By HM2 (FMF) Jeremy Ferrer, CBMU 303
SW2 Brandon Jenks (left) and SW2 Aaron Tamplin, CBMU 303, position stanchions while installing beach markers, Coronado, Calif., Dec. 7, 2015. (Photo by HM2 Jeremy Ferrer/151207-N-HU327-006)
Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 (CBMU 303) completed the installation of new beach lane markers at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB), Coronado, Calif., Feb. 25. The markers are used during amphibious assault training and beach operations to guide approaching small craft to the designated beach lane during ship-to-shore operations.
Seabees placed 30 markers over a four-mile stretch of beach at the Silver Strand Training Complex, replacing old and weathered markers with a more durable and sturdier design.
Standing 20 feet high and anchored by 7,500-pound concrete blocks, the markers were constructed to ensure long-lasting use of the training aids for amphibious assault training operations.
Although different Seabee rates were employed during this project, the demand for steelworkers and equipment operators were crucial in completing the project.
SWCN Xavier McDowell, CBMU 303, stick-welds a stanchion to a base of a beach lane marker, Coronado, Calif., Dec. 7, 2015. (Photo by HM2 Jeremy Ferrer/151207-N-HU327-007)
This project has definitely tested our welding capabilities, and the junior troops were able to gain experience and apply what they have learned in school, said Steelworker 1st Class Nathan Morano, CBMU 303, project supervisor.
CBMU 303 Seabees operating skills were put to the challenge, with some of the biggest difficulties in handling and operating excavators in the sand and heavy rain.
We had a couple of hurdles when it came down to the equipment, said Builder 2nd Class Ethan Knapp, CBMU 303. The excavator ran into a problem after months of continuous digging. Alfa Company executed as trained and we were able to deliver as planned. I was really impressed on how quickly we were able to keep working.
Over 3,000 man hours were invested in the installation of the beach markers, enabling naval amphibious commands to continue to train for missions across the globe.
CBMU 303, based at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., provides specialized public works support for naval shore activities, forward operating bases and expeditionary medical facilities during wartime or contingency operations.
Beach lane marker signs, installed by CBMU 303, stretch over four miles at Silver Strand Training Complex, Naval Amphibious Base (NAB), Coronado, Calif., Jan. 25. The markers are used during amphibious assault training and beach operations toguide approaching small craft to the designated beach lane marker during ship-to-shore operations. (Photo by CE2 Carlos Curiel)