NAVFAC Renovates Schools For Ukrainian Children

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- More than 1,300 children began their new school year Sept. 1 in Sevastopol, Ukraine, at two schools renovated by personnel from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA).

NAVFAC EURAFSWA provided construction oversight for these projects, which are part of the U.S. European Command's (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program in support of theater security cooperation and building partnership capacity within Ukraine.

Capt. Jeff Borowy, NAVFAC EURAFSWA's commanding officer, is proud to have his team involved in humanitarian projects.

"There's much more to NAVFAC than just building or improving facilities," said Borowy. "When we help improve a school, we're helping to create an improved learning environment for the children. There is a lot of satisfaction in having a hand in EUCOM's humanitarian outreach."

Renovation at Sevastopol's largest school, number 49, began in February 2010, and renovations included new wiring, plumbing, painting, new doors and windows and improvements to classrooms, bathrooms, gym and locker rooms and a large school auditorium.

Renovation at Sevastopol's school number 57 began in May 2010. More than 200 new windows were installed, as well as a new entrance and doors to the gym, and the water piping was replaced.

Work was performed at school number 49 by local contractor Alliance Company and by UkrBusinessTrade at school number 57.

NAVFAC EURAFSWA executes more than $650 million a year in construction, professional engineering and facilities services for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and NATO commands in those countries throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia where the Navy is the DoD lead agent for Military Construction.

NAVFAC manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental, and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world. They provide the Navy's forces with the operating, expeditionary, support and training bases they need. NAVFAC is a global organization with an annual volume of business in excess of $18 billion. As a major Navy Systems Command and an integral member of the Navy and Marine Corps team, NAVFAC delivers timely and effective facilities engineering solutions worldwide.