By CECA Ginger Knapp, NMCB 4
Ensign Michael Nurthan, officer-in-charge of NMCB 4 s Detail Diego Garcia, cuts the ribbon on a newly built office space and warehouse by Black and Veatch Special Project Corporation, Sept. 19, for use by deployed Seabees on board Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. Photo by CECN Ginger Knapp
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 s Detail Diego Garcia cut the ribbon to the brand-new office space and warehouse, Sept. 19, for use by Seabees deployed to the island.
Designed by Black and Veatch Special Project Corporation, planning for the new warehouse and office space began on Sep. 28, 2012, and was complete on Aug. 15 of this year.
Amassing 28,556 square feet of land and costing just under $4.5 million, this new building is comprised of two mezzanines, five office rooms, break room with kitchenette, and tool room including storage space, reception area and paint room.
The construction manager, Ms. Irene Paala, and the contractors, Mr. Carl Hawk, Mr. Jim Andel and Mr. Vic Volore, did an incredible job accomplishing this project, said Ens. John Michael Nurthen, officer-in-charge of the detail. The quality of this work is impeccable and we could not be more excited to be able to utilize such an unbelievable facility. We are honored. It shows an unbelievable dedication and respect to the awe-inspiring Seabee history that Diego Garcia has to offer.
Seabees wrote the history of Diego Garcia, dating back to 1971. One of the major projects for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the major project for the Seabees in the 1970s and early 1980s was a naval complex on the atoll of Diego Garcia.
On Oct. 24, 1972, the U.S. and British governments signed an agreement concerning the construction of a U.S. naval communication station on Diego Garcia. The purpose of the facility was to provide a necessary link in the Indian Ocean for ships and aircraft of both governments.
Since then Seabee battalions have populated the island in efforts to support and improve this station, the mission NMCB 4 has been sent out to accomplish.
NMCB 4 is deployed to the Pacific area of responsibility in support of humanitarian assistance operations and to maintain relationships with regional governments through construction projects.
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