press releases
Pakistan Contractors And U.S. Navy SEABEES Work Together To Bring Back Muzaffarabad
01/24/2006Muzaffarabad - U.S. Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – Under the direction of Pakistan Military Engineers, U.S Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (SEABEES) and Pakistani contractors are now working together to rebuild Muzaffarabad.
This week the Pakistan contractor and the Navy SEABEES surpassed the 40,000 cubic yards mark of cleared debris. This represents over 2200 truckloads and is enough to fill a football stadium with 12 feet of rubble. Over 7700 cubic yards alone were removed from the University.
"Our progress is measured in debris excavated and shelters built," said Lieutenant Mike Trest, Officer in Charge of the SEABEE Detachment. "We couldn’t accomplish all of this without our Pakistani partners. They are expert equipment operators and extremely hard workers."
Currently a Pakistani excavator and front loader are removing rubble in conjunction with a SEABEE bulldozer and dump trucks. Pakistan Military Engineers are also at the site to supervise and coordinate the effort.
In the nearby village of Kardala, U.S. SEABEES are constructing three "SEA Huts." These 5 X 8 meter structures are made from locally purchased lumber and will be used as a temporary boys high school. As in Muzaffarabad, the Pakistan Military Engineers determine this site’s location and project priorities.
Since October, the SEABEES built over 70 temporary shelters, 15 SEA Huts, and are now on their 12th demolition project in the Muzaffarabad area.
The SEABEES, part of Mobile Construction Battalion Four, are from Port Hueneme, California and were deployed to Muzaffarabad on Dec.12 to assist the Government of Pakistan in relief efforts.
"We are bringing Muzaffarabad back one truckload at a time," said Trest. "This is one of the most rewarding assignments of my career."
For more information contact CDR Gary Kirchner at the Disaster Assistance Center, Public Affairs Operations Cell 0300-501-2623.