chosen from a task force comprised of 4,000 Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen? See…FABULOUS!

So in this edition of Focus on FOUR, we’re featuring: Alfa Company’s support to our Leatherneck neighbors, the 7th Engineer Battalion (ESB); Det 4’s great work at Village Stability Staging Area Pashmul; the Geek Squad (written with extreme affection) that works in the background but keeps us communicating 24/7; our Sailor in the Spotlight from Det 2, SW3 (SCW) Aquino; and a closer look at a temperamental apparatus known as the T2W.

On October 13th, we celebrated the Navy’s 236th birthday. A lot has changed since 1775 but what hasn’t changed is the need for a strong navy to keep the world’s sea lanes open and protect our shores. Six of our Seabees participated in Camp Leatherneck’s ceremony while NMCB FOUR as a whole demonstrated a show of force making up a large majority of the audience. A few days later, mainbody and all of our details paused to acknowledge that we’ve reached the middle of deployment. (Close your eyes and breathe a collective sigh of relief.) The day was marked with rest and fierce competitions such as mustache judging, corn hole, volleyball, basketball, and tug of war. “Over the hump” was also celebrated in Port Hueneme on October 22nd. From the feedback received, it was well attended and everyone had a great time.

We’re usually grateful for care packages however, you’re ensuring our Dentist, LT Cynthia Abella, and her assistant, HM3(SCW) Adrian Eady, have job security. How much Halloween candy is too much? Of course I’m just teasing, we’re thankful for the decorations and treats you’ve sent to keep us connected to home. Speaking of home, you remind us often that we’re thought of. For example, I need to thank the Canisteo, NY American Legion Post and acknowledge the generosity of EOCN Marshall Adams’ family and friends. This community of selfless people knitted 600 scarves and mailed them to Afghanistan. Yes, you read that correctly…600! Acts of kindness like this cannot be repaid.

Lastly, Master Chief and I traveled to Musa Qal’eh on October 26th to visit our Seabees that are constructing the low water crossing. The detail, led by LTJG Jim Corbett and Senior Chief Builder (SCW) Edgar Walker, can be justifiably proud of the work they’re doing as they methodically carry on the Seabee “Can Do” legacy. And it’s not just a Seabee project; an Army unit is delivering the crossing’s components, Marines are providing security and I met Lance Cpl Matt Anderson, a welder assigned to 7th ESB who, on his very first deployment, is full of life and extremely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our Seabees. It was a joy to speak with him.

As always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers and keeping us in the lifestyle in which we’ve become accustomed…until next time, be well!

Peace and Blessings,CDR Simms

Executive OfficerLCDR Ben Leppard

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NMCB FOUR Seabees, friends, and families:Do you hear that sound that is slowly getting louder and louder?

You may or may not have heard it before; it’s the sound of the wind in your ears after cresting the deployment midpoint and “gaining steam” down the other side. If this was a roller coaster ride, the next half is the best part! Of course, like a roller coaster, I realize that even as the best part of the ride, you better strap in; it might get a little bumpy and there’s still a lot of ride left!

Here’s another exciting thought. We have added homeport to our many focus areas. The Training Department has been working hard to prepare our homeport training plan. In fact, the training team is just about to return and brief the plan to the 31st Seabee Readiness Group (our training regiment in Hueneme) in mid-November. We’ve got the field training exercise, classes, ranges, resupply, and all matter of homeport activities in our heads right now. It’s exciting to look past deployment more and more, even as we keep our heads fully in the fight here. Lots going on with both fronts!

Please help me congratulate our newest Seabee warriors for the month of October. Qualifications are increasing rapidly each month as we learn and employ these skills on deployment! Bravo Zulu to the following Seabees on achieving this significant career milestone:

Newly Qualified RequalifiedUTCN Age LTJG Bischak CE1 CatugdaCE3 Brady BUCN Caruth ET1 EcsedyLTJG Duffy UTCN Durkin UT2 EsparzaBU3 Eide BUCN Garver EAC Johnson CECN Hernandez UTCN Hicks BU1 MachucaBUCN Koczian CMCN KwozckaBUCN Labrier BU3 LeeBU2 Leonard BU2 MayoUT3 McDougal CE1 RamirezUTCN Shirley CECN SmithCM3 Stokes SWCN ThomsonBUCN Vanasen EA2 Vang

Well done, you’ve officially made it OVER THE HUMP and have much to look forward to. You’ve done awesome at supporting us and I thank you in advance for the continued care you will give us, in its many forms, in the coming months. Stay strong and help your Seabee do the same!

God bless.LCDR Ben LeppardExecutive Officer

CMDCM Charles ThomasCMD Master Chief

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This deployment is going by so fast! Already “over the hump” has come and gone both here at Camp Krutke and back in Port Hueneme. The battalion MWR staff here at Krutke put on an awesome day of fun. There were some sporting events like volleyball, corn hole, horseshoes, and basketball and of course tug-o-war. One tug-o-war match resulted in about half the main body participating in one big pull! The Chief’s Mess cooked all the food and passed it to the hard charging First Class Petty Officers which were in charge of serving. At the end of the day we all had an awesome day of fun and camaraderie.

We had the same situation in Port Hueneme the following week. The Family Readiness Group with support from the Ombudsmen put on the homeport “over the hump” party at Point Mugo. Kids and adults had a great time with the Jolly jumps, games, and a catered serving line for food. It’s nice to let the kids run crazy for the day and get all worn out.

After all that excitement, it’s now time for all of us to refocus ourselves on what is important to us like our friends and families. For the Seabees deployed we need to stay vigilant in regards to safety, take care of our troops and not lose sight of the fact we have a lot of work still to complete. All the reports I read from our details display nothing but the best work is getting completed. The pictures we see of projects are impressive and your Seabees are very happy to tell everyone about their exploits. I have attached a website to where you will be able to view numerous videos and pictures of your Seabees doing what we do best. Use the search options to find stories about NMCB FOUR or your Seabee by name.

http://www.dvidshub.net/ You have to hold down the Ctrl button and click on the link.

I wanted to close with a note about the mail system and sending packages for the holidays. The mail system can be very slow over the holidays due to the number of parcels that arrive in country. So much mail comes into country that units, including us, augment the post office to assist in the handling and sorting of mail. Ensure that you mail your letters and packages early, double check the address and ensure your Seabee will be at the address you are mailing to.

This has been a wonderful deployment so far and I can honestly say this is the best group of Seabees I have ever worked with. I’m humbled to be their Command Master Chief.

SincerelyCharles “Buck” ThomasNMCB FOUR CMDCM

Chaplain’s CornerLTJG Baron Miller

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Through a Glass DarklyIn the Bible, the Apostle Paul describes our limited ability to see

God’s plan as if “looking through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). I know trying to understand why your Seabee has to be so far away for so long can feel cloudy at times, as if you too were “looking through a glass darkly.” I would like to share with you a fresh perspective on our work here. Author Marc Parent tells a story of a nun named Sister Clara in his book Turning Stones.1 I believe this story wonderfully captures the heart of Seabee operations in Afghanistan.

Sister Clara was on a cross country bus tour with other nuns from her convent. At each stop, the old nun stepped off the bus, wandered off the road, and squatted down into the dirt. Her old hands would scrape the dirt from around a hefty stone and once she could get a good grip on the rock, she would heave and push until it was lodged from the earth. Then she would turn it.

“So why, exactly, does she do it, the sister asks. Why turn a stone at each stop? Sister Clara looks back at the gathering of troubled faces…I turn a stone so that the place is different because I have been there.”2

As Battalion Chaplain I have the privilege to visiting our Seabees all over Afghanistan and I can tell you, this place is different because we’re here. You see, I witness the transformation that occurs in this place because of our work, but I also hear the stories, usually from the Marines we serve. It is common for the leaders of a small FOB to sing our Seabee’s praises to me, telling of the exploits of hard work and CAN DO spirit.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say that what we know in part, in time we will know fully. Inasmuch as you long for our return remember, being so far away can limit your full understanding of our purpose here. But know this, history will validate the good work of Seabees in Afghanistan, turning stones so that this place is different, even better, because we were here.

pax Christi

Chaplain Baron Miller

1 Marc Parent, Turning Stones: My Days and Nights With Children At-Risk, (New York: The Bal-lantine Publishing Group, 1996).2 Ibid., 345

Sailor in the Spotlight

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Det 2, FOB Sharana’s SW3 Michael AquinoBy SW3 Augusta Griffiths

Steelworker Third Class Michael K. Aquino is an essential part of NMCB FOUR’s Det Sharana in eastern Afghanistan. His work ethic and constant motivation have proven infectious among his peers and subordinates. SW3’s enthusiasm radiates throughout the detachment, inspiring one and all, day in and day out.

Military service was not his original plan. He was born and raised in the small town of Circleville, Ohio. His parents, Andrew and Tammy, raised four children. Aquino’s entire immediate family proudly serves their country in the Armed Forces; his two older brothers are in the National Guard and his younger sister is in the Marine Corps. SW3’s father, affectionately known as “The Colonel,” is an Army Chaplain. Although all four children were encouraged to follow their own path in life, each one eventually followed in their father’s footsteps. Aquino’s mother, a fulltime military spouse and part time professional clown, has never served in the military directly, but it’s known in their home that she’s done her time.

Prior to enlisting in the Navy in February 2009, Aquino was interested in pursuing the same career as his father. He attended Ohio Christian University, studying theology. He has forever been passionate about helping others, so when the opportunity to help build a school for orphans in Bangalore, India arose he jumped to lend a hand. The school plays a vital role in the community, teachers now have a place to teach illiterate adults to read, write, and speak English. “It was a tremendously challenging cultural experience, and at the same time extremely rewarding,” Aquino says about India.

After finishing boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois he went on to Steelworker “A” School in Gulfport, Mississippi. Upon completion, he became a proud member of NMCB FOUR. Shortly after joining the battalion he was deployed to Afghanistan. On his first deployment, he honed his construction skills and abilities, making him an extremely talented Seabee. He was later selected as part of the Interior Guard, responsible for safety and security of all NMCB FOUR personnel on Camp Spann and eventually Deh Dadi II. Then, with two months remaining in country, SW3 was handpicked to be part of a small detachment deployed to Provincial Reconstruction Team Meymaneh to construct mission critical medical evacuation helicopter landing pads under the watchful and keen eye of Senior Chief Builder Cloves Tennis. When asked how he liked working for BUCS(SCW) Tennis, he remarked, “Senior might be one of the hardest workers I have ever met. Needless to say, he worked me into the dirt, and if you make a mistake, everyone will hear him setting you straight.”

SW3 is now playing a crucial role on Det Sharana, not only as a steelworker, but as the Senior Fire Warden. Aquino also assists his junior troops daily in earning their Seabee Combat Warfare pin, teaching classes, drilling them with questions, and instructing them how it pertains to daily life as a Seabee. When training is over for the day, you can find him working out in the gym or jogging around the camp, preparing for his ultimate military goal of becoming a Navy SEAL. Every morning he wakes up at 0500 for an intense workout and then, following a long day’s work, he’s at it again in the gym. When asked why he has so much dedication to physical fitness he responds, “My goal is to be the number one SEAL candidate in the country.” SW3 has also chosen to continue his college studies this deployment, something he’s put off for two years, during which he strictly pursued his physical fitness goals. Aquino will soon have his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.

Fabulous SeabeesWelcome Aboard

UTCR BlueDelta Company

YNC(SW) HamptonHeadquarters Company

HM3(FMF) FrancoDeLeonHeadquarters Company

SW2(SCW) OronaDelta Company

CE1(SCW) FlautaDelta Company

LSSA HoneymanHeadquarters Company

LSSA CottonHeadquarters Company

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Convoy Crazy!By EOCN Rachel Zeller

Flak jacket? Check. Kevlar helmet? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Baby wipes? Double check!!! If you didn’t know any better you would think we were going back to FTX, but thankfully not! We’re goin’ convoyin’!! Get that truck pre-started and roll out the gate, ‘cause Alfa Dawgs are on the move!!

Alfa Company has been, is, and always will be convoy crazy. First it starts with a need. The US Marine Corps’ 7th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB) needed rock moved from one site to another. The request shoots up the chain, people are chosen, and trucks are picked to go. Then general insanity ensues. For example; Dump 068 has a problem with an air leak, or Dump 456’s tailgate latch release is broken, or the A/C is out in Dump 789 (god forbid that happens in this country). All easy fixes... usually... but this sometimes happens a day or two before we need to step off.

The dump truck runs we did for 7th ESB were easy days for our eight hard charging Seabees. The task was simple; get loaded with large pieces of broken up concrete and move them about 64 miles to a river to help build a bridge. As we start to roll out the gate the A/C is cranked up and the Red Bull can is cracked open. Driving down the road and through towns and bazaars, we move between large overloaded trucks, cars, go carts, motor bikes, people walking in the street, goats and sheep... you get the picture. It can be chaos. The best way I can describe driving here is like driving in New York City. There are no road laws here and with just two lanes going in opposite directions traffic jams are a way of life.

A few hours later we make it to the site. We backed up to the river to drop the rock, then pull back into convoy order. Then we take a break, eat an amazing MRE, stretch our legs, use the restroom (which can be rather interesting for females) and talk to some of the children.

Taking us 128 miles a day for 26 days for a total of 3,328 miles, the 7th ESB Marines brought us back to Camp Leatherneck safe and sound. We parked our trucks by the loader that would put more rock in our dump trucks later that night. Every day we went through the same routine. To the Marine yard, to our trucks, dump the rock, and make it back home that night. The dump runs were a perfect way to make time pass. But you do tend to lose track of what day it is. Most days went smoothly with us home (Camp Leatherneck) in time for dinner, other days were much later, dragging on until 10pm. Those days made the week long, but luckily they were rare.

All-in-all, we got really good at operating dump trucks, made friends with a few Marines and got to know each other really well. Can you imagine being locked in a truck with me every day for 12-20 hours for a month? You would survive! It is amazing what crazy stuff you can come up with to talk about. You have to remember that someone else is picking who is in which truck, and no, we cannot switch out because we would rather ride with so-and-so, but it all works out fine every time. It makes us learn about each other and we make new friends as well. Besides, friends being cooped up in a truck that long may not be friends anymore after that! Haha…just kidding!

Alfa Company

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Alfa CompanyWho Needs Duct Tape

By CM2 Jared Barr

I once heard that if MacGyver had joined the military he would’ve chosen to be a Navy Seabee, a Seabee that was part of an elite few, knowledgeable enough to work for themselves with “on the fly” decisions. These elite mechanics are known in Alfa Company, and to the many details and convoys that have come to appreciate them here in Afghanistan, as “Field Crew.”

What is Field Crew? Is it a crew out working in a field? No. Seriously, it’s actually a crew of two very knowledgeable guys who work long hours, usually out in the hot sun or cold of night. Normally these two can be found covered in grease and dirt while they work on the side of the road, on a project site, or supporting a convoy mission.

This elite force of fine knowledgeable mechanics is made up of CM2 (SCW/AW) Joshua Karr from Traer, Iowa and CM3 (SCW) Fredrick Schmickle III from San Angelo, Texas. “Sometimes it’s just nice to get away from the everyday business of being on Camp Leatherneck,” says CM3 Schmickle.

If these two are not out on the road or on a project, then they can be found around the Alfa yard working on “deadline” equipment. Deadline is what we in Alfa Company refer to as pieces of equipment that are really broken, or in need of extra time and parts to repair.

“I like the feeling of helping out my fellow Alfa Dawgs and other units that don’t have the resources to tow/recover and repair their own equipment,” CM2 Karr says proudly.

During their first three and half months of being deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, these two split their time doing the work of field/wrecker crew. They’ve accrued over 900 miles on convoys. While doing so, they have recovered five Marine vehicles disabled by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). They’ve also aided another six stuck armored vehicles alongside various and almost impassable routes throughout Helmand Province and Sangin Valley. Since then, CM2 Wyman and CMCN Nelson have taken over as wrecker crew in support of Convoy Security Element and have done a great job picking up where CM2 Karr and CM3 Schmickle left off.

When CM2 Karr and CM3 Schmickle weren’t out reloading or repacking for another convoy, they were supporting multiple on-base projects and fixing deadline equipment. Through their trials and tribulations they have brought five pieces of equipment back to fully mission capable status and logged over 200 hours on their MTVR maintenance truck that was almost disposed of instead of being repaired due to the challenges associated with repairing it. By salvaging it and getting this particular piece up and running, they greatly enhanced the operational readiness of the battalion, specifically the mechanics’ ability to use it to repair further pieces of equipment.

So, there is very little down time for these two weary souls. They might look a little dirty, ragged, and beat, but if you’re broke down on the project or your convoy gets stopped, you will learn to love to see these faces. When a vehicle is hit by an IED, you’ll see “Karrwrek” and “Schmicknasty” roll up, jump out with a smile and say, “lucky we’re here!” No matter what time it is, or how long they’ve been up, these two are always there to help. In the end, they will always make it work, and that’s “Field Crew.”

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CM3 Schmickle and CM2 Karr.

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Seabees Support 863rd Tent DecksBy BU2 Hien Bui

Leatherneck, Afghanistan Oct. 05, 2011- U.S Seabees from NMCB FOUR supported the Army’s 14th Engineer Battalion, providing their Route Clearance Platoon with berthing, power distribution, and triple strand concertina wire for a security perimeter. The 14th has been extremely helpful in clearing the way during NMCB FOUR convoy missions and the Seabees were delighted with the opportunity to return the favor.

Seabees worked grueling days for two weeks and installed over 1,300 meters of triple strand concertina wire and drove over 200 stakes in the nearly impenetrable Afghan soil. Equipment operators graded and spread thousands of square meters of gravel to provide room for the 14th to carry on its missions. The builders of NMCB FOUR prefabricated and installed wooden floors for tents and electricians placed over 300 meters of underground cable, six sub panels, and one main panel to prepare for rainy season. When all was said and done, the Seabees used their legendary work ethic to complete the project.

The Navy Seabees and Army Engineers respected and appreciated one another’s effort in assisting each other. This symbiotic relationship has fed upon itself in that Seabees drastically improved living conditions and the Army provided stalwart defensive operations that allowed Seabees to carry on their mission. This was just another demonstration of the joint environment that is ever present in Afghanistan.

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UT3 Quilling and UT3 Gillett laying cables. UT3 Rexroad, CECN Bethea, and CE3 Brown wiring an 800A panel.

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It’s The Little Things That CountBy BUCA Aubrie Morales

When everyone thinks of war they think of things blowing up, bullets, and chaos; but many overlook the little things that keep us (the military) going. It’s a team effort and the little things that everyone does to contribute are the binding glue that keeps us a strong military. As Seabees we are known for support to anyone that needs it and this is displayed with the ethos of “We build, we fight.” Wherever we are needed, in any way, we are there to help accomplish the mission. Right now we have detachments all over the country rebuilding Afghanistan. In Leatherneck we have projects going on to make the camp better and more equipped for those after us. What gets overlooked is our crew on camp maintenance where the rubber meets the road. Camp Maintenance is like an offensive lineman in football; if they do their job well you don’t notice they are there at all.

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Delta CompanyRequests are put in everyday by fellow Seabees and other branches for things that need to be built

or fixed. Without hesitation, this crew takes on every task and goes at it with full force. As of right now our crew is comprised of different rates; there are Builders, Utilitiesmen, and Electricians. Coming to Afghanistan a lot of the crew were newbees (fresh out of Boot Camp and “A” School), or Seabees who only had been trained on their rate. Camp maintenance has opened the door to learning other rates along with getting more on the job experience of their own rate; making this team very versatile when any task is thrown their way. After interviewing the crew it seems like they all agree that camp maintenance is a stepping stone to learn and get training on every rate as a Seabee.

As UTCN Blanche said, “This allows us to get as much as possible out of our Navy career. We never know who is going to need help on what, and this allows us to know how to help people in more than just one way.”

Taking on different jobs every day can be difficult and a little stressful if you aren’t exactly sure how to begin the project. I asked around to what picks them up in the morning and gets them motivated. It was unanimous around camp maintenance and even project sites; working as a team and listening to their favorite songs and artists really brings out the energy in the morning. From Micheal Jackson to Justin Beiber to Taylor Swift to Sublime to a variety of other artists, all crews seem to agree that a little

dance to get the blood flowing is the best way to take on the day. It is definitely a sight to see, a crew singing and grooving together as they accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. The quality of work is important and crews seem to reach their goals faster and create a better end result when they have tunes rolling through their heads. Still following safety precautions making sure they can hear each other and focus on what they are doing, music brings life to the site and to the builder shop.

Even though camp maintenance can be overlooked, the crew is reminded that what they are doing is very important to the morale of the base. UTCN Durkin said, “Camp maintenance is a wonderful attribute to the war effort and it helps maintain combat readiness at all times.”

The camp maintenance crew is like the little elves for Santa Clause (aka Master Chief Jenkins); they may be overlooked at times but are always needed. Without them things around base would be downright dysfunctional. Being in Afghanistan can be a lot to deal with, so even small things make a big difference. From fixing AC units to building shelves for the BAS to fulfilling any request that comes through, Camp Maintenance is the helping hand that is there whenever anybody needs anything fixed or built. It’s a place to learn, be creative and become a stronger Seabee.

To be a strong military it takes everyone working together, especially during a time of war. Every part is needed to accomplish the mission. No matter who you are it is good to remember that you are an important cog in the wheel of the US military. Next time one thinks about war, they can understand that it is not just about killing bad guys, it is about working as a team to accomplish the missions together and never forget the little things that keep that big wheel turning.

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UTCN Blanche wiping down a tray she finished in the Builder Shop.

UT3 Quilling and UT3 Gillett placing Geotec matting.

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Communications DepartmentBy IT2 Amee Scott

The S6 shop has many names; Radio Shack, Geek Squad (it is where the Geeks and Freqs hang out), Comms shop, and Thunder dome. We make up a team of ten technicians supporting a battalion of 610 personnel, 170 laptops, and numerous radio assets for convoys and detachments.

Our quiet but dedicated S6, LTJG Le, was thrust into a world of strange humor, wires, frequencies, and networks with little to no understanding of exactly how things worked. LTJG Le tries to understand our techno-babble while he works side-by-side with us creating accounts and completing trouble calls. Each morning he motivates us with words of wisdom, a kind hello, enthusiasm, and an, “Okay. S6 team let’s go out and do our best.” LTJG Le was blessed as his wife gave birth to their first child, a girl named “Thy,” this deployment. We all say congratulations and wish him the best! He says she will follow his example and become a Seabee as well. Hoorah!

Our deckplate leader is Chief Purcell. With 21 years of knowledge and experience about the military, he has a passion for helping others and a reputation for standing by his troops. He doles out advice to all who will listen about college, the military, life, SCW, and the perfect cup of coffee. He is eccentric and enthusiastic about helping our customers become better Sailors.

For the geek side of the house, IT1 Presa is our fearless leader. As soon as he checked in, he dove right into trouble calls and is not afraid to ask questions. Only onboard for six months, he knocked out his SCW pin and demonstrates his knowledge and understanding of the Seabees daily. For IT2 Scott, computers are her bread and butter. She’s knowledgeable and focused, ensuring complex trouble calls are fixed and she keeps our networks online. Rounding out our group of IT professionals is IT3 Trujillo. He is the most junior in the shop, yet proving himself an invaluable technician who brings a fresh perspective to fixing issues. He has a wicked sense of humor and an easy going attitude.

Our loveable Freqs are led by ET1 Ecsedy, who has the most experience and is serving his second battalion tour. He recently re-qualified SCW and performs collaterals like Command Indoc and Combat Operations Center Watch Officer. ET2 Blackburn keeps a close eye on the shop as the Work Center Supervisor, all the while studying for his SCW pin. We will soon say good bye to a valuable member of our S6 team, ET2 “Old Man” Jones. After five years with the battalion he is ending his active duty time and transitioning to the Reserves. We will miss his strange laugh, sense of humor, and RDSAT expertise. Our two tactical ETs, ET3 Carpenter and ET3 Lawrence, continue to work hard to ensure comms for convoys are ready for missions outside the wire. ET3 Lawrence is a part of the CSE team, providing communications support when they are far from the hive. ET3 Carpenter has proven he is a dedicated technician, checking over 60 trucks and setting up radios, Blue Force Trackers, and morale phones in the MWR so Seabees stay connected with loved ones.

Call us what you like. We are S6, working quietly in the background, doing our finest to ensure the battalion stays connected.

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Headquarters CompanyHalloween for NMCB FOUR

By LSCS Rafael Navarro

NMCB FOUR knows how to bring out the fright on Halloween night at Camp Kurtke. Thanks to the volunteerism of some very spirited ghouls that walk among us, NMCB FOUR had a haunted house for brave souls that dared to walk the creepy and spooky tent that was put together with the joint effort of our MWR crew and Headquarters Company volunteers.

Planning started weeks prior to Halloween when the Supply Officer (LCDR Markrich) came up with the idea that the battalion should do something to ensure our hardworking Seabees had a chance to partake in some of our family traditions. A good old scary haunted house was decided as the best way to make Halloween memorable for us here in Afghanistan. Calls and e-mails went out quickly and friends and family soon started to mail the props needed. Soon we had fog machines, strobe lights, webs, tombstones, and small creatures that would scare the pants off anybody that came across them in the dark. The only thing that was missing was the sick and demented minds that would put it all together; out they came like zombies at a cemetery.

Led by the most ghoulish of them all – CSC Malana, our MWR Chief – a team of zombie volunteers reconfigured the MWR tent with all the donated props. Within half a day they had converted the tent into a haunted house that had four separate sections.

The victims that were brave enough to enter were treated to a possessed girl’s room that housed the girl and her toys and her pet zombie; all she wanted was to play with some body. Then they moved on to the second space that held a dining room where the zombie host had eye soup and brain on the menu. Too bad the ghost at the table wouldn’t let anybody sit down before scaring them away to the third space. There they walked into the Butcher’s shop! He was hard at work dismembering what looked to be the “Good Idea Fairy.” Looks like that might be the last we ever see of that fairy. As you ran away from the gushing blood from the buzz saw, you heard the “Bad Idea Creature” that was caged and screaming to be let out before the butcher got him next. The final space had a dead woman in a coffin, surrounded by tombstones and body parts in trash bags. Too bad the dead never really stay dead on Halloween because the screams soon raised the dead and out came the woman and all the creatures of the haunted house to see you out!

All those that walked the haunted house were impressed with everything and expressed how fun it was to have a chance to do this in Afghanistan. Some old crusty Senior Chief (BUCS Tennis) even stated that in the past he had paid for other haunted houses that were nowhere near as scary and fun as this one. This is because NMCB FOUR is fa-boooooooo-lous at everything, even Haunted Houses.

Special thanks to David and Suzanne Hamil who donated a lot of the props and to CSADD (Coalition Sailors Against Destructive Decisions) that volunteered and ran the haunted house.

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Camp Krutke Over-the-Hump Picnic

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Det FourDetachment 4 Alfa Dawgs

By EO3 Greg Palmer

Detachment 4 equipment operators and construction mechanics are on a less-than-ordinary deployment for the kind of operations that Alfa Company usually does. Mechanics and operators right alongside builders and electricians as part of small build teams that are working nonstop to increase the livability of the structures and morale of the Special Operating Forces and Afghani Commandos that are stationed at small Village Stability Platforms (VSPs).

In charge of the embarkation of all teams, gear, and material is Chief Construction Mechanic John Jackson. Without Chief Jackson’s expert knowledge, the movement of teams and materials would not happen with the ease and efficiency that it does. Working directly under Chief Jackson is his LPO, Equipment Operator 2nd Class Zachary Beam, Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Justin Aichele, and Equipment Operator 3rd Class Gregory Palmer.

The embark crew‘s job is timely movement of all teams and their gear. They’re also responsible for weighing, marking, and manifesting all materials the teams require to complete their missions. This embark crew has successfully shipped over 500,000 pounds of cargo and materials in a little over four months. That is an incredible feat considering the manpower present. This is Alfa Company, though, and there is nothing it cannot do.

Along with the regular duties that Alfa Company is taxed with, there are always dirt projects going on around the base. With the word of the Seabees’ work ethic quickly spreading, requests keep coming in for Alfa support. The most recent, and biggest project that Det 4’s Alfa has completed, was force protection improvements at a critical Entry Control Point (ECP) on the far side of the base.

This ECP handles local national traffic in and out of the base. The request was for equipment operators to fill HESCO barriers that the Army set up, a more difficult task than it sounds. Things are never as easy and small as they seem in Afghanistan. With a short deadline of a month, the operators got to work. They wasted no time clearing the area and filling the HESCOs. Equipped with only a loader, the operators filled 1,300 meters of HESCOs, moved over 10,000 cubic meters of dirt, and spread gravel 4,000 square meters. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of EO2 Beam, EO3 Palmer, and EO2 Steven Johnson, who assisted while waiting to leave on his next mission, the project was a success and completed two weeks ahead of schedule to the great appreciation of the soldiers who work out there.

Work here is never done and with that, Alfa Company will never stop. It does not matter the lack of resources or manpower, they will continue to push on and complete whatever task is placed in front of them. They are in fact, Alfa Company!

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Build Team Pashmul demonstrates the “CAN DO” spirit of the Seabees

By BU3 Richard Pinard

Starting in early August, Build Team Pashmul of NMCB FOUR’s Det Four rolled into Village Stability Staging Area (VSSA) Pashmul South. VSSA Pashmul is an Army Spe-cial Forces (SF) camp in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by grape fields and towns.

Our team leader, Builder 2nd Class Andrew McWhorter assessed the job site to find out where and what needed to be built first. We came with the intentions of building a 20 by 40 foot and 20 by 20 foot berthing B-huts with a 20 by 32 foot dining facility and the possibility of building a “lean-to” garage for small pieces of construction equipment such as bobcats and forklifts.

VSSA Pashmul is a place that is like no other; it is different than we have been to thus far. After we settled into our new berthing for the next weeks, we began the build and ensured all materials and tools were present to execute the tasking.

Being at VSSA Pashmul is a new experience for both young and experienced Bees. The food is mediocre but we cannot complain because it is still better than an MRE. The gym facilities are small yet still allow us a decent workout. It is hot (115F plus) out here, but we look at it as a good thing. Who doesn’t love a good sweat when they’re at the gym getting “jacked and tan?” The shower facilities have hot water. We also have laundry facilities, which is a rarity, making Pashmul better than some sites. There is also the “luxury” of port-a-johns that are about a mile away from where we stay, but you are out of luck if there is an emergency. You would have to scale a wall, jump down a HESCO, down a hill, run to the other hill, and then run up it to the port-a-johns.

All in all, VSSA Pashmul is exciting; like everyday life, it is a learning experience for new and old Bees alike. Being a Third Class Builder in the United States Navy, I still learn new things every day, even from the new guys. There are lessons that can be learned no matter what rank you are. No one knows everything and there are many different ways to skin a cat.

The Army SF guys took us in and have treated us like their own. That makes me proud to serve in the military with the “Can Do” spirit of the Seabees, doing my job and helping out other service members were I can. “Hoorah Seabees!”

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Det KheryabadExtreme Road Building Seabee Style

By EOC Jason Phillips

On September 27, 2011, 18 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, led by Lt j.g. Noel Macatangay and Chief Equipment Operator Jason Phillips, embarked on a convoy bound for a small Patrol Base called Kheryabad; armed with the weapons and tools they needed to complete their mission.

The detail was to build an 1,800 meter road where no road had previously existed. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast my friends. The motivated crew arrived onsite on the 29th and was greeted by a handful of very happy Marines from the 2d Light Armored Reconaissance Battalion. The Marines took two, and I do mean two, minutes to show us where to sleep and where the toilets (wag-bag stations) were and went back to doing what Marines do. This is not to say that the tour of the patrol base was neglectful, it really is just that small.

The next morning Captain Bartelt took everyone on a foot patrol of the jobsite. It quickly became apparent this was not going to be an easy road to build. The landscape was covered in standing water that came almost to mid-calf. The low spots on the landscape weren’t just low, they were small canyons. Some were almost 15 feet deep. When you consider that the road needed to be 15 feet wide, then you’re talking about thousands of cubic yards of dirt.

So we began calculating, as the nagging feeling came over all of us at the same time. We have 30 days. We brought three dump trucks, a grader, front end loader, and a roller. To move the amount of fill needed, we would need three times what we had.

Never fear, said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Robert Chord, we’ll get this done you watch. With the “Can Do” spirit that made Seabees famous the crew got right to work. Watching this crew work was inspirational to say the least. After nine working days they had moved over 10,000 cubic yards of fill material and placed it to build the road. The Marines stood and watched in awe as the road materialized.

The crew did this with no hot chow to look forward to, no hot shower to relax in, a cot out in the open to sleep on, and not even a toilet to flush. Yet they got up every day motivated to get the job done and uphold Seabee legacy.

To all the families reading this I say……..you should be very proud of the sons and daughters you raised and that now serve their nation with pride. They are an amazing group and I am proud to call myself their Chief.

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PB Kheryabad Recieves a Few UpgradesBy EOC Jason Phillips

On September 29, 2011 Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR arrived at Patrol Base Kheryabad in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Immediately the Seabees of Det Kheryabad assessed the small base and started making life better for the Marines living without basic needs.

First order of business was urine tubes. Since the patrol base’s establishment six months ago, the only thing the Marines had that resembled a tube was a couple of concertina wire stakes wired together and driven into the ground. Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Alber, out of nowhere, produced PVC pipe for new tubes. Construction Mechanic Constructionman Stockwell replaced a filter in a MTVR dump truck and used the screen from the old one to make the screens for the opening in the tubes. Needless to say the ingenuity the young Seabees brought to the patrol base will be felt for some time, even after they are gone.

After the tubes were completed the Marine Officer-in-Charge, Capt. Bartelt, asked if the trash burn pit could be relocated. It was too close to the patrol base and he felt that if not moved, the patrol base would have uninvited guests very soon. Equipment Operator 2nd Class Chord and his trusty crew set to this task with enthusiasm. They excavated a new burn pit and filled in the old one, thus eliminating the threat of unwanted guests.

Next was a new Entry Control Point. Before the Seabees arrived, as the Marines embarked on patrols they had to walk through almost knee high water, which meant the whole time they patrolled they had wet feet. I personally have patrolled with wet feet and it is no fun what so ever. The Seabees placed a 24 inch culvert in the canal, reinforced each side with sand bags, and filled in on top of the culvert to make it possible for the Marines to not only walk out dry, but to also drive their Light Armored Vehicles (LAV) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, commonly referred to as “gun trucks” out of the PB without getting stuck. The Marines watched with awe and much excitement as the Seabees made short work of this task.

Last but certainly not least, the patrol base had no way for the Marines to shower. Again with much “Can Do” spirit, Stockwell personally set up two sun-shower systems and filled them with water so that after a long day the Marines could have a warm shower.

The Marines are quoted as saying “Jeez, I didn’t know you guys were so useful” and “Man, are we glad you guys came here.” In true Seabee fashion the men and women of Det Kheryabad have much improved the morale and standard of living for the Marines of 2nd LAR, Delta Company.

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The improved entrance with free travel over the water course.

Sun-showers set up and getting warm.

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Det OpportunitiesBy SWCN Brittney Desroches

When DET Musa Qal’eh stepped off with three females and 25 males, we all knew this would be a project to remember. I know personally it is a privilege to work with such motivated individuals. Monday through Saturday we work tirelessly outside the wire building the low water crossing. Each day brings a different set of tasks in which we rise to the challenge, or in some cases, “float.” Due to the high water table, many times I would find myself swinging a sledge hammer that weighs almost as much as I do in chest deep water!

I can honestly say without a doubt we have the best welders and equipment operators in the battalion out here to get the job done. Each and everyone of us chips in to make this project the best it can be. It is also a great experience to work out in the wadi and actually experience the Afghan culture and get to interact with the local populace. As a female, it can be hard sometimes because the male local nationals do not like to acknowledge us or show us respect. From what I have experienced, this may be the first time for many of the people here that they have seen women work side by side with men.

All in all, when the work outside is done, the det gathers back at camp for Seabee Combat Warfare training. The majority of us have completed our Personnel Qualification Standards books and are preparing to board. I know I can speak for everyone when I say that this low water crossing project has been an amazing opportunity to put our skills together and make something memorable. We are all proud of this project and what it means to be a Seabee. HOO-RAH FOUR!

Det Musa Qal’eh

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Steelworkers and Flash Floods at the Water CrossingBy SWCN James McMahan

It’s been a month and a half now since the groundbreaking of the water crossing project and for five junior steelworkers, it has been a great opportunity for training and practice on in-rate skills. With onsite supervision from two senior SWs, the welding, gas cutting, and metal grinding work on the project is coming along very well and, despite Mother Nature’s best effort, they continue to stay on schedule.

In recent years, SWs usually have not gained substantial experience in their job field while in battalion, (the five junior SWs can vouch for that) but this project is different in that it allows the steel workers to do nothing but their trade: WELDING! It is the primary focus for us and there are over 15,000 eight-inch welds (that’s a LOT) to be completed on this project. The amount of welding required us to be prepared, and so we started practicing two weeks prior to pushing out from Leatherneck. With the senior SWs working side-by-side with us, welding operations are now coming along effortlessly and our production rate increases each week.

With everyone in gear and on the same page, the project is going faster than anyone could anticipate. But we did have our first (and hopefully only) minor setback. We had all heard the news about the first rainstorm of the season coming and planned to take the day off to prevent the equipment from getting stuck in the mud. As predicted, the rain came and went and the following day we went back to work. About two hours into the work day, everything seemed to be normal, until suddenly a slight problem emerged.

Water had made its way down from the mountains and was rising quickly, threatening to engulf anything left on the ground. Everyone reacted quickly and mayhem did not ensue. The cranes and welding equipment were moved and within minutes, the flood water had consumed both the east and west project sites. Later, the flood was considered a positive sign in that it proved the water crossing could stand up to flowing water. Everyone was forced to take a couple days off, but returned to work when the water finally receded. Despite the flash flood, the water crossing is still on schedule and the SWs continue to get better and better at their rate. It’s safe to say the project is coming along very well.

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Half Way Here, Half Way ThereBy CM3 Timothy Ryan

All good things must come to an end, but before they do, they must come to a half way point, and that is exactly where Det Payne is happy to be. Sunday, October 16th, Det Payne celebrated with an over-the-hump party in stellar fashion (well, stellar given the party limitations of their area of operations).

Smack-talking began days before the basketball, corn hole, and horse shoe tournaments began, and carried on through to the following work week. The basketball trophy was carried off by Equipment Operator 3rd Class Travis McClain, Construction Mechanic Constructionman Kalen Peterson and Construction Mechanic Constructionman Robert Smith. “I totally thought we were the under dogs at the beginning but we basically dominated the competition in every aspect of the [basketball] game. I guess we should call it a clinic, not a tournament, next time,” said McClain.

The longest lasting contest was the “corn hole” showdown. Spanning over three hours, a dozen contestants battled in a brutal bracket tournament for this elusive crown. In the end it was Lieutenant Russell Torgesen and Ensign William Yun who emerged victorious.

Another sign of the half way point in Det Payne’s deployment was the judging and ceremonial shaving of moustaches. Advance Party personnel agreed on a contest to grow moustaches beginning the first week of deployment and could shave them no earlier than the det’s over-the-hump party. Most of the original participants went the distance with Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Timothy Ryan winning, among other categories, best overall ‘stache (Editorial note – it’s interesting the author of the article came away with “best overall ‘stache,” as others may have made that same claim had they been writing this article). Tributes were paid to three contestants who were unable to attend this gala event: Lieutenant Junior Grade Ben Hunter, Builder 1st Class Reno Perryman and the beloved Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Frank Gonzalez.

On a coincidental side note, the-over-the hump party fell on the same week as the Navy’s birthday. The base’s galley assembled a ship named “U.S.S. Payne” out of Styrofoam for the celebration so the Bees at COP Payne were able to enjoy a full week of proud celebration.

Now, with a little rest and steam blown off, Det Payne can truly embrace the fact that it’s all downhill from here. If the last half of Det Payne’s deployment is anywhere near as productive, dynamic, and plain fun as the first half, these 37 Seabees will have a lot of great stories to bring home.

Det Payne

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EACN Latimer, BU3 Cripe and BUCN Adams playing during the “Rockband” competition.

Det Payne stand in front of the USS Payne as part of the FOB Payne celebration of the Navy Birthday.

EOCN Wilkins, HM3 Eady and EO1 Faypon lose to EO3 McClain, CMCN Peterson and CMCN Smith.

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Patrol Base LandayBy EOCN Priscilla French

Stepping off at o’dark-thirty and arriving at a desolate spot that was soon-to-be the location of Patrol Base (PB) Landay in the heat of the day was nothing but natural for the seasoned Seabees of Det Payne. Compared to PB87, PB Landay is quite different. With no flowing rivers or green pastures and mountaintops to catch your eye, PB Landay is surrounded by sand dunes, caravans, camels, and relentless wind. With a crew of 17 Seabees, PB Landay was the largest PB built by the det so far. In six days the Bees managed to move 13,700 cubic yards of material!

With the assistance of a Combat Engineer Battalion element, PB Landay was operating with double the equipment and troops. When the Bees built PB87, they built the perimeter walls first and the finishing touches last. At PB Landay, as the perimeter was constructed, each corner was constructed and finished in sequence. Each corner section consisted of a sand bag covered roof, and a wooden framed guard tower surrounded by HESCOs, complete with stairways and handrails. The Builders also constructed six tent decks, crows’ nests, bunkers, and a Combat Operations Center.

Over 9,500 board-feet of lumber, 5,800 square feet of plywood, 80 feet of waste tubes, 13,700 cubic yards of fill, and 1,900 linear feet of HESCOs went into Det Payne’s latest masterpiece.

“This project was a lot of fun for a bunch of reasons. First and foremost was the experience level of the crew. These guys are not new to building PBs and they really knocked this one out of the park, especially the EOs. Also, I was given the freedom and responsibility to try a few things my way on this project. I just hope the [Marines] like it,” said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Brian Stoffel, project leader for PB Landay.

“We’ve done a few [projects] now and each is different, the dimensions are different, the crews are different, the construction methods are different; it’s like each has its own personality, which is kinda cool. The only thing that’s not different is the food,” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Travis McClain.

“This one was better ‘cuz it wasn’t 115 degrees, and we had more of those “Café-2-Go” things, so that was awesome,” said Equipment Operator Constructionman Glynn Modic.

With three PBs down, projects like the one at Landay are just another day at the office. Neither high winds, steep demands, a lack of hygiene facilities nor a lack of the exceptional galley facility back in Payne could kill the morale that the Bees provided day and night for this PB. The best things in life are accomplished by teamwork and taking pride in your labor.

Det Payne

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BUCN Jensen constructing the hardened Combat Operations Center.

EACN Latimer, BU3 Cripe, BUCN Adams and EO3 McClain put the finishing touches on a set of stairs.

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Det TwoLife in Camp Scorpion Afghanistan

By CECN Danielle Freesmeier

I’m sure everyone back home wants to know the answer to the question “What is life really like in Afghanistan?” Each person on this det is different, so we all look at our experiences differently. Some soak up everything they learn and then there are others teaching our first time deployers what it’s really like to be a Seabee: to work hard and never compromise quality and safety on the job. As our motto goes, “Can Do!”

Afghanistan is a very hot and dry, and at times freezing cold, place so it was no surprise when we all began working nights. We have our crew leads – BU3 Dabney, BU3 Dibiasi, BU3 Lane, and BU3 Quick – who help run and manage our tasking, and they make sure everything runs smoothly and gets done on time. CE3 Bennett works hard to make sure all electrical works. BU3 Thorson, the project supervisor, is always on top of things, ensuring everyone is continually working at a steady pace and that we always accomplish our daily goals. BU1 Machuca, our OIC and operations leading petty officer, treats the whole crew very well; his motto is, “You guys help me, I’ll help you, let’s get our job done.” As expected, we do, always working hard and completing our goals.

What’s it like in the day of the life of a Seabee? Here at Scorpion, our schedule is routine. Chow is always the same time; we just need to decide whether to go or not and work never changes. A lot of us spend most of our free time at the gym buffing up or slimming down depending on the individual’s personal goals. We also have internet access and phone use available so many people choose to contact their families and friends, trying to keep in touch with our loved ones stateside. We work long but reasonable hours and then have our free time. Most of us value our sleep more than anything. Once a week we better ourselves and study to obtain our Seabee Combat Warfare pin (SCW), and thanks to the great teaching efforts of CEC Camaclang, BU1 Machuca, and BU3 Dibiasi we all plan to get our pin.

We are all happy that due to our schedule, days and nights somewhat fuse together and time flies by easily. We are learning from one another, getting to know each other, and we have become somewhat of a family over the months. Of course we fight, argue, and play pranks on each other, but no matter what we will be there for each other until the end of deployment. So for the time being, we will make the best of deployment with one another and our mission. Soon we will be home in the arms of our loved ones but until then this is our life in Afghanistan with our Seabee family.

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Fire Base Saenz

By CM3 Susanne Salerno

After a month’s stay in Camp Leatherneck for equipment repairs and supply replenishment, NMCB 4’s Water Well Drilling Team headed out to Fire Base Saenz, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, to construct another well. The fire base is spartan and small compared to previous drill sites. The only luxuries afforded are four MWR computers and some phones for morale calls. Makeshift HESCO barrier shower stalls and toilets are the norm. For the few that call this place home, however, it is a serene and peaceful place. Everyone knows everybody and courtesy is a common theme. The Marines here are gracious hosts and offered a warm welcome to the team.

Drilling the construction well started almost immediately. The newly repaired drill rig and refreshed crew made short work of the now routine task and the team had a fully functional well in ten days. Without delay, the field shower unit was set up and hot showers and water for hand washing laundry were made available to the camp. Preparations for drilling the production well were completed in time for the arrival of well completion materials at the two week mark. Production well completion is expected by end of November. This will be the fifth water well, including two construction wells, the team will have completed in a five month period.

The team welcomes back CECN Juan Lopez, who was recuperating at Camp Leatherneck after an ankle injury at PB Alcatraz. Two new members have recently joined us as well; CMCN Heather Scott, assigned as a Floor Hand, and HM3 Timothy Parks replaced HMC Randall Connolly as the detail corpsman.

The foremost water well drillers of RC-Southwest, and one of the most productive drilling teams in country to date, are past the halfway point of deployment. We’re looking forward to constructing another well or two before turning the reins over to NMCB ELEVEN.

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CM1 Cabanilla, CMCN Gonzalez and CM1 Allison getting ready to install the drill bit.

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EO1 Cobbel and CM1 Allison in the foam.

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The rig during foam drilling operations.

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Tool of the Trade: Atlas-Copco T2W

By EOC Richard Posadas

Water well drilling is not just a trade; it’s an art perfected through generations in search of water. The Chinese first developed the cable tool method of well drilling about 4,000 years ago, which is still used today. Since then it has evolved into a variety of modern well drilling machines that are capable of boring through hundreds, even thousands, of feet to reach water.

The Seabees’ mainstay drill was the Ingersoll-Rand ISO/Air Transportable Water Well Drill, capable of drilling to 1,500 feet. It was portable and could drill in tight spaces. The entire rig and associated components could fit inside 20-foot ISO shipping containers and be transported by airlift or sealift to drill sites around the world. A couple of drawbacks of this machine were its age and limited over-the-road mobility. The Seabees needed a modern rig capable of traveling long distances under its own power at highway speeds.

Enter the Seabees’ latest water well drilling platform, the Atlas-Copco T2W, first field tested and placed in service in 2007 at a cost of approximately $1.2 million per unit. While it’s similar to the ITWD, the T2W is built on a truck chassis and equipped with modern components. It is air-transportable, usually aboard a C-17 Globemaster. The T2W is coupled with a tender and a support vehicle built on the same chassis that can carry 2,500 gallons of water and 500 gallons of fuel. It also has an onboard welder, a 20,000-pound capacity crane, and the capacity to carry casing and screens for well construction.

Seabee drillers undergo six weeks of specialized training in China Lake, CA, and hold the Navy Enlisted Classification EO-5707 while crew members go through an intensive four week homeport training regimen sponsored by the 31st Seabee Readiness Group in Port Hueneme, CA.

The T2W has been used by Seabee battalions around the world to construct water wells in the South Pacific, the Horn of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia.

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The team loads a 1,100 pound collar.

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CMCN Tomas Gonzales repairing the tophead of the drill rig.

v a a n s u - orig13.deviantart.net · the spotlight from det 2, sw3 (scw) aquino; and a closer...

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