Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 worked to renovate a local medical clinic this holiday season at Genie Militaire Engineering base in Douala, Cameroon.

Five crew members from Detail Cameroon began work on this project to completely transform the local medical clinic. The crew refurbished interior finishes, utilities, electrical, and repaired the roof. This project will provide service to many Cameroonian military members and civilians.

The work consisted of many tasks to include replacing 12 doors, 25 windows, light fixtures, and 4,320 square feet of corrugated roofing panels. Repairs were also made to rafters and soffit damaged by termites.

"Repairing the roof is a great opportunity for me, and being able to help protect people from the elements is symbolic. Providing one of the basic human needs sends a powerful message and is a humbling experience," said Constructionman Hakeem Pierce.

The clinic renovation project is helping create long-lasting relations between the U.S. and the people of Cameroon. Once completed, the facility will be more comfortable, sanitary, and safe for not only the patients, but for the medical staff as well.

"With each thing we fix or replace, you can see how happy it makes all of them, and to me that makes it all worth it!" said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Gregory Credle.

For the holiday season, each of the 12 newly-installed doors was adorned with a Christmas wreath and the medical staff wore Santa hats while the younger patients helped put up a Christmas tree.

"We may speak a different language and have a different culture, but we celebrate the holidays which brings us closer together. No matter what language you speak, a smile is understood," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Joshua Plute.

Seabees from NMCB 11 spread the holiday spirit by giving back and bringing in the New Year with a fresh beginning for medical staff at Genie Militaire Clinic. Along with contingency construction, humanitarian work is one of their specialties and this is a prime example.

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