By Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command Public Affairs

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Feb. 25, 2010) – U.S. Navy Seabees have completed renovations at the Quisqueya School to enhance the school's role as a hub for aid groups and humanitarian supplies destined for Haitian earthquake survivors.

The improvement projects were part of an initiative to assist school administrators with making repairs to help facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid and supplies after the January 12^th earthquake. The Quisqueya school is being used as a staging base for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are in the country providing vital medical and humanitarian assistance for the people of Haiti.

The Seabees are from Naval Special Warfare Group TWO, Logistics and Support Unit, based in Little Creek, Va.

“We’ve assisted the school with power generation to cool medical supplies used by non-governmental organizations currently residing here, and we also helped widen the gate of the school’s compound so they can receive larger shipments of aid,” said Construction Mechanic 1^st Class Jason Pompe, a project team leader.

Seabees involved in the projects said the opportunity to apply their building expertise to improve facilities was their chance to make a difference.

“We see our contributions as a way of assisting those who are helping the people of Haiti get through this difficult time,” said Pompe. “It’s rewarding for us to be able to help good people.”  

School administrator Steve Hersey was thankful for the work of the Seabees and said the projects made a big impact on the quality of life and morale of the students, faculty, and the aid workers residing at the school.

“The work the Seabees did for us will enable our NGOs to help more people,” said Hersey. “Litterally, instead of helping a 1,000 people, we can help 10,000 people. We are extremely grateful for the hard work the military is putting in here in Haiti.”

For the Seabees, the project was a small gesture of hope for a nation that is so much in need of humanitarian aid and assistance.

“Our goal was to give them a quality product that will last well into the future,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terry Stoneking, the officer in charge of the Seabee detachment. “It’s our small way of contributing to the humanitarian mission here.”