A detachment of 14 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 began an engineering civil action project as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) at Redemption Hospital in Monrovia, September 9, 2009.

Over the next 46 days, 14 Seabee plumbers, electricians, steelworkers and equipment operators will convert existing laundry facilities at the hospital into a new pediatric ward and build a new laundry facility on what is now a medical waste dump.

"We're removing a foot of rock, clay and garbage," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffery R. Abraham, crew leader for the detachment. "Here at Redemption we have two building projects to complete in a month and a half during the rainy season in a sub-tropical climate. We won't be able to compact the soil for the concrete pad until it dries out a little, so we're spending the time now working with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers to get the needles, razors and glass out of here. This job site is a real task because we have so much ahead of us."

The AFL is working closely with the Seabees on this project, sending as many as 16 soldiers a day to help with the construction. While the AFL soldiers aren't builders by trade, they help in any way possible with shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows.

"They are really great, friendly people who are willing to do anything to help" said Abraham. "We are already enjoying the experience of being here and meeting them. Being in Liberia is definitely an experience I will never forget."

The new laundry facility will consist of cinderblock walls, a poured concrete pad, corrugated steel roof, plumbing and electricity.

APS is a multinational initiative developed by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent. APS provides a unique venue to align maritime engagements by utilizing an international team of expert trainers in a variety of military capacities and civilian fields.