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UMM QASR, IRAQ
An unsung force gets recognized
By Thanassis Cambanis, Globe Staff, 3/30/2003
This is the overlooked part of modern warfare, and here it's the province of the US 21st Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, known as the "Seabees." All of the 63 Seabees at the Umm Qasr port are reservists. Steven Bosak, 39, works as a mason in Bucks County, Pa. Garnet Wood, 37, is an engineer for Adelphia Cable in Buffalo. Others are engineers, electricians, and construction workers. Now, though, they're among the most popular unit at this camp, which is populated by combat soldiers and civil affairs officers, many of whom haven't seen a shower since the war started. "They couldn't live without us," Bosak said. "They know what it means when we show up: nice toilets, hot showers, lights."
This story ran on page A31 of the Boston Globe on 3/30/2003.
he evenings here are punctuated by mighty blasts, the work of ordnance-disposal teams detonating munitions seized from Iraqis. The 850 British and US soldiers barely look up from their card games. But when a truck rolled in with portable toilets recently, it drew thundering applause and catcalls.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.
