ACCRA, GHANA – In a remarkable demonstration of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration and commitment to humanitarian aid, Commander David Duprey, chaplain with Task Force 61/2, visited Accra, Ghana, from July 27-30, 2024. The purpose of his visit was to observe and support the ongoing efforts of Marines from the Hershel Woody Williams (HWW) Marine Detachment (MARDET) Engineer Platoon, who have been working alongside Navy Seabees to make significant contributions to the local community and enhance the operational capabilities at Ghana’s Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).

The HWW MARDET is conducting operations in the AFRICOM area of operations to train with and build relations with partner nations. The MARDET Engineer Platoon, composed of 18 Marines, joined forces with 22 Navy Seabees, marking the second iteration of HWW MARDET working in support of Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCBs) in Ghana. This collaboration continues the legacy started by the 2023 HWW MARDET, working Navy Seabees, who played a crucial role in pouring concrete footers for a boat storage facility and renovating a local school. This year, the HWW MARDET and the NMCB Seabee detail are focused on completing a 100-foot by 100-foot concrete parking apron to serve as boat storage, constructing a new school in a local village, and executing smaller Officer in Charge Discretionary Projects (OICD) aimed at both base support and humanitarian outreach.

The construction work at this site began in August 2022 with NMCB-11, and has seen successive deployments by NMCB-1, NMCB-133, and currently, NMCB-11, who will pass the baton back to NMCB-1 in late August 2024. NMCB-1’s fall 2024 deployment is anticipated to be the last for a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion stationed in Rota, Spain, as discussions about future U.S. military presence at NAVTRAC continue without a definitive conclusion.

The Seabees and Marines have made a profound impact on both the base and the surrounding community. Their efforts extend beyond construction, as they actively engage with local schools, participate in sports days, and interact with teachers, donating school supplies and sports equipment. These actions, though secondary to their primary mission, play a crucial role in strengthening relationships between the U.S. military and the local population, fostering goodwill and mutual respect.

The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of Ghana has also formed a close bond with the U.S. personnel, engaging in construction work with them as well as and other collaborative activities, further enhancing the camaraderie between the two forces. The HWW MARDET has brought invaluable assets to these projects, including direct labor, a broad scope of crew size, diverse knowledge and skill sets, and expertise in horizontal and vertical construction. Their involvement ensures continuity as NMCB-11 transitions to NMCB-1, setting a strong example of Seabee and Marine integration that could serve as a model for future collaborations.

The deployment to Ghana has not been without its challenges long. Weather conditions, logistical hurdles, and the remote location of the construction sites have tested the resolve and adaptability of the Marines and Seabees. The distance from Accra, coupled with the need to self-batch concrete due to the inaccessibility of factory-produced materials, has necessitated innovative solutions and hours of labor. Despite these difficulties, the team has persevered, refining their processes and overcoming obstacles through teamwork and determination.

Lt. j.g. Tanner Dotson, Officer in Charge (OIC) of Command Task Element (CTE) 68.2.1.6 Detail Ghana, praised his team’s efforts, stating, “We are at the best location to execute what the Seabees do best: construction for humanitarian and military support in an austere environment. The positive effect that we have on the community and country is present as we have seen with our interactions with the Ghana Navy and school teachers every day. Additionally, having Marines from the Hershel Woody Williams to help support our mission is not a common opportunity we receive as Seabees. I believe both the Marines and Sailors have grown and gained valuable experiences that they will carry with them for the rest of their careers.”

The ongoing construction of the new school, which will provide local children with access to education for years to come, stands as a testament to the enduring impact of this deployment. The Marines, led by 1st Lt. Sheryar, the Shaikh Engineer Platoon Commander, have shown exceptional dedication and work ethic, contributing significantly to the success of the mission. “We appreciate the opportunity we have been given to showcase Navy and Marine Corps integration in its best form,” said Shaikh. “Having tangible effects to these engineering projects for the local communities and Ghanaian Navy is a mission that the Marines will remember for the rest of their lives.”

As the deployment draws to a close, the Marines and Seabees can look back with pride on their achievements. They have not only built infrastructure, but also forged lasting relationships with the local community and their Ghanaian counterparts. Their efforts have underscored the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of service that defines the U.S. military. This deployment has not only impacted the lives of those they have helped, but has also left a lasting impression on the Marines and Sailors themselves, reminding them of the value of their work and the importance of building a better future for all.