National Guard led IRT multiservice mission comprised of active duty, reserve, and National Guard members from Army, Navy and Air Force components focusing on deployment and real-world readiness training prepare for wartime missions in a joint-service environment while simultaneously provide free civil engineering services to the Navajo communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. (Tech. Sgt. Wolfram M. Stumpf/Air National Guard photo)

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) A Navy battalion is wrapping up its second summer of volunteering to build housing on the Navajo Nation for those who otherwise could not afford it.

The Gallup Independent reports the Navy New Mexico Construction Battalion 22, or the Seabees, partnered with the Southwest Indian Foundation and the Navajo Housing Authority to construct modular homes on the reservation. Qualifying individuals pay only the monthly utility bills for the homes.

Navy officials said the Seabees also benefit from the program by receiving additional training and learning construction trades that can translate into valuable skills after deployment.

The Navy began working with the foundation two years ago after they were handed the opportunity by the Air Force.

The program has built 261 homes on the Navajo Nation over the last 20 years.

For more information, visit gallupindependent.com.

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