5th CES, Seabees arrive in Guyana Published Nov. 17, 2008 By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks Continuing Promise Public Affairs GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Airmen from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force and Navy Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, currently embarked aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), established a forward-operating base at Caricom Field here during renovation and construction projects, Nov. 9 to 22, as part of the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008. Airmen and Sailors set up the seven-tent FOB so engineers could remain near the designated construction sites, reducing travel time and allowing for more time to be spent on renovations and repairs at the designated sites. After establishing the FOB, engineers traveled to East Ruimveldt Community Center, Houston Community High School, West Demarara Hospital, and the Red Cross Children's Convalescent Home to conduct site evaluations. Each area was carefully inspected to ensure quality work could be accomplished within the 14 days allotted for the visit. "The sites seemed to be in decent shape and we should have ample time to complete the projects selected," said Master Sgt. Robert Chandler, 5th CES project manager. "We are eager to start these projects and ensure provide a quality product the community will appreciate for years to come." Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the U.S.' maritime strategy, which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two missions to the Southern Command area of responsibility for 2008. The first mission was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific. For more news on CP, log on to SOUTHCOM's Web site at www.southcom.mil.