130508-N-SD120-034
130508-N-SD120-034 OKINAWA, Japan (May 8, 2013) Steelworker 3rd Class Dustin Starman uses a trowel to level the wet concrete on the roof of an alternative building structure. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Seabees built an alternative building in five days, while training in preparation for NMCB 5 construction projects in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The structure is made out of expanded polystyrene blocks and a layer of a concrete mix. Expanded polystyrene is a similar material to white foam coolers except it is thicker and fire resistant. After the concrete mix is applied to the interior and exterior of the building, it is rated as being able to withstand hurricane winds and earthquakes. NMCB 5 is currently supporting Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John P. Curtis/Released)