Seabees Giving Back at IRT Project

BIMIDJI, Minn. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 28 and NMCB 25 have been gathering since May working on a social service project created by the Red Lake Housing Authority and planned as an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) project in conjunction with NMCB 28 at Red Lake Indian Reservation near Bimidji, Minn.

During this project, scheduled for completion in mid-September, three model homes are being built and approximately 13 miles of road are being constructed, giving the Seabees the opportunity not only to train in their construction rates but also to support one of the country's rural communities.

The Seabees provided the labor and knowledge needed to complete the project, and the reservation provided all of the equipment and supplies. Seabees divided into two groups, one comprised primarily of equipment operators and construction mechanics, who worked on the road crew; and another made up of builders, engineering aides, construction electricians, and other construction rates who spent their time erecting the three houses. The homes, which consisted of a one, two, and three bedrooms ranging from 600 to 1,600 square feet, will be used as models for the recipients to choose from when the actual houses are built later.

Builder 1st Class David Nelson of NMCB 28, crew leader for the housing site, explained that IRT projects are always a win-win situation.

"The Housing Authority saves the money they would have spent going out and hiring private contractors to build the houses and the road. The Navy also benefits economically because there isn't money being invested in a mock training site that we would need to set up to create a real-world construction situation in order for us to get training hours."

This is the third IRT project for Equipment Operator Joe Carr of NMCB 25. "I did another project at Fort McCoy where we built a road and repaired a bridge. I chose to do [this kind of project] again because I find it very fun and interesting to meet people from across the country, both Seabees and civilians, and I enjoy the opportunity to practice these skills and help newer Seabees increase their knowledge and experience," said Carr.

The road crew - some of whom have worked on heavy equipment for 18 years and some who clocked their very first hour while on the project - had the opportunity to train on and operate dump trucks, front-end loaders, road graders and bulldozers.

Equipment Operator Constructionman Tina Lott of NMCB 25 was the newest member on the road crew. "I've learned so much, like how to operate the equipment and what it takes to build a road. It's the first time I've really been around the Seabees, and I've really learned so much about the organization itself," said Lott.

Half an hour away, on the housing project, the more experienced Seabees trained the newer ones, who gained some hands-on experience in using power tools, reading blueprints and many other aspects of construction they will eventually become familiar with.

Engineering Aide 2nd Class Wendell Giles of NMCB 28, a mechanical designer in his civilian job, enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn about architectural design.

"It's different from what I normally do at work, and it was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the other side of design."

Overall, the Seabees donated more than 10,000 man hours, received the same number of hours in training, and completed the project with no injuries to personnel or damage to equipment.

Since training for Seabee battalions often focuses on military rather than construction training, having the opportunity to complete in-rate training was one more way in which these members have increased unit cohesiveness and battalion readiness.

For related news, visit the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcb28/.