Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), and Rear Admiral (select) Troy “Mike” Shoemaker, Executive Assistant to the Commander. Also accompanying the admirals were Mrs. Donna Willard and several members of the Admiral’s staff.
Though this was Adm. Willard’s second visit to Palau, it was the first time he was able to visit the Civic Action Team. He and his party were delighted to observe first-hand the importance of CAT mission to Palau. After meeting with representatives from the Republic of Palau President’s and Vice President’s offices, Adm. Willard and his party joined the team for a tour of CAT projects.
The first stop was the Melekeok bathroom facility, a building constructed by CAT 133-24 to provide restroom and shower facilities for a public beach in Melekeok State. Adm. Willard’s enthusiasm for the team’s efforts was obvious to Builder Second Class Jason Katzenberger. According to Katzenberger, “It was cool to give a tour to a four-star who was so interested in Seabees and the Civic Action Team.”
The next stop of the tour was a Solar Pasteurization Unit installed by CAT 08-04. This project provides clean drinking water for children attending the Melekeok Head Start and Elementary Schools. The final stop was a Police & Fire Substation constructed by previous Civic Action Teams that will serve as a model for the new substation the CAT plans to construct on the opposite side of the island of Babeldaob.
At the end of the tour everyone returned for lunch on Camp Katuu, home of CAT 133-24. After enjoying a satisfying meal of tuna melts and giant oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies, Adm. Willard addressed the team. He reiterated the value of the Civic Action Team in Palau, and of Seabees in general. Adm.Willard stated, “Seabees do so much around the world……the missions Seabees undertake are of great importance.” Adm. Willard’s support for the CAT buoyed the spirits of the team, and reinforced the Seabees’ determination to build on everything they have accomplished thus far in Palau.
Before departing, Adm. Willard recognized each member of the team individually with a PACFLT coin, a gift they will appreciate long after they return home to Mississippi. In return, the team presented Adm. Willard with an official CAT 133-24 team t-shirt and NMCB 133 command coin. After a brief tour of Camp Katuu, the official party left for the airport and continued their travels in the West Pacific.
Though the visit by Adm. Willard and company was brief, the Seabees of CAT 133-24 were thrilled to host such a distinguished group. The opportunity for the Runnin’ Roos to speak directly to such exceptional visitors is very rare, and as a result, is a day they will not soon forget.
