Seabees Rebuild, Renovate in Colombia Cities in Support of CP '10

By Lt. Jacqui Barker, Continuing Promise 2010 Public Affairs

COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- Sixty Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 and Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 7 and 25 completed building and renovation projects in support of Continuing Promise and Partnership of the Americas 2010 near Covenas, Colombia Aug. 16.

The Seabees, who are attached to USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), repaired a school and constructed a playground in Salitral. They also constructed a storage shed and large pavilion for a school in Don Gabriel.

"We are thrilled we could get in there and begin to work," said Lt. j.g. Kelly Stevens, CBMU 202 officer in charge. "We were worried the road conditions would prevent our construction materials from arriving on site, but the Seabee 'Can Do' spirit made it all work. These are truly meaningful projects and they are symbolic of this (Continuing Promise 2010) humanitarian mission overall."

USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is embarked with command element, Amphibious Squadron Six and includes U.S. Special Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) as a support element. The mission is deployed to the United States Southern Command's area of responsibility until November.

Approximately 1,600 military and civilian non-governmental organization personnel are traveling on this mission to provide Humanitarian Civic Assistance, subject matter exchanges, medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and humanitarian support throughout Central and South Americas.

"These projects will definitely improve the lives of the people in this area and send the strong message of America's commitment and partnership with the people of the Caribbean, and Central and South Americas," said Capt. Thomas Negus, Continuing Promise 2010, commodore. "The Seabees built a centralized pavilion, storage shed, playground, and a pavilion to house the school kitchen that will improve the quality of life for these Columbians.

"These construction projects and the medical support our military, civilian and Non-Governmental Agency professionals provided make a difference on the ground and in the lives of these communities."

The Continuing Promise and Partnership of the Americas 2010 closing Friendship Ceremony was held in Covenas Aug. 16. The ship will provide medical and humanitarian assistance to host countries to include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Suriname.