Seabees, Marines Rebuild Haitian Hospital Roof

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Weyers, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

PORT DE PAIX, Haiti (NNS) -- Seabees and Marines deployed aboard the Continuing Promise 2010 flagship, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), spent five days reconstructing a hospital in Port de Paix, Haiti, July 27 to 31.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Construction

Battalion Mobile Unit (CBMU) 202 and Marine Logistical

Command Element (LCE) built a new roof on the hospital, washed and bleached all the walls and floors, painted the walls inside and outside the facility and constructed a shelter over a well behind the hospital where locals wash their clothing.

"We've been tasked to refurbish this hospital and make it a usable facility for the Haitian people," said Builder 2nd Class Thomas J. Camara, CBMU 202 project supervisor.

The medical facility is the only hospital in Port de Paix that is supported by the local government.

"The community has been really receptive to what we are doing here," said Camara. "They have actually come out to watch us work everyday."

During their lunch breaks, Seabees and Marines had the opportunity to sit and visit with the locals and enjoy a few laughs while they were in Haiti.

"This was a fulfilling mission and a beautiful province to work in," said Gunnery Sgt. George J. Fowler, from the LCE.

The Haitian government shut down the hospital one month prior to the arrival of the Seabees and Marines and moved all the patients out to another facility.

"As a joint task operation for multiple units, we've come together really well at this time to help the Haitian people and really push forward thru this project," said Camara.