Posted on 08/04/2005 5:59:38 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2005) -- They drill, they build, and if need be, they fight — with rounds ready in their M-16A2 rifles.
They’re Seabees – Naval construction battalions trained in combat skills to support Leathernecks overseas.
“(Our) mobile construction battalions provide aid for Marines in theater (via) the forward operating base,” said Navy Lt. Dude L. Underwood, referring to Marines’ constant presence in Iraq.
These hard-hat-wearing sailors not only build bunkers, they also rebuild structures while providing their own security.
When they’re not overseas, they’re seen working on home-front projects in various places — including Camp Pendleton.
Seabees from Port Hueneme were busy at Camp Day July 20 — buzzing saws, welding steel and erecting towers within days.
One such tower was built by the late- Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Bohr, a war casualty from the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was used to oversee students’ training at the School of Infantry.
The Seabees’ job was to rebuild it. They hammered away for a day and a half until they were done — but not without saving a ladder rung from Bohr’s original tower.
After nailing that piece back on, they bolted a gold placard to the wood in remembrance of him.
The proper respects were paid, then duty called with another assignment — an entry control point. “(It’s a) security infrastructure,” Underwood explained at the time.
Shortly thereafter, 31 Port Hueneme workers quickly zipped down the dirt road, spreading throughout the new work site.
The new checkpoint included a bunker and a steel gate protected by barbed and concertina wire. It was built so SOI students could better train via occupying the post.
Some Seabees cut, carried and nailed timber to build a bunker at the front of the checkpoint while others welded steel together, constructing a security gate to control the flow of approaching vehicles.
The remaining Seabees swarmed franticly to protect the perimeter, stringing barbed and concertina wire around the bunker and security gate.
Although the concertina wire is sharp, the Seabees made sure they didn’t get stung.
“They wear gloves made out of cowhide and staples,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Corner, an electrician.
But the gloves don’t protect everything. Many seabees’ forearms were tattooed with scars, remnants of injuries sustained on previous projects. In seabees’ line of work, scrapes are common, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron A. Eaton, an equipment operator.
“I’ve gotten smashed feet from a falling bucket and I’ve broken knuckles,” Eaton remembered. “And because of the loud noise I can’t hear.”
“I’ve had broken fingers and sprained wrists,” added Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard W. Ault, a construction mechanic.
But bumps and bruises don’t bug your garden variety Seabee.
“It’s what we do. I’m just glad we could help the Marines,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason M. Lloyd said, as he hammered away at the bunker.
Covered in sawdust flakes and oozing the sweet and sour smell of sweat, the workers finally rested after their mission was complete.
So while the sailors-with-hard-hats took a break, they knew at any moment another mission might arise. Whether it calls for a screw driver or an M-16A2 service rifle, either way, they’re ready.
SEABEES PING
Gee,..... you got to keep the use of your fingers.
My dad was a Master Gunnery Sergeant at Camp Pendleton when I was ages 9-13. What a great place to be a kid! Miles of open space - HUGE Armed Forces Day events (like dropping tanks from aircraft, plus a huge full-on field hospital complete with crash dummies covered with fake blood on gurneys, etc.) Huge 20 ft deep swimming pools that the families could use when the recruits weren't training in them. Plus a massive presence of military pride and know how.
Developers have been trying to get their hands on Camp Pendleton for years - we need more condos, right? But it's the only amphibious landing site for training on the west coast so fuhgetaboudit! The Marines will never let it go - unless they're betrayed.
They haven't broken anything yet, but I really have had bruising on my hand after greeting Marines and Seebees. I think it's the number of firm handshakes and not our troops squeezing too hard. Ya gotta love em.
CAN-DO... my Dad and his brother enlisted early 1942 and were both in CB-100, after a year Dad went regular Navy. a year and a half later Dad was a CPO and got to go ashore and see his Brother for 24 hours when his ship was moored off the island he was on. RIP.
my grandfather was a Seabee from WWII and that man could just about fix anything!
He came back from the war and eventually started his own business. His Kansas roots and the Seabees gave him this wonderful quirky attitude and odd self confidence no matter the situation.
As a kid I would complain, but he was always quick to remind me that some folks probably had it much worse, and that we should be thankful for every day we are given.
He was decent, generous, patriotic, frugal, and he treated everyone with respect.
Today he would be considered just another simple man from the middle of nowhere.
But he meant something to his little town, and to me.
He passed away in the early 90's and I'm glad to see some young men following in his footsteps.
the Greatest Generation lives on...
BTTT!!!!!!!
Seabees ~ Bump!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.