MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- They drill, they build, and if need be, they fight — with rounds ready in their M-16A2 rifles.
They’re Seabees – Naval construction battalions trained in combat skills to support Leathernecks overseas.
“(Our) mobile construction battalions provide aid for Marines in theater (via) the forward operating base,” said Navy Lt. Dude L. Underwood, referring to Marines’ constant presence in Iraq.
These hard-hat-wearing sailors not only build bunkers, they also rebuild structures while providing their own security.
When they’re not overseas, they’re seen working on home-front projects in various places — including Camp Pendleton.
Seabees from Port Hueneme were busy at Camp Day July 20 — buzzing saws, welding steel and erecting towers within days.
One such tower was built by the late- Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Bohr, a war casualty from the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was used to oversee students’ training at the School of Infantry.
The Seabees’ job was to rebuild it. They hammered away for a day and a half until they were done — but not without saving a ladder rung from Bohr’s original tower.
After nailing that piece back on, they bolted a gold placard to the wood in remembrance of him.
The proper respects were paid, then duty called with another assignment — an entry control point. “(It’s a) security infrastructure,” Underwood explained at the time.
Shortly thereafter, 31 Port Hueneme workers quickly zipped down the dirt road, spreading throughout the new work site.
The new checkpoint included a bunker and a steel gate protected by barbed and concertina wire. It was built so SOI students could better train via occupying the post.
Some Seabees cut, carried and nailed timber to build a bunker at the front of the checkpoint while others welded steel together, constructing a security gate to control the flow of approaching vehicles.
The remaining Seabees swarmed franticly to protect the perimeter, stringing barbed and concertina wire around the bunker and security gate.
Although the concertina wire is sharp, the Seabees made sure they didn’t get stung.
“They wear gloves made out of cowhide and staples,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Corner, an electrician.
But the gloves don’t protect everything. Many seabees’ forearms were tattooed with scars, remnants of injuries sustained on previous projects. In seabees’ line of work, scrapes are common, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron A. Eaton, an equipment operator.
“I’ve gotten smashed feet from a falling bucket and I’ve broken knuckles,” Eaton remembered. “And because of the loud noise I can’t hear.”
“I’ve had broken fingers and sprained wrists,” added Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard W. Ault, a construction mechanic.
But bumps and bruises don’t bug your garden variety Seabee.
“It’s what we do. I’m just glad we could help the Marines,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason M. Lloyd said, as he hammered away at the bunker.
Covered in sawdust flakes and oozing the sweet and sour smell of sweat, the workers finally rested after their mission was complete.
So while the sailors-with-hard-hats took a break, they knew at any moment another mission might arise. Whether it calls for a screw driver or an M-16A2 service rifle, either way, they’re ready.