1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply

19-Jun-07
Story by U.S. Army Capt. Jerord E. Wilson
CJTF-HOA19-Jun-07.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – In preparation for the increase in personnel arriving to Camp Lemonier, the 1132nd Well Drillers of the North Carolina National Guard are hard at work improving the amount of water available for camp operations.

Within the last month, the 1132nd Well Drillers received a new well drilling rig capable of drilling through the toughest rock formations in Djibouti. The unit wasted no time in learning the intricate details of the new equipment and how to place it effectively into operation. Prior to this drilling event, they conducted a test to ensure the drilling equipment is fully operational before starting any job.

“The first drill site gave us confidence in ourselves and the equipment. It allowed us the time to learn how to manage the drill site with the new equipment and work on things we can do better,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Brown.

Recently, the 1132nd received word to install an additional water well to support Camp Lemonier’s future water supply needs. The first team of well drillers began prepping the site by digging a six-foot deep hole, emplacing a drill bit casing and stabilizing the hole with concrete to prevent the walls from collapsing during drilling operations.

“Setting-up our equipment at the drill site early is key to our efficiency as a team. During these last two drill sites we are constantly learning the pros and cons of the new drilling rig. I look forward to our missions in the future that will take us deeper into the vast regions of Djibouti,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rex Hipp.

Once the main drill site preparations were complete, the new drill rig and support vehicles were placed and drilling began. In short order a well was located at a depth of 128 ft. The well is expected to provide 400 gallons of water per minute. More than enough to meet the camp needs.

According to U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Joseph Dunaway, “When we receive our additional water tanks, our water holding capacity will increase to 600,000 gallons. These numbers will enable us to increase our water management and efficiency on Camp Lemonier.”

Upon completion of the second Camp Lemonier water well, the 1132nd will have earned a short rest before beginning drilling operations for new water wells in the southern region of Djibouti. The luxury of having a well in the desert is a valuable resource to the people. The 1132nd will continue to drill water wells for the people of Djibouti anywhere they are needed.

Photo - Members of the 1132nd Engineer Team from North Carolina completes the final depth needed for the water well to ensure a useful water source. From left to right: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Brown, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Danny Hunter, and U.S. Army Sgt. Raphael Paniaqua. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Jerord E. Wilson.