NMCB 40 ends deployment by finishing a new mess hall at Forward Operating Base Camp Griffin in Faryab province

SEABEES get it done and complete their deployment by making life better for others...In a way that only Seabees can.....CAN DO !

NMCB 40 ends deployment with mess hall
By Ensign Peter Lee / ISAF Regional Command North
Ventura County Star
Posted March 9, 2011 at 5:14 p.m.

MAIMANAH, Afghanistan U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 added the final segments to a dining facility they built on Forward Operating Base Camp Griffin in Faryab province Feb. 13 prior to their redeployment to the United States.

The 30-Sailor detachment, which provided construction, logistical and physical support to four International Security Assistance Force bases in northwestern Afghanistan, is completing a seven-month deployment.

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t enjoy what we do,” said Chief Steelworker Alan Egelston, detachment officer-in-charge. “Although junior, every Sailor was very professional. They thought and planned before beginning a project and were able to think on the fly. It was a good deployment.”

The Seabees built up physical infrastructure and maintenance programs at FOB Griffin and FOB Qeysar. The $200,000 dining facility was one of many projects planned and built by the Seabees to include a tactical operation center for the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division; water wells; Morale, Welfare and Recreation building; chapel; picnic benches and furniture; and other tents and buildings supporting U.S. Army and ISAF soldiers.

“After a patrol or being outside the wire, we wanted the Soldiers to have a place that would be warm or cold depending on the season where they can rest and enjoy a meal,” said Seaman Brett Rankin, steelworker, FOB Griffin dining facility construction project assistant crew leader. “This dining facility will be able to host 125 people. We are definitely proud of what we were able to accomplish and if we didn’t have it, we’d make it.”

There were 13 Sailors assigned to build the 30-by-90-square-foot dining facility, which was completed one month and two weeks ahead of schedule.

“It’s a quality of life issue,” added Egelston. “We were glad we were able to establish a place like this and are proud to be forward operating.”

The Seabees are the U.S. Navy’s combat-capable construction element with the ability of operating in any environment to support construction requirements.