The Source for Navy News
Navy Seabees Complete Work on Iraqi Oil Terminals
Story Number: NNS040603-03
Release Date: 6/3/2004 11:42:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Wes Eplen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Support Activity Bahrain returned May 25 after spending 10 days completing construction projects aboard Iraq’s Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals (ABOT and KAAOT).
Enduring austere conditions, Marines from Interim Marine Corps Security Force (IMCSF) Bahrain and Sailors from Naval Coastal Warfare Group 1 have inhabited the terminals since April 29, enhancing Iraqi security forces following the failed insurgent attacks of April 24.
“This is pretty much Iraq’s economy out here,” said Marine Staff Sgt. David Glisson, IMCSF platoon sergeant on ABOT.
When the Marines and Sailors arrived on the terminals, there was little in the way of living quarters, and no working shower or restroom facilities. Food and drinking water was supplied by ships patrolling the area via small boats, and hoisted onto the platforms with ropes. The Marines converted old freight containers into living areas, used boxes for tables and camouflage netting for shade. Temperatures on the terminals can reach in excess of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
“We came out here with just packs, just the packs on our back,” said Glisson, who has spent time on both KAAOT and ABOT. “Both terminals are pretty bare,” he said. “It’s a very spartan way of living. We had to come out here and find makeshift living areas. For the longest time, Marines slept on scaffolding.”
“When we heard about the conditions, we said, we can do this, we can help. Let’s get out there and support our shipmates and Marines,” said Seabee Hull Technician 2nd Class Michael Dawkins.
The Seabees brought tools and building materials from Bahrain through Kuwait, out to ships at sea, and finally aboard the terminals. They installed toilets, showers and air conditioners, and even a few small refrigerators. They also constructed bunk beds and guard shacks affectionately referred to as “lemonade stands.”
“The whole goal here was to get the Marines out of the sun, to give them a place to use the restroom and take a shower,” added Builder 2nd Class Mike Elyea.
“We gave them everything they need to live in a healthier environment, and we provided what comforts we could,” said Chief Construction Electrician Thomas Sorg, leading chief petty officer for the operation.
“There were a few Sailors on the middle platform providing surveillance and communications support. They were sleeping on cots out in the open, living out in the open. We built them an operations center slash berthing area, with a place for their equipment, a place for their cots, a toilet and air conditioning,” he added.
Their mission complete, the Seabees returned home tired and happy.
“It feels good to get out and do something different. You work harder, you put in extra-long hours, but when you go home, you feel like you really accomplished something,” said Dawkins.
Protection of the oil terminals is part of ongoing maritime security operations under Task Force 55 and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
Naval Coastal Warfare are Eyes and Ears on Iraqi Oil Terminals - 5/31/2004Coalition Maritime Forces Revise Iraqi Oil Terminal Protection Procedures - 5/6/2004
|
All Any Exact |
|
