Post-super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, educational facilities across Saipan, from elementary schools to colleges, were forced to postpone their academic years or close completely due to extensive storm damage. Northern Marianas College (NMC), the islands’ top higher-education institution, suffered significant structural damage from Typhoon Sinlaku. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MONIQUE FREEMON
USACE Constructs Typhoon-Resistant Classrooms in Northern Mariana Islands
Disaster Recovery Scope: Constructing 18 modular classrooms and two restroom facilities at Northern Marianas College (NMC) following Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.
High-Wind Engineering: Structures are designed to withstand 185-mph wind loads, exceeding the 180-mph sustained winds recorded during recent super typhoons.
Marine Environment Protection: Framework constructed from galvanized tubular steel with specialized anti-corrosion coatings to prevent saltwater rust degradation.
Climate-Controlled Systems: HVAC systems maintain 70-75°F and 50% relative humidity inside, counteracting external tropical averages of 70-90°F and 80% humidity.
Interagency Execution: Deployed under a USACE critical infrastructure mission partnership alongside FEMA and local CNMI agencies.
Editor’s Note: The following is an official operational update from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, curated by America’s Engineers for commercial contractor and industry visibility. The original report can be found at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers news repository.
In the aftermath of Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are continuing their road to recovery. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and other local and federal agencies to restore life-essential functions across the CNMI.
Educational facilities across Saipan, from elementary schools to colleges, were forced to postpone their academic years or close completely due to extensive storm damage. Northern Marianas College, the islands’ premier higher-education institution, suffered significant structural damage from Typhoon Sinlaku.
In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are continuing their road to recovery. Educational facilities across Saipan, from elementary schools to colleges, were forced to postpone their academic years or close completely due to extensive storm damage. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MONIQUE FREEMON
The college cut its spring semester short and postponed the May graduation ceremony following the storm’s devastation. According to NMC’s website, summer semester classes resumed July 13.
To support the institution’s recovery and ensure educational continuity, USACE is constructing 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms for NMC.
“It has been a wonderful project to work on for the people of CNMI,” said Capt. Wesley Beck, a critical infrastructure mission commander deployed from the USACE San Francisco District. “It is critical for the future of CNMI since it is the highest level of education on the island.”
Joe Fentress, Recovery Field Office Safety Manager, Sinlaku Recovery Mission in Saipan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); and Thomas Hanby, Construction Representative, Northern Marians College (NMC) and Koblerville Elementary School, USACE both oversee the contractors work at Northern Marianans College in Saipan, Commonwealth Northern Marianas College to ensure: design criteria is followed, general safety requirements are adhere to based on USACE’s safety regulations, workers are focus on minimizing heat related injuries and being proactive in removing hazards involved with working with heavy equipment, July 18, 2026. Hanby comes from the USACE San Francisco District and Fentress is from the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, Ala. NMC, the islands’ top higher-education institution, suffered significant structural damage from Typhoon Sinlaku. To support the institution’s recovery and ensure educational continuity, USACE and its contractors are constructing 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MONIQUE FREEMON
Based on engineering lessons learned from temporary structures USACE erected in 2018 after Typhoon Yutu caused similar devastation, the new buildings’ design has been heavily modified to withstand the region’s harsh tropical climate. Each building can accommodate up to 30 students.
Northern Marianas College (NMC), the islands’ top higher-education institution, suffered significant structural damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. To support the institution’s recovery and ensure educational continuity, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its contractors are constructing 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms. Currently, contractors are drilling into the foundation to place mounting bolts for the 18 modular units arriving this week, July 18, 2026. This process is for anchoring the units to the foundation. Because NMC is the primary higher-education institution on the island, completing the classrooms on a significantly accelerated timeline is a top priority for USACE. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MONIQUE FREEMON
The climate-controlled design ensures the classrooms remain between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain 50% humidity, creating a comfortable and dry learning environment. With outside temperatures averaging between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit alongside 80% humidity, the new classrooms provide vital resilience against the tropical weather.
Because NMC is the primary higher-education institution on the island, completing the classrooms on a significantly accelerated timeline is a top priority for USACE.
“The people we have been working with have been fantastic and have a strong willingness to work with us,” Beck said.
Post-Super Typhoon Sinlaku, residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are continuing their road to recovery. Northern Marianas College, the islands’ top higher-education institution, suffered significant structural damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. To support the institution’s recovery and ensure educational continuity, USACE and its contractors are constructing 18 modular classrooms and two restrooms. Currently, the contractors are excavating by hand to prepare for concreate pads for the arrival of the mobile units, July 18, 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facilities is projected for late fall. U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY MONIQUE FREEMON
The upgraded classrooms will also feature new lighting and removable sunshades to protect students from the intense sun.
Because the CNMI is surrounded by saltwater, design criteria require the classrooms’ framework to be constructed from galvanized tubular steel treated with a protective anti-corrosion coating. This specialized engineering prevents rust and significantly extends the lifespan of the structures.
Super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi brought sustained winds of 130 mph and 180 mph, respectively. To prepare for future severe weather events, USACE designed the new modular structures to withstand 185 mph winds, ensuring they can resist the strength of another super typhoon.
“Our work will have a lasting effect on the genuinely wonderful people on the island,” Beck said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facilities is projected for late fall.
“I’m proud to have played a small part helping CMNI students get back to school and back to normal,” said Louie Munoz, a USACE critical infrastructure mission manager.
For more information on USACE post-typhoon recovery and relief operations, visit the Sinlaku Response webpage.
This article was originally published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the title, “USACE Aids Northern Mariana Islands Recovery with Climate-Resilient Classrooms Following Super Typhoons.” Reposted with permission.
