211215-N-IM374-1071

211215-N-IM374-1071 Manus Island, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Dec. 15, 2021) Builder 2nd Class Bethann Crotchett (left) and Steelworker 2nd Class Mitchell Schutt, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, ensure formwork for the pad is level prior to placing plywood sheathing in preparation for a concrete placement at the dental facility on Lombrum Naval Base, Manus Island, Papua New Guinea Dec. 15. The Seabees are deployed to PNG—at the request of the PNG Defence Force—to work with the PNG Defence Force and Australian Defence Force on infrastructure improvements. The U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to NMCB-5 are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening their alliances and partnerships, and providing general engineering and civil support to joint operational forces. (U.S. Navy photo by UTCN Utilitiesman Constructionman Hunt Amanda)