Seabee Sacrifice In Afghanistan: A Human Cost

The Seabees, or the U.S. Navy's construction forces, have been deployed to Afghanistan to build infrastructure for U.S. and coalition forces. Their tasks include building roads, bridges, bases, berthing facilities, airfields, and other construction projects. In one instance, an all-female Seabee team made history by becoming the first all-female construction team to complete a construction project in the Seabees' 70-year history. They built barracks in the mountains of Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold, ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, there have been casualties among the Seabees serving in Afghanistan. In October 2011, an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion killed Chief Builder Raymond J. Border of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74.

The role of Seabees in Afghanistan

The Seabees, or U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, have played a crucial role in Afghanistan, providing essential construction support to U.S. and coalition forces. Their mission has been to build and improve infrastructure, including bases, berthing facilities, roads, and airfields, to enhance the quality of life for troops and support counterinsurgency operations.

Seabees in Afghanistan: A Historical Overview

The Seabees have a long history of supporting military operations worldwide, including in Afghanistan. In December 2008, Seabee units received orders to close out operations in Iraq and redeploy to Afghanistan, specifically to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bastion in Helmand Province. This marked the beginning of an extensive construction mission to provide much-needed infrastructure for U.S. and coalition forces.

The Seabees' presence in Afghanistan expanded further in 2009, when newly elected President Barack Obama approved plans to send additional troops to the country. The Seabees were tasked with constructing and expanding bases, known as forward operating bases (FOBs) and combat outposts (COPs), to accommodate the surge in troops. This involved the deployment of additional Seabee battalions, lengthening deployment tours, and adjusting schedules.

Specific Contributions and Achievements

The Seabees made significant contributions to the infrastructure in Afghanistan, often working in challenging and dangerous conditions. Here are some of their notable achievements:

• Building protective berms for FOBs: Seabees used armored bulldozers and front-end loaders to construct berms, which provided protection from direct fire for troops occupying the bases.
• Tapping an artesian well: In Helmand Province, the Seabees drilled and tapped an artesian well, providing a reliable source of water for service members. This was a crucial achievement, as water is essential for daily operations and quality of life.
• Constructing barracks and other facilities: The Seabees built barracks, operations centers, and other structures in remote and rugged locations. Notably, an all-female Seabee team constructed barracks in the mountains of Helmand Province, becoming the first all-female construction team in Seabee history to complete a project from start to finish.
• Improving roads and transportation networks: Seabees worked on numerous road projects, such as Route Trident, to enhance freedom of movement for coalition forces and local Afghans. They also constructed bridges and helicopter landing pads, improving transportation and logistics.
• Establishing security outposts: The Seabees built security outposts, watchtowers, and other force protection measures to enhance the security of coalition forces and local communities.
• Collaborating with local forces: Seabees trained and instructed Afghan engineers in carpentry, welding, and concrete construction, contributing to local capacity building.
• Providing medical facilities: Seabees constructed the Miranda Trauma Center at FOB Apache, establishing the first Role 2 Medical Facility in the area.

The Seabees' role in Afghanistan has been instrumental in providing the necessary infrastructure for military operations and improving the lives of troops on the ground. Their construction expertise, combined with their ability to operate in challenging environments, has made them a vital asset in supporting U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The challenges of the Afghan terrain

Afghanistan's terrain presents a unique set of challenges for military operations and logistics. The country is characterised by rugged mountains, deep gorges, vast deserts, small but fertile river valleys, high plateaus, and snow-covered mountains. The Hindu Kush mountain range, with peaks rising to about 24,000 feet, divides the eastern portion of the country. The terrain poses logistical difficulties in transporting people, equipment, and construction materials.

The limited road infrastructure in many regions makes alternative transportation methods necessary. Off-road vehicles, specialised equipment, and experienced drivers are often required to navigate the challenging landscapes. The state of the roads can rapidly deteriorate due to extreme weather and security concerns, making transportation times long and unpredictable.

The remote and rugged terrain also affects the delivery of logistics services and the movement of construction equipment and raw building materials. A combination of air and sealift is often utilised, with sealift anchoring at Karachi, Pakistan, and then moving over the mountain passes into Afghanistan. In some cases, heavy construction equipment needs to be delivered by air as it cannot fit through the mountain passes.

The geographic factors of the terrain also influence the cultural values of the country's diverse ethnic groups and tribes. Understanding these cultural complexities is essential for successful operations and collaboration with local communities.

The extreme climate in Afghanistan, with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters, further complicates military and logistical operations. The temperature variations can disrupt supply chains and affect the timely delivery of goods. Logistics companies need to adapt by employing temperature-sensitive storage and other measures to ensure continuity.

Overall, the challenges of the Afghan terrain include the rugged and varied geography, limited infrastructure, extreme climate, and the need for cultural understanding when interacting with the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.

The impact of Seabees on local communities

The Seabees have had a profound impact on local communities in Afghanistan, bringing about positive changes and improving the quality of life for the local population.

One of their primary tasks was to provide essential infrastructure support to US and coalition forces. This included constructing bases, berthing facilities, roads, and airfields. These projects were crucial in enhancing the security and protection of alliance forces operating in the country.

However, the Seabees' contributions extended beyond military construction. They played a pivotal role in improving the lives of Afghan civilians, particularly in agricultural areas like the Tangi Valley in Uruzgan province. By building security outposts, checkpoints, and other small-scale infrastructure, the Seabees brought stability and a sense of safety to remote villages. Brig. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, Regional Command South's Deputy Commanding General for Support, highlighted the importance of such projects, stating, "If you are going to do clearing operations, you want to follow it up with some kind of development or stability project."

One notable example of the Seabees' impact was their work on Route Trident. By improving this road, they facilitated the movement of both coalition forces and local Afghans, especially farmers who needed to transport their produce to markets. This enhanced freedom of movement had a positive economic impact on the local communities.

The Seabees also constructed wells, addressing the critical need for reliable water sources in Forward Operating Bases and local communities. One such well, tapped by the NMCB-74's Water Well Detachment in Helmand Province, provided much-needed water for service members and the surrounding area.

Additionally, the Seabees' expertise was instrumental in training and instructing Afghan engineers. They collaborated with the US Air Force's 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron to teach Afghan engineers carpentry, welding, and concrete wall construction. This knowledge transfer empowered local communities and contributed to their long-term development.

Furthermore, the Seabees' presence and interactions with local communities fostered positive relationships and mutual respect. Afghans associated the Seabees' logo with positive changes and tangible improvements in their communities. The Seabees were welcomed as friends, and their efforts were appreciated by both military and civilian leadership in Afghanistan.

Overall, the Seabees' contributions went beyond construction; they played a vital role in improving security, economic opportunities, and the quality of life for local communities in Afghanistan. Their work left a lasting, positive impact on the country and its people.

The dangers faced by Seabees

The Seabees, or the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, are trained to hold a hammer in one hand and a Beretta M9 in the other. They are construction workers who can also fight. They build military bases, airstrips, roads, bridges, field hospitals, galleys, and housing. They also repair structures, learning skills ranging from plumbing and plastering to finish work.

The Seabees have a long history of success, assisting people all over the world. They have a unique ability to make more with less, which is why they are in high demand. Their projects have wide-reaching effects, and they are good at improving the quality of life for local populations.

However, their work is not without danger. Here are some of the dangers faced by Seabees:

• Combat and insurgency: The Seabees often work in hostile environments and are sometimes called upon to serve as a fighting force. They have been deployed to war zones and have faced enemy attacks, ambushes, and guerrilla warfare. They have also been targets of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).
• Difficult terrain and environmental challenges: The Seabees have to navigate remote and rugged terrain to transport construction equipment and raw building materials. They also have to deal with brutal rainy seasons that can bog down entire regions in thick mud.
• Hazardous working conditions: The Seabees often work long hours in harsh weather conditions, dealing with freezing temperatures and inadequate shelter. They may have to endure physical discomfort, primitive sanitation facilities, and a lack of access to clean water and proper nutrition.
• Exposure to hazardous materials: The Seabees work with heavy machinery, explosives, and hazardous substances, which can pose health and safety risks. They are also at risk of exposure to hazardous materials left behind by previous conflicts, such as unexploded ordnance and landmines.
• High operational demands: The Seabees are often under pressure to complete projects quickly and efficiently, sometimes with limited resources and guidance. They may have to work overtime and make do with what they have, which can lead to physical and mental fatigue.
• Security threats: The Seabees face security threats not only from enemy forces but also from criminal elements and insurgents. They have to take precautions to ensure their own safety and that of the local population.
• Risk of accidents and injuries: Construction work is inherently dangerous, and the Seabees are at risk of accidents, injuries, and equipment malfunctions. They may also be exposed to occupational hazards specific to their trade, such as electrical shocks, falls, or exposure to toxic substances.
• Psychological and emotional challenges: Deployments can take a toll on the mental health and well-being of Seabees. They may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues due to the demanding nature of their work and the difficult conditions they face. Being away from home and loved ones can also contribute to emotional challenges.

Despite these dangers, the Seabees are highly valued for their skills, adaptability, and courage. They have a proud history of service and have made significant contributions to improving the lives of people in Afghanistan and around the world.

The achievements of female Seabees

Female Seabees have played a crucial role in the Navy's construction and engineering projects, breaking barriers and proving their expertise and resilience in challenging environments. Here are four to six paragraphs highlighting the achievements of female Seabees:

Early Female Seabees

The first female Civil Engineer Officer in the Navy was Ens. Kathleen F. Lux, who joined the Naval Reserve in November 1942. However, it wasn't until 1972 that the first female Seabee, Constructionman Camella J. Jones, joined the ranks. Jones became the first woman to qualify as a heavy equipment operator and was assigned to a U.S. Navy Construction Battalion. Despite facing skepticism and a male-dominated environment, Jones paved the way for future female Seabees.

Breaking Down Barriers

In the following decades, female Seabees continued to break down barriers and take on leadership roles. In 1984, Chief Builder Carol Diane Keehner is believed to have been the first female Seabee to make Chief. In 1992, Keehner became the first female Seabee to achieve the rank of Master Chief. Additionally, female Seabees were assigned to Construction Battalion Units (CBU) 411 and 415, deploying to Saudi Arabia, where they erected and maintained a fleet hospital. This marked the first time female CEC officers led troops in a combat zone.

Expanding Opportunities

The 1994 National Defense Authorization Act was a pivotal moment for female Seabees, as it allowed them to be legally assigned to mobile construction battalions. This opened up over 4,000 seagoing positions, greatly expanding career opportunities. Chief Builder Cheryl Hundley became the first woman ordered to an MCB, reporting to MCB 5 in April 1994. Female Seabees also achieved notable firsts in underwater construction, with Petty Officer Margret Cooper becoming the first woman Underwater Construction Team (UCT) Seabee in 1996.

All-Female Construction Team

In 2011, an all-female Seabee team made history by becoming the first all-female construction team to complete a project from start to finish in the Seabees' 70-year history. The team, consisting of eight women, built barracks high in the mountains of Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold. They completed the project ahead of schedule, showcasing their skill, teamwork, and dedication. This achievement earned them a place in naval history.

Female Leadership

Female Seabees have not only excelled in construction and engineering but have also risen to leadership positions. Rear Adm. Katherine Gregory became the first female CEC to lead a battalion when she took command of NMCB 133 in 1999. Rear Adm. Paula Campbell Brown made history as the first female commander of a Seabee regiment in combat, leading the 30th Naval Construction Regiment in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. These women blazed a trail, demonstrating that female Seabees can lead and command forces with distinction.

Female Seabees have made extraordinary contributions to the Navy's construction and engineering efforts, breaking barriers, excelling in their fields, and achieving milestones that have shaped the Seabees' history. Their resilience, skill, and dedication embody the "Can Do" spirit of the Seabees.

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