KAMPONG CHH’NANG, Kingdom of Cambodia
(Nov. 30, 2007)

Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, position lumber to build a bridge here, Nov. 27 during an engineering civic action project. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and local Gendarme are partnered with U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 31st MEU here, Nov. 26-30 to construct two bridges and a culvert that will link the villages of Sre Sa and Oloy in Kampong Chh’nang province. In addition to the RCAF, local Gendarme and the U.S. Marines and Sailors, this project will utilize engineering expertise and labor from the local population. Two large truck loads of construction materials, will be used for this week-long project.

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the embarked 31st MEU arrived in Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia, Nov. 26, for a scheduled port visit that gives Marines and Sailors the opportunity to participate in friendship-building community relations events, medical and dental projects and professional exchanges. These friendship-building events have been conducted with the cooperation of the RCAF and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The visit also provides Sailors and Marines the opportunity to meet local citizens and experience the customs and traditions of the Cambodian people.

Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jason Spinella

Full Story

31st MEU Bridges Friendship

Submitted by: 31st MEU
Story Identification #: 20071130203953
By Lance Cpl. Jason Spinella, 31st MEU

KAMPONG CHH’NANG, Kingdom of Cambodia (Nov. 30, 2007) -- Villagers of the Kampong Chh’nang province watched as helicopters from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, flew in to unload supplies for an engineering civic action project here, Nov 26-30.

To cultivate long lasting friendships with the Cambodian people, Marines and Sailors of the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG), arrived with construction materials to build two bridges and a drainage culvert to connect two nearby villages.

Materials for the construction project were purchased from local communities and when complete the bridges will allow better access for commuters to each city increasing communications.

A translator from the Cambodian Rights and Justice Protection Organization assisted with communication between U.S. servicemembers, local community, authorities and community leaders.

Sotham Vun, a local translator said, “The people are very happy and impressed by the presence of the Marines and Sailors and are grateful for the construction of the bridge and drainage culvert.”

Vun added that local leaders are excited that future communications and commerce between communities will increase and road conditions are improving.

“They have wanted something like this for a long time and are extremely grateful for the hard work and hope this is not the last time they will see Marines and Sailors in their community,” Vun said.

Lance Cpl. Brandon Tate, a generator mechanic with the Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, said the Cambodian’s were very amiable and he appreciated their kindness.

“While we were digging out the trench to put the culvert in place, some of the villagers grabbed shovels and started helping.” said Tate, a Louisville Ken., native.

Sergeant John Griffin, an embarking specialist with the 31st MEU, said he volunteered his time because he takes pleasure in meeting new people and saw this project as a chance to discover the Cambodian culture first hand.

“I really enjoy projects like this because I get an opportunity to interact with the Cambodian people and to learn about their culture,” said Griffin, a Chino Valley, Ariz., native.

First Lieutenant Mac Steele, the Combat Engineer Platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 31st MEU, echoed Griffin.

“I’m excited to be here because this is definitely a great opportunity to build on a long term friendship with the Cambodian people.” Steele added, “I hope this exercise serves as a stepping stone for future interaction.”

The project built a lasting bridge between the villagers of the Kampong Chh’nang community and U.S. service members allowing for better understanding of our two cultures and building a foundation of common goals and understanding.