Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 recently turned over a multipurpose building project to 27 Seabees from NMCB 11 in support of exercise United Focus 17.

NMCB 11 Seabees deployed to Cameroon from Gulfport, Mississippi, at the beginning of August. For the next seven months, they will construct two multipurpose buildings. By turning over finished, high-quality buildings and working hand-in-hand with local military units, they will ensure positive relations between the U.S. and the Cameroonian government.

"Working with the local nationals and trying to figure out solutions for our different types of construction methods is a great learning experience and creates cohesion between our team," said Construction Electrician 1st Class William Callahan.

This deployment will give all of the personnel in NMCB 11 Det. Cameroon skill sets to carry with them for the rest of their careers. These projects encompass a wide variety of construction efforts from electrical work, welding, crane operating, masonry work, as well as leadership and management.

With a mixed crew of personnel from NMCB 11 and Cameroonian engineers, different skill sets and backgrounds are coming together with one vision to build a facility that will bring two countries together and increase regional stability and security. The buildings are projected to be completed prior to the redeployment of the current detail.

"The opportunity to finish this building and then start a completely new building from the ground up gives each rate an opportunity to work on their technical skills," explained Builder 2nd Class Tia Sprowl. "It is a learning experience for everyone because we are able to learn each other's trade. The whole crew is excited to see all of our work come together as a finished product."

NMCB 11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. maritime strategy. They offer deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations support.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.