Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, marked the end of Exercise Hari'i Hamutuk 2017 with a closing ceremony at Metinaro Military Base, Nov. 7.

Representatives from NMCB 4, U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers, Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian engineers (RAE) and engineers from the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) celebrated the successful completion of Hari'i Hamutuk, which included the renovation of a 3,000 sq. ft. kitchen facility at Baucau Military Base and refurbishment of the Sidara Health Clinic in Hera community.

"Hari'i Hamutuk," in Tetun means "building together," and is a multilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability between partnering countries.

Beginning Oct. 29, 120 engineers participated in the exercise and despite the different backgrounds, cultures and languages, the units worked together to complete the two major projects and various smaller projects over the course of 30 days.

Sidara Health Clinic has been helping the Hera community for 15 years. The clinic was founded by a local nurse practitioner, Bianca Lopez. To refurbish the clinic, participants constructed a masonry block bathroom facility and replaced three corrugated roof structures.

"It was a good opportunity to trade skills with other nations. I learned a great deal about masonry from [our] Australian counterparts," said Utilitiesman Constructionman Whitney Bussell. "They were very patient and great teachers."

The new kitchen facilities at Baucau Military Base will improve the sanitation and enhance the quality of food served for Timorese troops.

"It was a great learning experience. I was able to take what I have learned and combine it with knowledge from Australian and Timorese counterparts. The collaboration of knowledge between two counties created cooperation and we executed a successful renovation," said Steelworker Constructionman Clayton Peterson.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit http://www.navy.mil, www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/ or follow NMCB 4 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NMCB4.