Lance Cpl. Adam Bailey (Left), Lance Cpl. David Waldbillig, both combat engineers, and Petty Officer 3rd Class William M. Svoboda, project manager, dig excess concrete and dirt away from the foundation of the new concrete wall at the Hornet’s Nest here Sept. 4. Excess dirt that makes its way into the concrete slab will create weak points because as the dirt slowly deteriorates, holes are left where the concrete needs to be making the whole wall weaker.

Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Rhoades

Seabees build wall to help noise reduction

8 Sep 2011 | Pfc. Nicholas Rhoades Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Navy Seabees and Marines worked together to build a concrete wall around an air conditioning unit at the Hornet’s Nest, the Single Marine Program building, here Sep. 4.

The wall is being built to help reduce noise from the air conditioning unit for neighboring homes off base.

The project is not only fixing the noise problem but has also helped create a training environment for the Seabees.

“This project provides hands on training with concrete, rebar, and framing, while allowing this base to become a better neighbor,” said Cmdr. Jason D. Zeda, the station facilities officer.

The SMP was recently renovated and a new, larger air conditioner was installed, said Zeda.

The old wall was a small temporary arrangement built to help with the noise until a more permanent structure could be provided.

“The old temporary wall didn’t have any rigidity; it was just tied up between a small tree and a wall,” said Zeda.

The wall now is a permanent eight by thirteen-foot concrete wall able to withstand typhoon-speed winds.

Having a good solid wall will not only help reduce the noise but also will help reduce any risks, said Petty Officer 3rd Class William M. Svoboda, project supervisor.

The project allows sailors to get out and work with concrete and increase their range of occupational abilities.

“We have an electrician mate out here to help us build a concrete wall, now if there is ever a need for a wall in the future, he has this training and can help out his fellow Seabees,” said Svoboda.

It provides cross training to every sailor in case they are thrown into a situation where they need to build a wall, said Zeda.

Seabees often are put into positions to help out each other even if they have little to no training in that particular field.

“While on deployment we are often asked to help out on projects that we don’t always have the proper training for,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark R. Lahey, project advisor. This is good training for the younger Marines and sailors so they have experience with all types of projects, not just in their specific field, he continued.

The plan was to have the project done within approximately four weeks; however, with the recent winds and weather conditions the deadline was forced back.

The project is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.