Capt. Jeff Borowy, chief of staff, 1st Naval Construction Division (1NCD) (right), Capt. Darius Banaji, commander, 25th/22nd NCR, and 25th/22nd NCR Command Master Chief Mark Kraninger case the 25th NCR command colors during an historic realignment ceremony on board Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss. During the ceremony the 25th NCR and 20th Seabee Readiness Group (SRG) combined to make a new organization, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 2. The 22nd NCR was also aligned within NCG 2, and assumed the roles and responsibilities of the 25th NCR. NCG 2 will continue the mission formerly performed by 20th SRG.

The 25^th Naval Construction Regiment (25 NCR) was decommissioned, and the 20^th Seabee Readiness Group (20 SRG) was renamed Naval Construction Group 2 (NCG 2) in a historic ceremony, Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss.

The ceremony marks significant changes to the command structure at the Gulfport Seabee base, but not to the mission. NCG 2 will continue the mission currently performed by 20 SRG, providing Seabee units the highest possible state of readiness to deliver engineering support to the Navy, Marine Corps and other forces in military operations; construct and maintain base facilities; repair battle-damaged facilities; conduct defensive operations as required; and meet disaster preparedness and recovery missions.

“This is the natural organizational progression following 10-plus years of combat, associated forces structure changes,” said Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division (1NCD). “With a future focus, I am confident that the improved integration at the Type Commander-level will improve our alignment within the Navy, and we will be better positioned to support our forces.”

Within NCG 2 is the 22^nd Naval Construction Regiment (22 NCR), which Handley said is a fully deployable Battle Staff  and command element capable of providing command and control of expeditionary engineer forces in support of Navy Component Commanders, Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, other joint task forces and expeditionary forces across the full range of military operations.

Part of the ceremony included two changes of command, with Capt. Stephen Revelas assuming command of 22 NCR from Capt. Darius Banaji; and Banaji assuming command of 20 SRG from Capt. Frederick Burgess. 20 SRG was renamed NCG 2 following the official change of command. Burgess remains the commanding officer of NCBC Gulfport.

25 NCR was reactivated Sept. 14, 2007. The “Overlord” regiment’s Sailors and civilian staff supported Operation Enduring Freedom, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, as Task Force Overlord during deployments in 2009 and 2011.  During these two deployments, the regiment served as the command and control element for 19 joint service battalions and units, comprised of more than 9,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Task Force Overlord was vital to the engineering mission in Afghanistan, repairing roads, finding and destroying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and supporting NATO’s key Freedom of Movement mission.

The 25th NCR provided direct support to 4th Fleet, 5th Fleet and Combined Task Force 56’s strategic objectives by shaping, planning and developing Seabee deployments across these regions.

The regiment also directly impacted the local community in Gulfport, and at other installations around the country, through its coordination of the Construction Training Exercise (CTX) program, which supported facility improvements on military bases nationwide.  The 25^th NCR also provided vital operational logistics support for Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 and Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 during relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake, Jan. 12, 2010.

Capt. Rick Burgess (left), commander, Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Capt. Darius Banaji, commander, 20th Seabee Readiness Group (SRG), and 20th SRG Command Master Chief Duane Sharp unfurl the Naval Construction Group (NCG) 2 command colors during an historic realignment ceremony held at the Training Hall on board NCBC Gulfport.

Capt. Rick Burgess (left), commander, Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport and commander, 20th Seabee Readiness Group (SRG), transfers the 20th SRG command colors to Capt. Darius Banaji, prospective commander, on board NCBC Gulfport, Miss.

Commander, the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) Capt. Darius Banaji (left), transfers the 22nd NCR command colors to Capt. Stephen Revelas, prospective commander, 22nd NCR on board NCBC Gulfport, Miss.

Seabees assigned to NMCB 5 shoot from the standing position during a rifle qualification test on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 6. NMCB 5 is currently supporting Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM).  Photos by MC1 John P. Curtis

BU3 Briana Craig shoots from the kneeling position during NMCB 5’s rifle qualification range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan.

NMCB 5 Seabees begin placing the expanded polystyrene walls together on an alternative building structure being built on Camp Marvin G. Shields, Okinawa. May 7.  The structure is made out of expanded polystyrene blocks and a layer of concrete mix.  After the concrete mix is applied to the interior and exterior of the building, it is rated as being able to withstand hurricane winds and earthquakes. The structure was built in five days, while Seabees trained in preparation for NMCB 5 construction projects in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 

SW3 Dustin Starman, NMCB 5, glues together the expanded polystyrene blocks on an alternative building structure on a Camp Shields construction project in Okinawa.

BU3 Brittany Barlow, NMCB 5, places corner beads in the expanded polystyrene block, that comprise the framing of an alternative building structure, to ensure smooth corners after a concrete mix is applied to the structure, Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, May 8.  Seabees built the structure in five days, while training in preparation for NMCB 5 construction projects in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.  

SW3 Dustin Starman watches as CE2 Dean Cuenca cuts an area out of the expanded polystyrene block wall with a hotwire groover, to place an electric box in for an alternative building structure on Camp Shields. 

BUCN Kelvin Chen, NMCB 5 directs Seabees on where to place the lightweight water purification system, while the battalion conducted block training evolutions to increase combat proficiency and test equipment used during field operations. 

Seabees assigned to NMCB 5 assemble a shower tent on Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan. 

BU3 Ethan Knapp, NMCB 5, demonstrates the correct way to scrub a vehicle during decontamination, in the event of a chemical, biological or radiological attack. 

BUCN Justin Lutzke (left) and  BU3 Jose Valdez, NMCB 5, use trowels to level the wet concrete on the fascia of the roof’s edge on an alternative building structure. 

ET1 Elliott Burton (center) teaches Seabees how to set up and use a personal radio configuration and satellite communication antenna, Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, May 9. 

YN3 Leonardo Ramirez, NMCB 5, tests the just-installed sinks in a portable shower tent on Camp Shields.

SW3 Daniel Buskeness, NMCB 5, uses a trowel to level the wet concrete walls of an alternative building structure on Camp Shields.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake, Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, thanks the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 for their work in constructing the new San Pascual footbridge in San Narciso municipality, Zambales, Philippines. Photo by MC1 Chris Fahey

SAN PASCUAL FOOTBRIDGE

After two weeks of non-stop construction in the Philippine heat, the combined team of U.S. Navy and Philippine Seabees officially deemed the new San Pascual footbridge open to the community.

At the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock, U.S. Exercise Deputy Director Balikatan 2013 and guest speaker, said the new footbridge is symbolic of the Balikatan mission.

“The people of the U.S. and the Philippines are a lot alike. We all hope for a better future and happiness in our communities,” said Simcock. “Our two countries’ soldiers have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to help give something back to the community for letting us train in your country. This footbridge is a way to show we care.”

The new 66-meter footbridge spans a small valley that is impassable during the rainy season. During these months, farmers would either have to risk floating their crops across the flooded valley on a makeshift bamboo raft, pieced together with materials found nearby, or walk several miles out of their way to get to the village’s market center.

“When we tried to cross the old river, we would often lose things,” said Jessica Vilanueva through an interpreter.  “During the rainy season, the river would flood and rise really high. We would have to walk several kilometers down the river to find a safe place to cross.”

The new footbridge stands roughly four meters above the valley. Strung up with a heavy steel suspension wire and encaged in chain-link fence, ensuring that villagers could cross the bridge safely. On either side, the bridge’s spans are anchored in cement atop three interconnected pillars.

The addition of the new bridge combined with a surge of barangay-wide support and sense of accomplishment turned the construction into a rare community-driven lesson on friendship.

“For some years now, more than we can count, the province of Zambales has been very supportive of the Philippine-American relationship,” said Philippine Navy Rear Adm. Jose Miguel Rodriguez. “The new footbridge will allow safe passage for children to school, farmers to market and for families to see each other. It will stand as an enduring symbol of the friendship shared between the U.S. and Philippines…a friendship the people of San Pascual support and if not for them, this amazing footbridge could have never been built.”

U.S. Exercise Deputy Director Balikatan 2013 Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock thanks the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 for their work in constructing the new San Pascual footbridge in San Narciso municipality, Zambales, Philippines Photo by MC1 Chris Fahey

RABANES, LAWIN SCHOOLHOUSES

A combined team of Seabees and Philippine and U.S. Marines packed up their tools and welcomed children from the San Marcelino Municipality into their new schoolhouses following back-to-back ribbon cutting ceremonies, Zambales, Philippines.

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 and Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, along with members of the Philippine Army’s 548th Engineer Construction Battalion, comprised the crew that completed the Lawin school project. The Rabanes school was renovated by a team of engineers from the U.S. Marine Corps’ 9th Engineer Support Battalion and Philippine Seabees from the Naval Construction Brigade.

The Lawin schoolhouse is a new two-classroom prefabricated building specifically designed to withstand the heavy Philippine rainy season. Although not built from scratch, the Rabanes schoolhouse received extensive renovations to the foundation, walls, roof, support frames, electrical wiring and plumbing, as well as a brand-new concrete floor. Both locations received substantial drainage renovations to ensure the new and renovated buildings would better withstand any potential flooding.

School district supervisor  Virgina Fulgueras said the work performed on the district’s behalf will never be forgotten.

“If you want to be remembered for a year, plant rice. If you want to be remembered for 10 years, plant a tree. If you want to be remembered forever, build a school,” said Fulgueras. “What you’ve done in one month will live forever in our children. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

The U.S.-Philippines relationship dates back to the early 1900s, when educators known as the Thomasites visited the Philippines to help provide the island residents with basic education. Since then, education stands as a lasting legacy passed down from family member to family member, similar to an heirloom.

“The skills we gain from these projects will help us respond to any sort of natural disaster or other contingency,” said Rear Adm. Paula Brown, deputy commander, 1^st Naval Construction Division (1NCD). “Our U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers shared different construction techniques, exposing each to new methods and building technical skills to tackle future engineering challenges.”

Both projects were among seven other engineering civic actions (ENCAP) projects completed in support of Exercise Balikatan 2013.

Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk (pictured above, center) visited the Engineering Duty Officer School, the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE) and the Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) during his time on Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Port Hueneme, Calif.

Capt. Thomas Brovarone, commanding officer, EDO, and Capt. Kevin Brown, commanding officer, CSFE, welcomed Van Buskirk, and provided him an overview of the history and missions of their respective Learning Centers.

“We had a great brief and tour with Vice Adm. Van Buskirk at both CSFE and NCTC Port Hueneme,” Brown said. “He took an active interest with our staff and students on how we meet our training mission.   He is very supportive of our efforts to maintain a high quality of training and he was very forthcoming with the current and future budgetary challenges we have.”

Van Buskirk, accompanied by Capt. Larry Vasquez, commanding officer, NBVC, and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, met with staff members of both organizations.  Cmdr. Scott Loeschke, commanding officer, NCTC, escorted Van Buskirk on a tour of the Construction Mechanic, Builder, Utilitiesman and Steelworker training facilities. Course directors spent time engaging Van Buskirk and providing descriptions of the training process and equipment.

When asked by Van Buskirk what impact the civil service furloughs will have on Seabee training, Loeschke replied, “We’ll work through it, but it will certainly impact us.  The big challenge is in piloting new courses.  We will shift our experts’ schedules to make them available to meet Fleet requirements.”

During his tour of the Construction Mechanic laboratory, Van Buskirk asked Construction Mechanic 1^st Class Chris Shaw how realistic the training equipment is.

“These are real engines.  The idea is that if students touch every type of equipment we own in the Fleet, they will have a baseline knowledge to be able to work on the engines in all of our vehicles when they leave here,” Shaw explained.

Fleet Master Chief April Beldo actively engaged NCTC instructors throughout the tour asking them about their responsibilities, assignments and goals.

“The opportunity to see our Seabees producing and preparing for their mission is overwhelming,” Beldo said. “It just makes me want to start my career all over again!”

Vasquez added, “It’s great for leadership to come and see the professionalism and dedication of the Seabees.  It’s very important to understand the skills and knowledge Seabees bring to the fight.  They are at the forefront of Phase Zero Operations around the world.  We just can’t get enough Seabees.”

CSFE is one of four Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Learning Centers designated for the development, maintenance and delivery of course curriculum for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).  CSFE manages training materials for the Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) and Seabees, and serves as headquarters for five subordinate Learning Sites responsible for providing technical and professional training for CEC Officers and Seabees. Seabees train jointly with Army and Air Force members during “A” School for Builders, Construction Electricians, Construction Mechanics, Engineering Aides, Equipment Operators and Utilitiesmen in accordance with an Interservice Training Requirements Organization (ITRO) agreement.  NCTC Port Hueneme hosts the Air Force for Construction Mechanic training.

For more information on the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering, visit the CSFE website: https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csfe/.

Soldiers from U.S. Army 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment play the role of evacuees, while Seabees from NMCB 4 conduct processing during a non-combatant evacuation exercise at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany. Photos by MC1 Charles Panter

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 participated in a Non-Combatant Evacuation exercise with U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1BT-4INF RGT) at the U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, in late April.

NMCB 4 operated the Evacuation Control Center (ECC) in a simulated hostile environment, while 1BT-4INF RGT companies provided security and played the part of non-combatants being processed through the center.

The ECC is a mobile operations center that conducts processing, screening and selected logistics functions associated with emergency evacuation of non-combatants.

“Training was beneficial for both parties,” said Lt. Henry Pollock, ECC officer-in-charge, NMCB 4. “It helped us to hone our operating procedures outside of our normal training, and introduced our Army counterparts to emergency evacuations.”

The exercise was a first for 1BT-4INF RGT Soldiers, and they looked to the Seabees as the subject matter experts during the exercise.

“The Army was very hospitable and I enjoyed my time here,” said Pollock. “I hope we can participate in more operations or exercises with them.”

Soldiers from U.S. Army 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment and NMCB 4 Seabees ride to a training site during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany.

MA1 Shannon Bragg and PS3 Shea Mitchell, NMCB 4, process Soldiers during a non-combatant evacuation exercise at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany. 

Seabees from NMCB 4 process U.S. Army Soldiers as evacuees during a non-combatant evacuation exercise at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area. 

The Evacuation Control Center team from NMCB 4 and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron pose for a photo at the conclusion of a non-combatant evacuation exercise at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany. 

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) awarded the 2012 Moreell Medal to Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Lt. Cmdr. Ryan P. Carey, operations officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11.

In a message from Commander Naval Facilities Engineering Command (COMNAVFACENGCOM), Rear Adm. Katherine L. Gregory praised the Williamsburg, Va., native for “inspirational leadership and unsurpassed professional expertise as he led engineering operations across the entire country of Afghanistan.”

Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commanding officer, NMCB 11, had the following to say of Carey.  “Unquestionably, his superb leadership in combat coupled with understanding of NCF and MC/Joint Doctrine were absolutely critical to NMCB 11′s support of the Marine Corps, Army and Special Forces throughout Afghanistan.”

Carey earned his commission in September 2000 after attending Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla. He earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland.

His duty stations included Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, Calif.; NMCB 1 in Gulfport, Miss.; 8^th Engineer Support Battalion, MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Marianas, Guam; and his current assignment, NMCB 11,  Gulfport, Miss.

Carey’s deployments include Guam, the Philippines, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Moreell Medal is named for Adm. Ben Moreell who, as the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Chief of Civil Engineers of the Navy, was granted permission in 1941 to form Naval Construction Battalions, thus earning the distinction of being called the father of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

When the alarm goes off in the morning, and your brain’s cells begin to stir, a myriad of possible “first thoughts” might pop into your head.

“The minivan needs gas for the morning car pool.” “Should I forgive my husband for the fight we had last night?” “Don’t forget to get something for Father’s Day.” “I wonder if Junior will pass his Calculus exam.”

None of these early morning contemplations can accurately predict the course of the rest of your day, but there is one particular “first thought” that is a definite Red Flag. If you wake up in the morning, and think, “I need a nap,” you can bet your overpriced wrinkle cream that the rest of your day is pretty much gonna blow.

I know this, because that is exactly what I’ve been thinking lately. I’ve been dragging my weary bones out of bed all week, when all I want to do is crawl back under the covers and hide from the inevitable calamity of my unmanageable schedule.

Is it the exams, events and final grade panic of the end of the school year that’s got me wanting to stay in bed? Well, not quite. Is it my son’s Eagle Scout Ceremony, which we insanely decided to host at our house this weekend for over 50 people? Well, not exactly. Is it the fact that my husband is being wined and dined all week while on a work trip in South America while I am left driving this runaway train? Well, yes, but not entirely.

Or could it be that we are moving to Rhode Island in less than a month, and we’re nowhere near ready? Well, yeah, maybe. Or is it the fact that I am frantically scribbling this column on a legal pad at Starbucks, because I just killed my laptop when I knocked my coffee onto the keyboard 12 minutes ago, and fear that I might have to use my thumbs to tap this thing into my Smartphone to get it to the editors? Hell yes, truth be told.

But it’s not any one thing that has me dreaming of naps. It’s the totality of my circumstances as a middle-aged Navy wife and mother of three teens.

Recently, I was lamenting to my neighbor, a 25-year Navy wife with two grown boys, when she validated my malaise. “Yea, I remember when the boys were in high school,” she said, “and I told my husband one day, ‘I’m exhausted.’ He told me to go take a nap, and I told him, ‘No, I mean, I’m globally tired after 18 years of raising kids. Thirty minutes of shut eye ain’t gonna cut it.’”

Ironically, now that her boys have flown the coop and she’s an empty nester, she’s napping more than ever, just because she can.

The rest of us middle-aged moms must keep slogging along, waiting for the day when our schedules ease up enough that we can enjoy the luxury of a delicious afternoon nap. In the meantime, we can take comfort in the [slightly modified] immortal words of poet Emma Lazarus, thoughtfully inscribed on the base of our Statue of Liberty:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your befuddled housewives yearning to break free,
With wretched refuse in their teeming heads.
Send these, the napless, tempest-tost to me,
And I’ll tuck them all into their comfy beds!”

www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com

Read the original account here.

APRIL 2013

NMCB 40 All Eras | Newport, RI
Ed Holston | 856-358-0916 |NMCBFighting40@aol.com

MAY 2013

MAY 2-4 | 46th NCB Reunion (All WWII Seabees) | Eureka Springs, AR
Alice and Jerry Chealier | 281-728-3324 |aliceandjerry@embarqmail.com

MAY 6-11 | NNPU/PM-3A (Antarctica) | Port Hueneme, CA
Charlie Del Hierro | 805-483-4060 |cbsrchief@verizon.net

MAY 9-11 | All Seabee Reunion (NSVA Island X-1) | Gulfport, MS
Richard Brown | 601-938-6488
Robert Smith | 228-424-1185 | smithrp@cableone.net

MAY 9-11 | NMCB 62 & PWD Edzell, Scotland (in conjunction with All Seabee Reunion, NSVA Island X-1) | Gulfport, MS
Norm Hahn | 715-834-4780 | normhahnjr@yahoo.com | www.nmcb62alumni.org

MAY 23-26 | 56th NCB Reunion (All WWII Seabees) | Fort Worth, TX
Bill Rosevally | 985-867-8198 |billrosevally@aol.com
Jim Brunick | 817-300-5631 |Jim.brunick@reagan.com

For additional lists of reunions, visit the Seabee Historical Foundation.

A group from Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) walk across the new Tapuac footbridge, following a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted to officially open the footbridge to the local barangay, Zambales, Philippines, April 17. The project was one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) completed by CJCMOTF units during Exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise during which humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. Photo by MC1 Chris Fahey

Photos by MC2(SCW/SW/AW) Jonathan Pankau

Seaman Martins Anozie (right) takes cover behind a road block as CM2(SW) Andrew Acuña (center) mans a 240B machine gun as Master-at-arms 1^st  Class(EXW) Michael Turner observes at the entry control point at the PHIBCB 2 FEX Iron Gator 2013, Fort A.P. Hill, Va. PHIBCB 2 billets surface primary rates as well as the standard Seabee rates, and everyone from Boatswain’s Mates to Equipment Operators participate in the exercise. 

Seabees attached to PHIBCB 2 stand watch at the entry control point at FEX Iron Gator 2013, Fort A.P. Hill, VA. Entry control points are manned by armed personnel to secure entry into the main camp.

An aerial view of PHIBCB 2’s tent camp at FEX Iron Gator 2013, Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The tent camp is divided into separate sections and is built up by camp support personnel while operations are conducted.

HM2 Joshua Johnson, a Seabee attached to PHIBCB 2, carries a simulated casualty to a MH-60S Sea Hawk crewed by Helicopter Squadron Combat 22 Sea Knights during FEX Iron Gator 2013, Fort A.P. Hill, Va.

Seabees attached to PHIBCB 2 challenge simulated insurgents approaching the entry control point at FEX Iron Gator 2013, Fort A.P. Hill, Va. PHIBCB2 Seabees participating in “Red Cell” missions wear local garb of current real world insurgents to increase training realism.

EO1(SCW/DV) Leroy Schnathorst, UCT 2, pumps concrete into framework during pile restoration work at Hotel Pier on Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Hawaii. Photo by CMC Elisia Correa

Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2’s Construction Diving Detachment Alfa (CDD/A), from Port Hueneme, Calif., completed repairs to preserve 30 piles on Hotel Pier, located aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Hawaii.

The efforts conducted by the Seabee divers of UCT 2 consisted of inspection, cleaning and repair of the 30 piles, in accordance with design specifications. UCT 2 has a long history with JBPHH’s Hotel Pier. It is a common stop during deployments across the Pacific.

With time-sensitive deployment stops ahead, CDD/A had six weeks to complete their 30-pile workload. “UCT 2 has made multiple repairs to this pier over the course of the last few years,” said Chief Equipment Operator James Igoe.  “But never has a detachment completed this many pilings in such a short timeframe. We set the new record!”

Project challenges included delays due to ship traffic, refueling requirements of equipment on the pier and wave action from daily ferry traffic taking groups to and from the nearby USS Arizona Memorial.

Equipment Operator 1^st Class Leroy Schnathorst stated the constant wave action was especially memorable while working on floating pontoons. “Drilling holes for the J-Box installation while the waves were coming in from the ferry going to and from the Arizona Memorial really took you for a ride under the pier.”

Fulfilling the mission of supporting fleet and Marine forces in the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility, UCT 2’s maintenance of Hotel Pier is the first stop on a six-month deployment. For the Seabee divers of UCT 2, it was just another day at the office.

A local villager watches NMCB 4 Seabees work on a maternity ward, Kontali, Djibouti. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Caleb Pierce

With few medical assets located in the southwest region of Djibouti, the nearest hospital for the village of Kontali is about a 30-minute drive to Dikhil. Otherwise, for women in labor or the infirm it’s often a journey made on foot.

Thanks to the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, deployed from Port Hueneme, Calif., in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), a maternity ward is being built that bridges the gap and helps strengthen Djiboutian institutional capabilities.

“In emergencies, I can take a taxi or ambulance to get to the hospital in Dikhil, but if there is a hospital across the road I can go there,” said Aeesha Hussein, a 30-year-old Kontali village woman and mother. “I can have a baby here; there is nothing better than this.”

Once construction is complete, the 8-building facility will house a maternity ward, patient rooms, nursery, cooking area, bathrooms, two buildings for water storage and an incinerator to burn medical waste.

“The buildings will be self-sustaining,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Vincent Decaro, NMCB 4 crew leader.

“They’ll have running water, a food-preparation area and solar power panels.”

The energy harvested by the solar panels will power all eight facilities. Additionally, the concrete buildings are engineered to withstand heavy winds and seismic activity from several active volcanoes in the region.

“We’re also building relationships with the local community and we are engaging with the government, local villagers and the Djiboutian army in the area,” said Ens. James Kwasny, officer in charge of Detail Kontali.

Mohamed Houmed, the Kontali village chief, gave his thanks to the U.S. Navy for the ongoing construction of the maternity ward.

“Thank you for coming here,” said Houmed. “Having a clinic in the region is a better thing and we think this is going to help our people in the future. This is going to help us a lot.”

Previous Seabee units have worked on the project, from conducting military-to-military engagements with the Djiboutian army and civil engagements with the villagers to pouring concrete and teaching stuccoing techniques.

“They are really good at stuccoing,” said Kwasny, about the villagers. Before NMCB 4 redeploys this summer, four of the eight buildings are scheduled to be 100-percent complete.

“To come here and help people is a great opportunity for the Seabees,” he said. “That’s why you see the smiles on a lot of their faces; it’s because they are doing something they really enjoy.”

You’ve worked hard for your career as a Sailor. Only one-third of 17 to 24 year olds in the United States are even eligible for Navy service, and even fewer are capable of enduring the physical and emotional challenges of being a Sailor. From boot camp to advancement exams, job training and deployments, you have met these challenges with hard work, sacrifice and dedication.

Making responsible drinking choices is an extension of that dedication. Just one bad decision while drinking alcohol can jeopardize everything you’ve earned. Sailors involved in alcohol incidents face serious consequences, including:

• Loss of rate or pay
• Separation from the Navy
• Civilian consequences, such as fines and jail time

Irresponsible drinking not only threatens your health and career, it threatens the Navy’s ability to be mission-ready. 

SIGNS THAT YOU MAY BE DRINKING TOO MUCH:

• Not having control over the amount of alcohol you consume
• Alcohol negatively affecting your work and/or relationships with others
• Poor judgment and risk-taking
• Confused thinking
• Difficulty remembering details or events
• Slow reaction time and reflexes
• Distorted vision and blackouts
• Angry and/or depressed mood

Download:

KWYE_Posters_v4_lowres 5

KWYE_Factsheet_v12_Sailor_5

After submitting his application for U.S. citizenship and completing the required exam, Equipment Operator Constructionman Recruit Jiang Liu had been waiting for months for the official notification that he was ready to take the oath of allegiance and become a U.S. citizen. When the call finally came on March 21, it came with a very special surprise – an invitation to the White House to receive the oath and meet the President.

A member of Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., Liu was one of 28 people from 26 countries invited to take part in the naturalization ceremony March 25 at the White House. He was one of 13 active duty service members participating.

“At first I was nervous. Then I was excited,” Liu said.

Born in China, Liu immigrated to the U.S. six years ago with his parents, who now live in San Francisco. When he called them to tell them of the White House invitation, “They were very happy and proud of me,” he said.

His road to citizenship began when he enlisted in the Navy. He was given the choice of various specialties, but “equipment operator was the most interesting for me, so I joined the Seabees,” he said. He completed “A” School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and was assigned to CBMU 202, where he has worked the past six months.

Fellow Seabees supported Liu’s quest for U.S. citizenship by helping him study topics such as language, U.S. history and government, and to prepare for his exam after working hours. His biggest supporter was his immediate supervisor, Equipment Operator 2nd Class Benjamin Morrow.

Morrow noted that Liu’s paperwork had been delayed since the Office of Homeland Security mistakenly sent it to Mississippi instead of Virginia, but if the delay had not happened, he would not have had the opportunity to go to the White House. Because the phone call came on Thursday, March 21, and the ceremony was the following Monday morning, CBMU 202 had to work fast to make arrangements for him to attend.

“This command made it a priority to get him up there,” Morrow said. Due to the short fuse, only one member of the unit could accompany him, and that was Morrow. Although he had been to Washington D.C., Liu had not. So he made it a point to show him as many landmarks as possible when they arrived on Sunday.

“We went to museums, the Vietnam Memorial, Navy Memorial and Lincoln Memorial,” Liu said.

Demolition begins on the old headquarters building for the First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Va. Building 3006 was originally constructed as a temporary barracks in 1943, and had been used as a Seabee headquarters building since 1974 when Construction Battalions Atlantic (CBLANT) moved in. It was home to the Second Naval Construction Brigade before it became 1NCD.

BUCN Brittany McGrath, NMCB 5, leads U.S. and Philippine Seabees in pulling a suspension cable for the San Pascual footbridge. Photo by MC1 Chris Fahey

Philippine and U.S. Seabees reached a major milestone during construction of the San Pascual footbridge, Zambales, Philippines, March 28. Using steal reinforced concrete, the Seabee team laid the primary support blocks for the main suspension cables, completing the footbridge’s anchoring system.

“Now that we have the anchor set, we need to let the concrete dry for the next seven days or so,” said San Pascual Construction Supervisor Chief Builder Courtland Sawyer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5. “This is a big step because it means we have a solid foundation. Now, we can work on the tiers leading up to the main support cable. After that, we’ll start the suspension work.”

According to the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) Operations Chief, laying the footbridge’s anchor marks roughly 30% completion of the footbridge.

“The anchor system is a critical piece of the footbridge,” said JCMOTF Operations Chief Master Chief Constructionman Alonso Cadena. “It endures the stress from the suspension cables. Once it’s done correctly and good-to-go, then we can proceed to finish the job off with a strong sense of confidence.”

To honor their achievement, the Philippine- U.S. Seabees held a traditional, celebratory “lechon” or pig roast. The event offered the team a chance to reflect on best practices, share ideas and get to know each other in a more relaxed setting.

According to Sawyer, relaxing with the Philippine Seabees and enjoying their company during a culturally significant event opened the team up and created a stronger friendship.

“I’m glad we got to spend some time together off the clock,” said Sawyer. “On the site, we kid around and joke with each other, but we are also one hundred percent focused. It’s all work. We needed this time to really bond, talk and gain a better understanding of each other. I’m excited to start the phase of construction.”

The footbridge was one of eight engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise in which humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is greatest.

Lt. Riley Smith (left)  assists Ensign Christopher Villalta with his estimating homework during the Construction Management phase of the Civil Engineer Corps Officers Basic Class. Photo by Ensign Krista Bix.  

Civil Engineer Corps Officers School (CECOS) instructor Lt. Riley Smith was honored as the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) 2012 Officer Instructor of the Year (IOY) during a ceremony Feb. 28 at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Capt. Kevin Brown, commanding officer, Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE) and CECOS, said, “Lt. Smith has performed brilliantly in the execution of his duties as an instructor and mentor.  He has had a positive and creative influence on all new Civil Engineer Corps officers he has touched.  He adroitly used all his tools and neutralizes his weakness to be the most effective instructor delivering the highest quality training possible.  Earning the distinct honor of NETC’s Officer Instructor of the Year is a testament to his infallible work ethic and deep devotion to CECOS’ mission.”

“I’m extremely humbled by my selection,” Smith said. “Although I’ve worked hard for my students, most of whom are newly commissioned Civil Engineer Corps officers preparing for their first naval assignment, I’ve felt there was always more to be done. In our 21st century Navy, where personnel are expected to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments despite limited resources, we can’t afford anything less than having the very best Sailors and Marines.”

Smith is the director of the Civil Engineer Corps Officer Basic Qualification Course and assistant course director for the Naval Construction Force Operations Basic Course.  He has been teaching students for almost two years at CECOS and suggests to those considering instructor duty or wanting to make a difference, to remember the importance of that role. “I start each class with a dash of motivation, a personal story which relates to both the topic at hand and the duties of students’ future assignments, and use the depth of my personal knowledge to impress upon students the importance of the topic to their professional success,” explained Smith.

Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Jordan, director of the CECOS Seabee Readiness Division and Smith’s supervisor, said, “Lt. Smith is a phenomenal instructor.  He is down-to-earth and he relates to students through his personal experience.  He is technically and tactically sound in his instruction and delivery.”

“When I return to the fleet, I will bring a newfound appreciation for quality training, as well as the instructional practices I learned and practiced at CECOS. Instructional management, curriculum development, exercise planning, and mentoring are invaluable skills that I will use to continue educating, inspiring, and leading the Sailors of today’s Navy,” Smith said.

The NETC Military Instructor of the Year award program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps instructors and facilitators who exemplify personal excellence and display outstanding instructional and leadership performance. The program highlights the significant contributions of individuals throughout the Naval Education and Training enterprise who have been nominated by their command based on their sustained superior performance over the course of the past year. Nomination packages, highlighting the nominee’s accomplishments, community involvement, and personal and professional growth, are submitted to NETC headquarters in Pensacola. An awards committee reviews the packages and selects the most deserving candidates for IOY honors, which include receiving a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and an IOY plaque.

For more information on the Civil Engineer Corps Officers School, visit their website: https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csfe/cecos/ .

30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) Command Master Chief Curtis Cassell holds a flag bag as 31st Seabee Readiness Group (SRG) Command Master Chief Corey Heinrich retires  the 31st SRG Colors inside. Rear Admiral Mark Handley, commander, 1st Naval Construction Division was the guest of honor at the historic ceremony held at the main parade ground. During the ceremony, the 31st SRG and the 30th NCR combined to make a new organization, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1. NCG 1 will continue training, providing logistics and operational support to Seabees in the Western two-thirds of the United States as well as all Naval Construction Forces in the Pacific.  Photo by MC1 Christopher Fahey

Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1 was established during a historic ceremony that integrated two Seabee commands, March 11, at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Port Hueneme’s main grinder.

The 31st Seabee Readiness Group (31^st SRG), responsible for training, equipping and maintaining the readiness of the Pacific Naval Construction Force, combined with the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30NCR), responsible for operational command and control of the Pacific-deployed Naval Construction Force, merged to create NCG 1.

“This is not just a name change,” said Capt. Dean Tufts, Commander of NCG 1. “It’s an organizational shift to maximize our Seabee readiness and create an even stronger unity of command on the West Coast and into the Pacific.”

Tufts, who will serve as the first commander of NCG 1, explained that the best of the West for Seabee training, logistics and operations would now be integrated.

While both 30NCR and 31^st SRG currently oversee a total of about 3,000 active duty and reserve military as well as civilians, NCG 1 will oversee 7,000  personnel starting in April. The total includes all Seabees in the Western two-thirds of the United States, as well as all of the Naval Construction Forces in the Pacific.

The new command will be the sister command to NCG 2, which established a couple weeks earlier in Gulfport, MS. While NCG 1 will oversee the Pacific, NCG 2 oversees the Atlantic, effectively splitting command and control of all Seabee units (active and reserve) between both NCGs.

“Today is about change and today we are going to be making history,” said Rear Adm. Mark Handley, Commander, 1^st Naval Construction Division. “This change will make us stronger and more capable.”

Handley, guest of honor for the ceremony, explained that since World War II, the Naval Construction force numbers have increased and decreased based on need and that Seabees must be flexible to remain relevant.

While 30NCR will essentially continue its current mission as a part of NCG 1, the ability to have singular focus is expected to have long term positive impact as they move forward.

“Over the past decade, the Regiment has had to look over its shoulder for an upcoming deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan and could only manage partial focus on the Pacific,” said Capt. Rod Moore, 30NCR’s Commander. “Now when we look over our shoulder in the future, we will instead see out teammates at the new Naval Construction Group ONE where we are forging these two capable units into a mutually supportive relationship.”

Moore will serve both as 30NCR’s Commander and NCG 1’s Deputy Commander.

Tufts wanted the crowed to understand that the 31^st SRG was not being decommissioned, but instead undergoing a transformation as it has so many times in history. From its beginnings as the 31^st Naval Construction Regiment in 1944, to the 31^st SRG in 2003 and now today as NCG 1, no matter what the name, the command will continue to prepare Pacific Fleet  Naval Construction Force units to conduct construction in support of Combatant Commanders to win America’s wars.

“10 Years ago, in March 2003, we watched the TV coverage of the ‘Shock and Awe’ campaign in Bagdad which kicked off Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Tufts as he looked out over the crowed. “I am reminded since then, Seabees have regularly deployed to places like Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. In fact, about three quarters of these Seabees standing before you have deployed to a combat zone… many of them two and three times. I am so proud and honored to be associated with [these Seabees] and our new command. I look forward to shaping the future of the Naval Construction Force with them.”

By Daryl Smith, First Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), the headquarters organization for the Navy Seabees, began a realignment initiative designed to improve efficiency by eliminating a headquarters layer, March 1.

1NCD will merge with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and subsequently disestablish 1NCD. This change will improve headquarters alignment and consolidate the direct, formal relationship between the expeditionary forces and Fleet Forces Command/Pacific Fleet.

“Seabees remain an essential component of America’s naval force structure and a force multiplier to naval and joint operations,” said Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, commander, 1NCD. “By reducing a headquarters layer, we create efficiencies and an NECC structure that is both functional and equivalent in size with today’s smaller Type Commander staffs. We will continue to provide Seabee engineering and construction capabilities that our Navy and the nation vitally need.”

As part of the realignment, the 1NCD staff will be integrated into NECC, and the 1NCD commander will be reassigned as deputy commander for NECC. This headquarters change requires realignment at 1NCD’s subordinate commands as well. 1NCD currently oversees Seabee Readiness Groups and active Naval Construction Regiments located in Gulfport, Miss. and Port Hueneme, Calif., as well as four reserve Naval Construction Regiments at other locations across the U.S.

Naval Construction Force command and control will be consolidated into two Naval Construction Groups (NCGs), one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic. This realignment process began in February and will be complete in April. Certain functions performed at 1NCD will transfer to NECC, and other functions will transfer to the NCGs.

The 20th Seabee Readiness Group, located in Gulfport, Miss., was renamed Naval Construction Group 2 on Feb. 26, and the 31st Seabee Readiness Group, located in Port Hueneme, Calif., is scheduled to be renamed Naval Construction Group 1 on March 11. The commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for NCG 1, and the commander for 22nd Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for NCG 2.

Reserve regiments and active battalions, along with Underwater Construction Teams (UCTs) and Construction Battalion Maintenance Units (CBMUs), will report directly to the NCG. Reserve battalions will still report to a reserve regiment.

The regiments will remain fully-deployable command elements capable of providing command and control of expeditionary engineer forces.

Established in 2002, 1NCD develops and implements policy and requirements to man, equip and train Seabees. The command ensures engineer forces are ready to support continuous combat deployments and is currently responsible for approximately 13,800 Seabees worldwide. A deployable command, 1NCD made two combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2006, the Navy stood up NECC to provide a single headquarters for all expeditionary forces.

Both commands are located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va.

The 1NCD realignment is scheduled to be complete by May 1.

With the motto, “We Build, We Fight,” Seabees provide a wide range of military construction, including roads, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases, as well as worldwide humanitarian efforts and disaster response. Nearly 2,000 Seabees are currently deployed, conducting operations in every Combatant Commander’s Area of Responsibility.

UT2 Kelby Bracken, NMCB 133, welds a sump pump for a water well drilling operation.

Naval engineers in Afghanistan are completing their fifth water well project, providing coalition forces direct, cost-effective water access on bases across the country, saving the military millions in costs.

Launching out in September 2012, Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, began to drill the first of five deep water wells across the country. Two 12-man teams took charge of two Laibe drill rigs and more than $2 million worth of materials.

As 24-hour drilling operations continued, each team overcame obstacles ranging from equipment repairs to weather delays as the winter season brought rain and snow to some sites.

The teams were constantly tested as hidden rock formations and voids changed drilling speeds.  By managing the “mud” program through skillful manipulation of chemicals, the teams progressed in operations. “Mud” is a combination of water and a number of chemical agents that allows the water well team to bring soil drilled out of the water well to the surface. As each member honed his expertise in respective job assignments, the team’s efficiency increased at every site.

As Task Force Anchor, part of the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Triple Nickel, nears the completion of the fifth well, all wells have an average depth of nearly 1,000 feet and produce an average of 100 gallons of clean water per minute.

“Coalition and Afghan forces will benefit for years due to their efforts,” said Chief Petty Officer David Asbury, construction officer with JTF Triple Nickel.

Each well saves the military hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to the costs of contracted drilling or having to acquire and transport water from off-base, according to Asbury.

This means, already, the military has saved more than $2 million thanks to these projects.

Across the country, these wells continue to have a positive impact and increase the quality of life for thousands of coalition personnel.

Seabees assigned to NMCB 5 and Marines from the Combat Assault Battalion (CAB) conduct an urban mobility breaching exercise. Photo by Ensign Humberto Baeza

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 conducted inter-service training with the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Assault Battalion (CAB) in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 20-22. During this educational exchange, NMCB 5 troops taught Marines how to construct Southwest Asia (SWA) huts, while CAB Marines demonstrated their demolition skills used to conduct urban mobility breaching – what Marines refer to informally as UMBC or Urban Mobility Breaching Course.

“The training we received from the Marines on UMBC opened our eyes to the dangers they face,” said Builder 3^rd Class David Domagala, NMCB 5. “Overall, everyone came away from this training exercise with a new-found respect for the other service.”

Upon arrival to the demolition range, Seabee and Marines offloaded their builder’s tool kit and lumber, and began their construction classes. Within minutes both services were working side by side under the guidance of crew leader Domagala.  They completed construction of the SWA hut in about five hours.

On day two, Seabees received extensive training on building urban breaching shots, initiating systems, burn rates and the proper employments of demolition.

“It improved the Marines confidence in their knowledge of UMBC, because they had to communicate that knowledge to the Seabees,” said 1^st Lt. Jonathan Bisulca, 3^rd platoon commander, Combat Engineer Company.

Under the supervision of CAB Marines, Seabees constructed six distinct charges from scratch.  The power of the charges ranged from a simple doughnut breaching charge to a much more destructive concrete charge. Once completed, Seabees were instructed on the proper utilization of a blast blanket and determining the stand-off distance from the blast. Working side by side and under the watchful eyes of the Marines, the Seabees conducted urban breaching training on the constructed SWA hut.

Marine Capt. Benjamin Nichols, NMCB 5’s assistant operations officer, previously served with the CAB and shared a unique perspective of the event.

“It was special for me to witness the Seabees of NMCB 5 teach construction, while the Marines of CAB expose the Seabees to their expertise in urban breaching,” Said Nichols.

This joint exercise offered an opportunity for the Marines and Seabees to build camaraderie.

“Bravo Zulu to the Marines and Seabee crew,” said Steelworker 2^nd Class Brandin Salazar, assistant officer in charge, NMCB 5. “I hope for more opportunities to cross train with Marines.”

BUCN David Domagala, NMCB 5, constructs a Southwest Asia Hut to be used for urban mobility breaching training. Photo by Ensign Humberto Baeza

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Commander and Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Admiral Kate Gregory and retired Rear Adm  Benjamin Montoya present BU1 (SCW) Nicholas Mileham, Naval Mobile Construction Command 133, the 2012 Steelworker 2nd Class Robert D. Stethem award for his outstanding achievements during the year. The Stethem award recognizes outstanding individual moral courage in support of Seabee traditions while conducting actual operations. Photo by MC1(SW/AW) Chris Thien

STETHEM, COMBS AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

More than 500 people assembled in Crystal City, Va., March 9, for the annual celebration of the anniversaries of the Seabees, Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC).

NAVFAC Commander and Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Kate Gregory hosted the special occasion to honor these organizations’ past, present and future.

“As we celebrate our storied past and many accomplishments, let us always remember to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those wounded in service of our country. I am truly blessed to serve with each one of you. May God bless you and your families, the United States Navy and our nation,” Gregory said.

This year’s ball marks the 71^st anniversary of the Seabees, the 146^th anniversary of the Civil Engineer Corps and the 171^st anniversary of NAVFAC, which was established in 1842 as the Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks.

Joan Bennett, widow of Seabee Medal of Honor recipient Construction Mechanic 3^rd Class Marvin Shields, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the event.  Shields was the first and so far only Seabee to receive the Medal of Honor. He was also the first Sailor to receive the Medal of Honor for action in Vietnam. She spoke of his accomplishments.

“Seabees believe he exemplified the ideals of a construction man and a fighting man by making the ultimate sacrifice to save his team members,” Bennett said. “Marvin would have been embarrassed and humbled (to receive the Medal of Honor), and would have been the first to say that so many people did heroic things that day.”

During the anniversary celebration, two Seabees were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

The Steelworker 2^nd Class Robert D. Stethem Award, recognizing outstanding individual moral courage in support of Seabee traditions while conducting actual operations, went to Builder 1^st Class (SCW) Nicholas Mileham, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11.

The Rear Admiral Lewis B. Combs Award, named for the Assistant to the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks under Adm. Ben Moreell during World War II, and is presented to the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution in perpetuating the legacy of Seabee, CEC and NAVFAC accomplishments and traditions, went to Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Vollmer, 30^th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR).

Retirement is upon me – April 12^th, 2013. But it seems like only yesterday…I  graduated from college and was on a plane to Rota, Spain, to join NMCB 40 on deployment. That was 30 years ago, and how things have changed and yet remained the same.

I was convinced that this was going to be a four-year hitch – get some experience, see the world, then get out and do something else. But somewhere in my first tour as a Seabee, I made a mental transition on who I was – from engineer to naval officer. I began to understand core values before those words were even coined. I found purpose and loyalty and honor in a profession that I have loved for 30 years – through good days and bad. I have traveled the world, endeavored in tough projects and seen our government operate at the highest levels.  I have had the most amazing shipmates – CEC officers, Seabees, civilians and contractors whom I have laughed with and cried with – all who have taught me, guided me and mentored me. I joined the Navy to learn a profession – I leave the Navy having learned about myself. It has been the most gratifying of all endeavors – I could not have asked for anything more.

I depart the Navy with the highest caliber of people who serve in our Navy. I am exceptionally proud of you all, the skills that you bring as a community and your dedication to mission accomplishment and to each other. There is no other community in our Navy that embraces its own people like we do – and it will be one of the things that I miss the most and one of the things that carry you forward in turbulent times.

Looking ahead, we will need our best and brightest to contend with the challenges ahead.  We are in a battle for resources and the trends are clearly downward.  It’s a topic of discussion in every professional and social forum I attend these days.  And yet, I have remained sanguine about this turn of events.  When I was a lieutenant, we were going through a downturn in resources following the Cold War, and a former Chief, Rear Adm. Mike Marschall told me, “We did it after WWII, after Korea, after Vietnam – what makes you think you are going through a unique phase in our history?”  It was advice I have always hung onto.  And the Chief was right – we are going through it now, and the country and our Navy will cycle back

So as we contend with fiscal austerity, insure you fall back on your principles.  We, as a community, need to insure that we know who we are and what our core values are. So regardless of what our size is, we still need to adhere to and develop and train to the capabilities that we value. Then with those core competencies, remain able to surge when the time comes that the country needs us to expand. This applies to us across our community – in our operating units, our facility organizations and to us as individuals.

We are first and foremost Warfighters. Expeditionary Warfighters. When I first joined the Navy in the Cold War, we were thought of as “support.” Back then, we didn’t even wear SCWS pins – we weren’t thought of as Warriors. No more.

Over the last 10 years, there is not a Navy community more engaged in warfighting capability than ours.  Continue to engage as Warfighters. But with that comes responsibility. You must also think and operate as a Warfighter which will force you to engage on and understand operational issues and not just pipe up on facility challenges.  Be proud of your SCWS pin – Be the Warrior!

And lastly, for each of you as individuals, continue to develop your own portfolios to be competitive for promotion and prepare you for post-Navy life. The beauty of it is that those skills directly transferable to the outside when you make the transition. But I would also challenge you to go beyond our traditional training tracks. The world is changing and you will have to remain agile and fluid in an ever-changing global environment. There are lots of training and experiential opportunities out there to pursue, and I have been fortunate to have had many experiences that expanded my view of the Navy and the world.

I am excited about my transition and the opportunities that await. I am also incredibly grateful to you – all my shipmates, past and present – with whom I have been so fortunate to have shared part of this Navy life.  Deployed to the far corners of this earth, under the Arctic ice cap, in remote villages in Haiti, on a dusty road in Djibouti, in the White House or at the Pentagon – you have made my Navy life experience an incredible journey.  I thank you and wish you all the very best. I’ll soon be cheering from the sidelines. Godspeed.

UT2 Samuel Cullins (right), NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, poses with his younger brother, Pvt. 1^st Class Stephen Cullins, 187^th Infantry Regiment, during a visit while both are deployed to Afghanistan. Photo by UT2 Samuel Cullins

A Seabee from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 had a rare chance to reunite with a loved one while deployed to Afghanistan, Feb. 9.

Utilitiesman 2^nd Class Samuel Cullins, NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, had the opportunity to visit the outpost where his younger brother, Army Private 1^st Class Stephen Cullins, is deployed with the Rakkasans of the 187^th Infantry Regiment.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Cullins, who had not seen his brother since his boot camp graduation in 2011. “I was amazed at the difference in the person that he has become, and how joining the Army has developed him.  It is hard enough to get to see family while deployed or even on active duty, much less in Afghanistan.

“I am very thankful that both of our commands let us have this opportunity,” he added. “I know I enjoyed it very much, and so did he.”

NMCB 5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Peter Maculan and CMDCM Delbert Terrell receive a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) from Deputy Commander, Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and Commander, First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) Rear Adm. Mark Handley. NMCB 5 received the PUC for service alongside Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan during the period of May 29, 2009 to April 12, 2010. The award was presented during the 2013 Okinawa Seabee Ball at Camp Shields, March 2.

Photo by CECN Catelyn Brown

Rear Admiral Kate Gregory serves as the Commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command and as the Chief of Civil Engineers, responsible for  leading Civil Engineer Corps officers, Seabees, and NAVFAC civilians in building and maintaining sustainable facilities, delivering utilities and services, and providing Navy expeditionary combat force capabilities to Navy and Marine Corps commanders wherever and whenever needed.

Why should women choose engineering professions over others?

First of all engineering is fun, and many of the games people play, the puzzles people do, the things that people enjoyed doing as kids, relate back to engineering and the sciences. It is a fun profession to not only be in, but to excel.

Second, studying engineering provides a person with logic or a discipline and a set of procedures that can be used for solving problems, no matter what field you are in. Whether you’re in a medical field, game design or construction, the engineering discipline or the engineering approach to problem solving is universally accepted as a good way to solve problems.

Third, and the thing that appeals to me the most being an engineer, is that being in construction gives you the training and the skills to do so many things in life that are useful and helpful in and outside of the military.  Some of the difference naval engineers make in the world are easy to see, like building facilities for Sailors and Marines. We also do humanitarian or civic action projects like we have in Eastern Europe or Southwest Asia to provide clean water to people, or build hospitals, clinics and orphanages. These kinds of skills are unique to the construction and engineering industries and really give us the opportunities to help change the world and shape peoples’ lives that few other professions have.

Most important, I just think that having an engineering, math or science background will give you the skills to do so much in life, while you figure out your heart’s desire.

Do you have any advice for women hoping to advance as a CEC officer?

I would give the same advice to the women officers that I would give to any officer who wants to serve at more senior levels: you have to go out every day and do your best at everything you do. I think if you take that approach, you will not only reach the goals that you set yourself, you will find that doors will open for you that you never thought possible. You also will find people who want to help mentor you, some you might have not thought possible. They will be impressed by your hard work and determination, and will notice your abilities to work through challenges and achieve your goals. Have the discipline to do the best at everything you do. I want to encourage every person to try to do your best. It should be a matter of personal course in leading your life. It will help you achieve anything you want, and sometimes more than you want.

Are there any women who helped to mentor you?

A woman in particular that I would note is my mother, who was a tremendous role model and example to me in terms of self discipline and the need to be constantly educating yourself. She also taught me to always listen to the other point of view, especially when you don’t agree with it — she was great at that.

(Above, left to right: Rear Adm. Kate Gregory, Vice Adm. Anne Rondeau, Vice Adm. Carol Pottenger, Rear Adm. Eleanor V. Valentin, Major Gen. Karen E. Dyson)

Did you have any female military mentors?

There have been legions of women in the military who have inspired me. When I first joined the military, there were senior officers who would pull me aside and help me out by showing me the right path.

When I was a junior officer, there was Lt. Cmdr. Pam Patton, who is now retired. She was an intelligence officer who was really focused and energized. I was so impressed with her and wanted to follow her example.

Also, both Vice Adm. Carol Pottenger (deputy chief of staff, capability development at NATO headquarters) and Vice Adm. Anne Rondeau (president, National Defense University), as well as some of my peers like, Major General Karen E. Dyson (director, Army Budget Office) and Rear Adm. Eleanor V. Valentin (Navy director, Military Health System Governance Implementation Planning Executive Secretariat) have been tremendous examples to me throughout my career.

I must say, however, that just watching the focus, energy and courage of junior enlisted men and women inspire me the most. They take on the biggest challenges in life; they really do. They set the example to all of us who are more senior to get on with the work we need to do. Their jobs are far harder than ours, and they get out there every day and do it.

“Honor, Purpose, Challenge: Women of the Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps” highlights the heritage, roles and contributions of today’s women of the Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps.

Here’s another in our astonishing alphabetic series that illustrates just how close we sometimes are to the oops and the ouch, even when doing something that seems fairly innocuous…

Alarm clock, reached for by a lance corporal in Japan. She fell out of her rack trying to turn it off and strained her hip.

Bees, swarmed into a civilian firefighter’s vehicle through the driver’s open window.

Coyote, startled a lance corporal who was driving back to base with two other Marines after a 96. He swerved and overcorrected. The vehicle rolled twice. The driver and a pfc passenger in the front were buckled up, with the passenger suffering some minor injuries. The pfc in the back seat had been “wearing his seatbelt improperly,” whatever that means, and accrued a dislocated shoulder and head injuries.

Dunk tank, moved by a foreign civilian employee in Italy. The tank banged him on the noggin.

Eagles, gawked at by some stopped motorists when a legalman 2^nd class passed their cars on his motorcycle. He got back in the lane in front of all the cars he had passed but didn’t notice a truck driver who had slammed on his brakes to make a U-turn. He broke his knee when he hit the truck’s tailgate. He’d been going 15 mph over the speed limit and the sun was in his eyes, which didn’t help matters.

Feral cat, released by what the report called a “hazard maintainer” from a trap he’d set around his home. The cat bit him. The bite got infected, and he had to have four surgeries. For the record, I don’t know what a “hazard maintainer” is. I thought we were supposed to get rid of hazards, not keep them up and running.

Golf cart, ridden by an E-2 aviation structural mechanic in Florida when the driver took a turn too sharply. The cart flipped, and the E-2 bruised and cut his arm.

Hooch, exited by a corporal an hour before midnight, en route to the head. He tripped over a cement block that was holding the door open. He fell on his left shoulder and broke his collarbone in four places.

Infant gate, climbed over by a civilian child-care worker in Hawaii. She tripped over the top and fell on her knee, taking the gate with her.

Jello, a substance to which an E-3 steelworker compared his elbow after breaking it in an impromptu wrestling match. He’d had a “slight lead” in the contest, the report said, “and then his arm snapped just above his elbow.”

Kickball, played by a civilian education aide in California. He tried to kick the ball, missed it, fell and hit his hip on a concrete pad that encircled a manhole.

Laundry bag, picked up by a construction electrician 3^rd class. He wrenched his shoulder. Mishap report listed the following under Cause: “undetermined due to insufficient facts.” Wow.

Meat slicer, used by a food service worker in North Carolina to create some sandwich innards. “The meat was not slicing to the proper thickness,” the report said, “so the employee added a little pressure to the meat loaf.” Her hand slipped, and her thumb hit the moving blade.” Funny, the folks in the deli at my grocery store always mechanically adjust the thickness of the slices; they don’t just add pressure to the slab of meat. They must not know that technique.

Noodles, cooked by an E-3 on a ship underway in the Pacific. She put them in a bowl and when she set it down, hot water splashed onto her finger, inflicting a second-degree burn.

Olives, in a can opened by an E-3 culinary specialist on a carrier. He sliced open his finger.

Rope, grasped by a pfc in Japan who was trying to swing down into some water. She was barefoot and standing on a boulder. The rope caught on a branch. She tripped, slid down the wet rock and injured her knee.

Sting ray, stepped on by a lance corporal while swimming at a beach by an enlisted club in Florida. Punctured his foot.

Toddler and tricycle. Former riding latter, collided with an education and training technician holding open a door leading outside from a classroom. She fell and strained her hip.

Washboard surface, encountered by an aviation structural mechanic 1^st class riding a dirt bike in California. He lost control. The bike flipped and he sprained his wrist when he hit the ground.

Zushi Beach in Japan, where an E-3 celebrated the Fourth of July, aided by a large, sports bottle filled with an alcoholic drink. He polished that off and kept on drinking at some open-air bars along the beach, taking an occasional break to swim in the ocean. Several shipmates saw him struggling in the water, got some lifeguards and pulled Him out. His b.a.c. was 0.26 when they put him in Intensive Care. Note that when I said “swim” earlier, the mishap report put it this way: “severe intoxication resulting in the inability to swim and a near-drowning.”

Careful readers (and if you’ve gotten this far, you qualify) will have noticed that I didn’t have mishaps for every letter this time. I couldn’t find any that involved a penguin, quantum mechanics, a ufo, a viola, xanthum gum or a yacht. I’ll try harder next time.

These mishaps involved some mundane objects, but don’t dismiss them as negligible. The Sailors, Marines and civilians above totaled 47 days away from work and 147 days on light duty.

The Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards – formerly the CHINFO Awards – were recently announced and Seabees are in the winner’s circle.

The program promotes excellence in Navy journalism, photography, videography and graphic arts among Navy commands and their Public Affairs and Visual Information (PA/VI) specialists, and recognizes outstanding achievement in Navy media products.

Seabee winners include:

CECN Lucinda Moise, NCBC Gulfport 
2^nd Place – Writing/Contribution by a Stringer

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11
Honorable Mention – Cruisebook (Small Command)

Seabee Online, NAVFAC HQ
2^nd Place – Web-based Publication

The awards program is named after retired Senior Chief Journalist Russell D. Egnor who served the Navy for more than 40 years as an active duty and reserve journalist and as the director of the Navy’s News Photo Division at the Navy Office of Information.

Congratulations to Seabee winners!

A young girl stands aside as Seabees cross a footbridge in Barangay Tapuac, Philippines. The engineers are performing a site survey for a project to build a new footbridge in nearby Salaza village. The footbridge is one of eight engineering civic action program missions being performed by units of the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement. Balikatan in Filipino means “shoulder-to-shoulder” and characterizes the spirit of the exercise and the U.S.-Philippine alliance. Photo by MCC Jason A. Penny

UT1(SCW) Thomas Vetter teaches Block 3 of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration to the next generation of Seabees attending Utilitiesman “A” School, CSFE DET Sheppard Learning Site, Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Utilitiesman 1^st Class (SCW) Thomas Vetter was selected as the 2012 Instructor of the Year at the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Learning Site, Detachment Sheppard Air Force Base (CSFE Det SAFB), Texas.

“All of the staff and chain of command here are very supportive to ensure we have the opportunity to succeed in all we desire to pursue both personally and professionally,” said Vetter.” There are a lot of top-notch members here on this team, and I am very proud and honored to represent them with my selection.”

Vetter reported to CSFE Det SAFB 2010 as the Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance (WFSM) leading petty officer (LPO), teaching plumbing and fuel system fundamentals to prospective utilitiesmen (UTs) in “A” School.

In addition, he serves as the Navy Military Training (NMT) LPO for the Navy barracks at CSFE DET SAFB, where he provides military training and drill practice, and manages 400+ personnel who process through the site. Vetter is currently the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration schoolhouse LPO where he manages day-to-day operations, and is the prime instructor for four blocks of instruction. He is also the Master Training Specialist (MTS) coordinator, providing training, qualification boards and tracking for all staff members.

“Petty Officer Vetter is a competitive instructor and leader. When I make rounds in the HVAC Schoolhouse, he is very interactive with his students,” said Lt. j.g. Majellan Changcoco, CSFE Det SAFB officer in charge. “He has tirelessly shown his commitment to our Navy and the Air Force by educating and leading our young Sailors and Airmen into [becoming] future leaders.

“His positive attitude resonates to the students he teaches, encouraging them to succeed and rise up during challenging times!” Changcoco added.

CE1 Phillip Brown (left) explains the proper inspection and reading of an electrical meter to a future Seabee during one of several laboratory sessions in Construction Electrician “A” School, CSFE Det Sheppard, Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas.

Construction Electrician 1^st Class Phillip Brown was selected as the Sailor of the Year at Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Learning Site Detachment Sheppard Air Force Base (CSFE Det SAFB), Texas.

“This command has great leadership that I have learned a great deal from over the past year,” said CE1 Brown. “Being an instructor and mentor is very rewarding, knowing that when teaching these young troops coming through “A” School, we are teaching our replacements in the Navy’s future.”

Brown reported to CSFE DET Sheppard in 2011, and immediately set out to qualify as an instructor for the Construction Electrician “A” School course. He teaches electrical fundamentals including basic interior wiring, electrical fundamentals, pole climbing and advanced pole top rescue operations to Army, Navy and Air Force students.

Lt. j.g. Majellan Changcoco, CSFE Det SAFB officer in charge, said, “Students have nothing but good things to say about Petty Officer Brown. I watched how he conducts himself and noticed a constant demeanor – A leader who cares about his Sailors in a 360-degree perspective. He is a role model, and brings a positive influence to the young Sailors and future leaders of our Navy.”

In addition to instructing, Brown is a fitness coordinator, a Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) representative and a key member of the CSFE Det SAFB Community Service board. He has led several community events in the Wichita Falls and Burkburnett community. Leading by example, Brown demonstrates the value of giving to those in need and providing valuable support to build solid ties to the local community through humanitarian service, demonstrating the Seabee legacy of “compassion for others.”

Brown, a native of Dallas, Texas, joined the Navy in July of 1998.

BUCN(SCW) William Reaws from NMCB 3 readies 40MM grenades to fire from the Mk19 grenade launcher during a weapons qualifications and familiarization exercise held at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, Calif.

Nearly 400 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 completed a vital step in deployment preparation Tuesday after qualifying on five combat weapons systems, Paso Robles, Calif.

According to Chief Warrant Officer 2^nd Class Richard Anglin, the training event’s officer-in-charge, NMCB 3, participants safely operated the M240B and MK2 .50-caliber machine guns; the MK19 and M203 grenade launchers; and the AT4 rocket launcher.

“When deployed, we are responsible to provide our own security – our Army and Marine Corps

counterparts rely on that ability and don’t see us as an element needing their defense,” said Anglin. “These weapons are part of the defensive layers we use to protect ourselves. They are a critical skillset, and I’m seeing a lot of great effort by our Seabees.”

The weapons allow Seabees to engage enemy combatants at greater distances and in larger quantities than the standard issue M4 or M16 semi-automatic weapons. Each of the M240B and MK2 .50-caliber machine guns has a maximum effective range of up to 1,800 meters.

The MK19 grenade launcher can engage pockets of enemies at 2,212 meters with a blast radius of 15 meters. In contrast to the MK19 which is mounted on a tripod, the M203 is a personnel-carried grenade launcher that fits underneath either the M4 or M16. It carries a maximum effective range of 350 meters with the same blast radius as the MK19.

Unlike any of the machine guns or grenade launchers, the anti-tank AT4 is a hand-carried rocket launcher with a maximum effective range equal to the M203, but can penetrate heavily armored vehicles and boasts a 65-meter blast radius.

The AT4′s kinetic power all but hypnotized Builder Constructionman (SCW) Michael Dorsey, NMCB 3.

“It has a really big boom!” said Dorsey. “You can feel the force thump your chest and see a good-sized mushroom cloud upon contact…It’s nice!

The weapons familiarization and qualifications event is a critical step in preparing to deploy. Following completion, NMCB 3 will participate in a graded field training exercise (FTX) that determines whether or not they are ready to put boots on ground. Ensuring the Seabees are confident and ready before the exercise places NMCB 3 in the best possible position to succeed.

“When I’m gearing up to take charge of whichever weapon I’m assigned to operate, I feel ready – more than ready,” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class (SCW) Izzy Hidalgo. “I know I can help my fellow Seabee if we take fire, and I feel completely secure that the person next to me has the same knowledge. Thanks to this training, I feel 100 percent confident that we are all capable warfighters, and I know we will smoke FTX.”

A formation of Seabees from NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, stands at attention during a Purple Heart ceremony on Camp Krutke, Afghanistan, Jan. 6.  EO2 Keith Hauter and BUCN Dan Morgan, NMCB 133, received the Purple Heart from Maj. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, for wounds sustained when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

Two Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, were awarded the Purple Heart by Maj. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, during a ceremony on Camp Krutke, Afghanistan, Jan. 6.

Equipment Operator 2^nd Class Keith Hauter and Builder Constructionman Dan Morgan, NMCB 133, received the award for wounds sustained when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). They’re expected to make a full recovery and finish the deployment.

Maj. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, speaks to Seabees of NMCB 133 following the Purple Heart ceremony on Camp Krutke, Afghanistan. Photo by MC1 Steven Myers

“Allow me to use these Seabees to talk to you,” Gurganus said. “These guys have something that I don’t have. These guys (Seabees) who drove over an IED, these Purple Heart recipients, are the brave example that we’re succeeding.

“I want you to know how important you all are,” Gurganus added. “I know that Seabees ‘build and fight’ because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen you hammering in full battle gear, put down the hammer, grab your rifle and join the fire fight for hours, then go right back to hammering. I’ve seen you do this for days on end. I couldn’t do this job without Seabees. I need you and I’m letting you know we’re winning, and you’re a big part of that result.”

Gurganus went on to explain the current condition of the drawdown of American forces in the region. He said to stay on course and maintain focus.

“I felt like the major general gave us positive validation,” said Builder 3^rd Class Juan Moriealvelez, NMCB 133. “We all sacrifice so much to be here and it’s good to get a motivating message directly from the top of our chain of command.”

Gurganus left these departing words, “I will only make one promise to you before you leave. I’ll get you on that plane, but I promise I will work your tails everyday while you’re in this battle space because that’s how important Seabees are to the mission.”

EO2 Keith Hauter and BUCN Dan Morgan, NMCB 133, received the Purple Heart from Maj. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, for wounds sustained when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

Seabees of NMCB 15 set security in a simulated build site during training to prepare for their final evaluation problem (FEP) before deployment. FEP is used to train and evaluate Seabees on various scenarios they may face. NMCB 15 is mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces that act as combat engineers and support various units worldwide through national force readiness, humanitarian assistance and building and maintaining infrastructure.
Photo by MC2 Daniel Garas

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 15, based in Belton, Mo., participated in convoy simulator training, Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss., Jan. 24.

Over two days, officers and other key leaders trained to run a Combat Operation Center (COC) and experience the difficulties of communicating during vehicle mounted convoy operations through the use of simulators run by the 20th Seabee Readiness Group (SRG).

“I found the training beneficial because I had never done anything like it before,” said Ens. Michael Cole, NMCB 15′s embarkation commander. “Everything was new to me. It was an eye-opening experience to how fast everything happens.”

Seabees from NMCB 15 work together to assemble a general-purpose medium tent while perform training to prepare for their final evaluation problem (FEP) before deployment. Photo by MC2 Daniel Garas

The simulator has three different bays, complete with replicate high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles surrounded by a 360-degree screen onto which a variety of programmable scenarios can be projected. During the training the group ran through several different obstacles that included driving through urban environments, rough terrain, ambushes and running into an improvised explosive device (IED).

“For the purpose of communication and quick decision making it was great training,” said Lt. jg. Jamil Ramos, NMCB 15′s Alpha Company.

Personnel controlling the simulator highlighted the challenges that they or their junior Sailors may encounter during convoys by adding challenges to the simulation or altering the terrain. The students communicated with other vehicles in their convoy and worked to transmit situational reports (SITREPs), while engaged in a variety of training scenarios.

“From an enlisted standpoint, you get visibility on what kind of things they may be exposed to,” Ramos said. “That tends to open up your eyes for your frame of mind to focus and make better decisions.”

According to Ron Williams, a civilian contractor working for the 20th SRG, the simulators save time and money by eliminating the need to reset live-action scenarios and can be used to design specific lessons. In addition, if a Sailor’s duty usually keeps him restricted to the COC, it allows a unique opportunity to obtain an understanding of how mounted convoy operations work.

During the simulation debrief, Williams stressed the need for commanders to understand patience when seeking information.

“If you’re back at the COC and asking for a SITREP, you have to give your people time to send it up,” he said. “As you just experienced, your people may be dealing with several complex problems at once.”

At the conclusion of the training, Ramos commented on how simulators helped highlight the importance of their communication.

“During convoy you have to be able to communicate, receive information and understand how to process it to make a command decision. It may be what keeps your people alive,” he said.

Seabees from NMCB 15 perform training to prepare for their final evaluation problem (FEP) before deployment.
Photo by MC2 Daniel Garas

SWCN Joseph Caruso, NMCB 5, takes time out to play with some local children in Barangay Tagburos, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. The Seabees from NMCB 5 renovated a masonry classroom building for the Aplaya Elementary School. Read story here.
Photo by CECN Quennie May Bumatay

EOCN Mark Teri Bascon, NMCB 5, operates the Skid-steer to move earth and fill around the construction site as the battalion’sconstruction civic action detail (CCAD) Philippines renovates a masonry classroom building for the Aplaya Elementary School, Puerto Princesa City. Photo by CECN Quennie May Bumatay

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 are renovating a building for the Aplaya Elementary School as part of a Construction Civic Activity Detail (CCAD) in Barangay Tagburos, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.

In its current state, the 24 feet by 56 feet two-room masonry building has wood and plant-woven walls with a bare dirt floor. This project will greatly improve the building by installing prefabricated steel trusses, concrete columns, a corrugated metal roof, gutters, metal doors and a hardiflex drop ceiling. The Seabee detail will also stucco and paint the structure’s exterior to match the other existing buildings at the school.

According to school Principal Macaria Peloto Camacho, the finished project will have a significant impact to the neighborhood, particularly to the 651 students and 20 teachers who attend and work at the school.

SW3 Helen Jocson, NMCB 5, cuts rebar as part of the Aplaya Elementary School building renovation project, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Photo by CECN Quennie May Bumatay

“The construction of new classrooms will greatly benefit the students, teachers and the entire neighborhood,” said Camacho.

She said the school currently has enough classrooms to accommodate all the students. “We have to divide the classes into morning and afternoon session in order to have room for all the children in the neighborhood,” she said.

“I am very grateful for all the work that the U.S. military has been doing for us. It is indeed a blessing for this community,” said Jovelyn Mulato, a third grade teacher at the school.

Seabees conduct CCAD operations to demonstrate U.S. commitment, develop enduring relationships, improve public infrastructure for the delivery of essential services, and strengthen local institutions with host and partner nations around the world.

BU1 Terrell Harris and BU3 Brandon Shortridge, NMCB 5, shoot the elevations for the two-room school building renovation project for Aplaya Elementary School in Barangay Tagburos, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Photo by CECN Quennie May Bumatay

By Lara Godbille, Director, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Naval History and Heritage Command

In the aftermath of the French defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, the Geneva Accords of 1954 determined the destiny of French Indochina after eight years of war between French forces and the Viet Minh, which sought Vietnamese independence. The accords resulted in the partition of Vietnam at the 17th parallel north, with Ho Chi Minh’s communist Viet Minh in control of the north and the French and American-backed State of Vietnam in the south. The agreements permitted a 300-day period of grace, ending on May 18, 1955, in which people could move freely between the two sections of Vietnam before the border was sealed. The partition was intended to be temporary, pending elections in 1956 to reunify the country under a national government. Between 600,000 and one million northerners moved south, while between 14,000 and 45,000 civilians and approximately 100,000 Viet Minh fighters moved to the north.

Operation Passage to Freedom was the term used by the U.S. Navy to describe its transportation of 310,000 Vietnamese civilians, soldiers and non-Vietnamese members of the French Army from communist North Vietnam (the Democratic Republic of Vietnam) to South Vietnam (the State of Vietnam) in 1954 and 1955. The United States formed an evacuation unit, Task Force 90 (TF-90), with the mission of providing transportation from Haiphong to Saigon to more than 200,000 refugees.

Some of the personnel of TF-90 included a detachment of Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1.  These Seabees’ “designated mission,” stated the official report, “was to install and operate…pontoon piers on the Do San Peninsula (approximately 15 miles south of Haiphong).”  The purpose of the piers was to provide additional docking spaces to accommodate the transportation of refugees. The Seabees arrived in Haiphong on August 22, 1954, ready to complete their mission, but were stopped by French officials.

Under the Geneva Accords, the addition of any troop reinforcements or military personnel was prohibited. The French viewed the Seabees’ pier construction as an onshore activity by a foreign military unit which was banned, and effectively stopped the construction by not allowing the Seabees to unload their building materials on the beach. Under direction from U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) overseeing the operation, ACB 1 Seabees immediately began construction of a 15,000-person capacity refugee camp near Haiphong. After working on the camp for just one day, the Seabees were again recalled to their ship due to objections about landing of foreign military personnel and equipment in Vietnam.

Due to the significant number of people moving through the port at Haiphong during Operation Passage to Freedom, there was an obvious need for refugee camps in the area. The local French forces, however, lacked heavy equipment needed for the immense clearing operations. Despite being directed not to do so by the French, on August 31, 1954, the Seabees sneaked ashore with two heavy bulldozers. In an effort to remain incognito, the Seabees removed all military identification from their equipment and from their uniforms; to the casual observer, they looked like civilian construction workers rather U.S. military personnel.  Under this ruse, the ‘Bees completed all the necessary site work for the refugee camp within five days and returned to their ship undetected. ACB 1 repeated this performance again the next week when the Seabees cleared more area to allow expansion of the already overpopulated refugee camp.

Videos of NMCB 133 building the Miranda Trauma Center at FOB Apache, Afghanistan. This is the first Role 2 Medical Facility in the area. The dedication of the facility is set for later this year. Soundbite includes Capt. Stephen Dirusso, Trauma Surgeon, Zabul Forward Surgical Team. Produced by Spc. Jovi Prevot.

By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 Seabees assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) engineers to share best practices during a water well drilling exercise in Fiche, Ethiopia.
The ENDF supports the UN Security Council authorized peacekeeping missions in Darfur and Abyei. The exercise was designed to improve the operational capability of ENDF specialists to operate in remote and austere environments by providing the skills and education necessary to drill water wells. It also helped strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Ethiopian militaries.

“Fiche has a serious water shortage,” said Lt. j.g. Mike Gibson, officer in charge of NMCB 1, Dire Dawa. “Working with both the ENDF and local community leaders, it was clear that drilling a well would make potable water sustainable for the ENDF base and available for the community, too.”

“This project aim is to provide water for ENDF Fiche camp and also the community around here,” said 1^st Lt. Dawit Ababe, ENDF chief driller. “Since we don’t have much water here, this is a double purpose – but the main reason is to provide water to the camp. The ENDF well drillers and Americans are working together to enhance the ability and potential of the ENDF so that we can drill wells in Ethiopia and in neighboring countries.”

According to Ababe, the ENDF is fully capable of conducting water well drilling operations in Ethiopia, but the class helped enhance their technical knowledge.

“This joint military training event gives Seabee instructors and Ethiopian military and civilian instructors the opportunity to work together to train a team of ENDF engineers,” said Gibson. “When we are done training they will be qualified to deploy further and drill water wells on their own.”

With the aid of two Ethiopian interpreters, the Seabee team bridged the differences of language and culture to teach 25 ENDF engineers over a three-week academic phase followed by three weeks of hands-on practice in drilling the water well.

“The unique experience here is we are working together with the Ethiopians. That’s something we haven’t done between Seabees and ENDF – as far as military engineering is concerned, we are breaking new ground,” said Gibson. “It’s very exciting to work with them, to share culture, build new friendships and demonstrate how much we have in common and how much we can work together.”

“The aim of this exercise is to strengthen the two countries and the relationship of the two countries,” said Maj. Meresa Negash Tesema, ENDF engineer.

The well is drilled to more than one thousand feet. According to Gibson, deeper wells generally mean cleaner water sources, as the water has filtered farther through the ground from the surface.

“When we drill this deep, an electrically operated pump will need to be used. That pump is actually submerged at the bottom of the well below the water table,” said Gibson. “The first step is to drill the bore hole, then put in the casing to line the bore hole. The casing has screens toward the bottom to allow the water to enter. Then the submersible pump goes down inside the casing attached to a pipe that draws the water up from the pump to be used.

“The Ethiopians will have a highly qualified team capable of drilling wells wherever they want to be deployed. We are helping to build that capacity in the host nation, and it’s not just us – it’s us and the ENDF working together to develop that team,” Gibson continued.

The water well was completed Jan. 5. According to Gibson, the well should be able to sustain about 15,000 people in the Fiche region.

BU2 Brandon Smith, NMCB 27, constructs formwork in preparation for a concrete pour at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 3. Photo by Lt. j.g. Teresa Bustamante

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27 continue construction operations at Soto Cano Air Base, the Republic of Honduras, supporting U.S. Special Operations Command South while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet.

Located in Honduras, Soto Cano Air Base is home to U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-B).

NMCB 27 is tasked with approximately six rehabilitation projects to improve both the quality of life for service members and the serviceability of the base. The team is responsible for several projects: a 20-foot by 12-foot concrete pad, wall partitions at the Special Forces compound and a steel pole barn.

The team will also forward-deploy to a U.S.-Honduran training site to make interior building renovations, repair a base electric grid, install a new roof and take care of plumbing for the current military occupants.

The Seabees are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27, recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet multinational partnership and humanitarian assistance missions.

The First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) announces the activation of the Basic Combat Skills (BCS) Level I online training course on Navy e-Learning (NeL) via Navy Knowledge On-Line (NKO). This self-paced course includes six lessons that enable Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officers to learn new combat skills or refresh existing skills. Lessons include: The Naval Construction Force (NCF) and The Laws of Armed Conflict; Medical Procedures and Personal Hygiene; General Military Tactics; Field Communications; Force Protection; and Combat Equipment and Weapons.

Capt. Stephanie Jones, 1NCD N7, said, “The official release of the BCS electronic training provides our Seabees another tool to obtain critical mission skills and knowledge at the time that is convenient for them.”

The course enhances individual and team decision-making and combat effectiveness by supplying up-to-date information to Seabees using the latest technology. The information is vital to the NCF mission so that personnel stay abreast of the latest combat technology to ensure Seabees deploying around the world are prepared for present-day challenges.

“The intent of this course is to allow the user to be able to train and become familiar with the NCF and its capabilities in a self-paced interactive learning environment, anywhere – anytime,” said Chief Builder (SCW) Jason Verneris, project manager, NAVFAC Training Support Agency.

The BCS course includes hyperlinks to up-to-date references, glossary and acronym/definition list, and displays graphic images of commonly used forms and documents. The course is available for enrollment by visiting Navy Knowledge Online (NKO)> LEARNING tab> Navy e-Learning>Online Courses> Browse Categories> Department of the Navy (DON) Training> Naval Construction Force Training> Basic Combat Skills> Basic Combat Skills – Level I.

This online training tool is designed to support personnel reporting to NCF commands and students attending the CEC Officer School (CECOS) Basic class, and “A” School courses. Each lesson takes an average of two to five hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the six lesson assessments, the program generates a completion certificate and updates the member’s Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) and Fleet Training Management and Planning System (FLTMPS). SMART can take up to two weeks to appear while FLTMPS is generally updated nightly.

For more information, contact Irma Watkins, learning standards officer, (805) 982-4221.

Photos by MC2 Derek R. Sanchez

BUCN Taylor Mendonca, NMCB 133, teaches a Tajik soldier how to shim cross slats while building a roof during an international relations project with the Tajik Army.

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as part of a Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the first-ever Seabee mission in Tajikistan.

In support of the Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) and Tajikistan Ministry of Defense (MOD), the Seabee crew began construction alongside the MOD’s construction force, the Stroibat, Phase I of a $1 million project at the Peace Support Operation Training Center (PSOTC) at Shamsi Base, funded by GPOI.

To help boost the local economy and establish lasting relationships with contractors and vendors, the building materials were procured in nearby street vendor markets by Utilitiesman 1st Class Justin Walker, NMCB 133 project supervisor, and 1st Lt. Sunset Lo, Air Force contracting officer. The vendors delivered the materials ordered in a timely manner, enabling the project to move forward on schedule.

Seabees assigned to NMCB 133 work with the Tajik Army to rebuild, restore and remodel various buildings on Shamsi Military Base in Tajikistan.

Throughout Phase I, which included the construction of a new roof, English language lab classroom, kitchen renovations and electrical distribution repairs, the Seabees mentored 10 Stroibat soldiers, teaching them basic construction skills while building strong relationships through coordination with MOD Stroibat forces and communication with high-level Tajikistan military officers.

“Working with Stroibat has been a great experience,” said Builder Constructionman Xavier Knowlesball. “It has been educational working through language barrier challenges and I am honored to be a part of the crew.”

BUCN Xavier Knowlesball (right) and BUCN Taylor Mendonca, NMCB 133, search for obstructions before installing cross slats while building a roof during an international relations project with the Tajik Army. 

Construction Electrician Constructionman Hunter Kiser reflected a similar sentiment.

“It has been an awesome experience working with the local construction force,” said Kiser. “Their hospitality is amazing and made our visit to Dushanbe easy, allowing us to focus on the tasking.”

With the first phase scheduled to conclude in January, planning for the second phase has already begun.

EO2 Justin Pittman, UCT 1, performs a front step-in water entry during dive training operations, Key West, Fla., Jan. 15. Photo by MC3 Nicholas S. Tenorio

Lt. James Johncock (left), executive officer, UCT 1, supervises as BU1 Christopher Etter, UCT 1, uses an underwater welding torch during dive training operations, Key West, Fla., Jan. 16. Photo by MCC Shane Tuck

Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 divers, from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., conducted semiannual training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 16-17, to hone their specialized skill set in variety of construction projects in the ocean environment.

“This training is conducted every six months,” said Lt. Kent Michael Hull, diving medical officer, UCT 1. “They are running through different drills and scenarios they might encounter on deployment.”

The Seabee underwater construction technicians practiced underwater welding and cutting, surface-supplied breathing, SCUBA and emergency medical procedures in preparation for a scheduled deployment to Rota, Spain, later this year.

“This training is about being proficient in every-day diving,” said Chief Engineering Aide Christopher Munch, UCT 1 diver. “It’s all about getting comfortable in the water, learning your limits and what your own capabilities are.”

Projects from recent deployments include the construction of boat ramps and floating piers, as well as the maintenance of shorefront facilities.

“Anything that’s on the shorefront, we can maintain, manage and inspect it,” said Munch.

Diversity is paramount to the success of UCT 1; divers must be interchangeable to maintain ocean construction capabilities and readiness.

“Every diver gets to work on different parts of the dive team,” said Hull. “This familiarizes them with all the different aspects of the team.”

Hull said his focus is to get the team ready for any type of dive injury they could encounter.

“It’s important that everyone on the team knows how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a dive injury, as well as the proper treatment that goes along with each injury,” said Hull.

UCT 1 divers take full advantage of the training evolutions and understand the value they provide.

“This training will benefit our team immensely,” said Builder 2^nd Class Carlos Hernandez. “Not only have we built up our proficiency in underwater welding and cutting, we’ve worked on emergency procedures in the case of any dive casualty. This ensures we’re able to respond and know how to take care any situation.”

UCT 1 provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations. They also maintain the capability to support a Fleet Marine Force amphibious assault, subsequent combat service support ashore and self-defense for the camp and facilities under construction; and in time of emergency or disaster, conduct disaster control and recovery operations.

BU3 Daniel Blount (left) and EO3 Steven Thelusma, NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, receive the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a mission in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

A formation of Seabees stood at attention on Camp Krutke, Afghanistan, as two members from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, received Purple Hearts for wounds sustained during a mission in Helmand Province.

Standing proudly in front of the Stars and Stripes, Builder 3^rd Class Daniel Blount and Equipment Operator 3^rd Class Steven Thelusma received the award from Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, Commander, 411^th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire.

Both recipients suffered injuries when their convoy was struck with an improvised explosive device while conducting missions outside the wire.

Blount, serving his second deployment to Afghanistan, experienced the attack while his MRAP was traveling at low speed through rough terrain.

“It’s difficult to explain but it felt like a long blink,” Blount said. “The explosion knocked the gunner out of his turret and right onto me. I literally caught him. My first reaction was to check on his condition and then immediately attend to my shipmates. I think we’re fortunate.”

“Afterward the skipper telephoned my wife,” added Blount. “He let her know that I was going to make it through this. That’s really when it all sunk in.”

Thelusma, also serving his second deployment to Afghanistan, was operating an armored tractor trailer when his vehicle was struck.

“All I can say is that I sincerely feel honored to receive this award. There’s nothing we could have done to prevent [the attack],” said Thelusma. “But I do think that training played an important role in the way we responded and pushed through a dangerous situation.”

The two Seabees are expected to recover and complete their deployment in Afghanistan.

“This is such a prestigious award,” said Blount. “So few have it and I feel humbled. I don’t take this for granted.”

Once called the ‘Badge of Merit,’ the Purple Heart is the military’s oldest award dating back to President George Washington.

Seabees stand at attention as Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, Commander, 411th Engineer Brigade, Task Force Empire, awards two members of NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, with the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a mission in Afghanistan. Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

Commander First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) recently announced the winners of the Naval Construction Force (NCF) Battle ‘E’ award, also known as the ‘Best of Type’ award, which recognizes outstanding operational performance of its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions.

Atlantic Fleet winners are Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11(Active) and NMCB 27 (Reserve). Winners from the Pacific Fleet are NMCB 4 (Active) and NMCB 25 (Reserve).

NMCB 11

While supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, NMCB 11 supported engineering operations for three supported commands operating in 77 dispersed locations throughout six regional commands.  Based in Gulfport, Miss., the battalion completed more than 70 projects and 46,000 mandays of construction, counter-insurgency operations and training support to Afghan engineer forces. “Your efforts improved force protection, enhanced freedom of movement, and improved quality of life for U.S. and coalition forces, and set the stage for the surge draw-down of U.S. and coalition forces and the eventual transfer of the mission to the Afghan forces,” wrote Rear Adm. Mark Handley, Commander 1NCD.

NMCB 27

Headquartered in Brunswick, Maine, NMCB 27 was commended for accomplishments in preparation for and during its deployment to U.S. Southern Command. “The ‘Skibees’ have clearly demonstrated that you are deserving of selection as ‘Best of Type,’ and I congratulate you on a job well done,” Handley wrote. Their unit-level training included two command post exercises, embark training exercises, a communications exercise and a field training exercise involving 376 battalion personnel. They completed more than 31,000 mandays of training and 19,000 mandays of homeport and contingency construction. They deployed an 85-person Air Detachment to Guantanamo Bay and also completed projects in El Salvador and Peru.

NMCB 4

“Throughout a challenging year, NMCB 4 has consistently and unequivocally proven their commitment to excellence and an uncompromising ‘can-do’ attitude,” wrote Handley.  During its fourth consecutive CENTCOM deployment, NMCB 4 worked at 72 sites across all six regional commands in Afghanistan.  They provided mobility support by establishing and improving low-water crossing sites, emplacing bridges and building roads.  The battalion completed 72 projects consisting of more than 42,000 mandays of tasking.  Returning to homeport in Port Hueneme, Calif., they executed a solid homeport training plan for preparation for the next deployment to Europe and Africa.

NMCB 25

NMCB 25 ramped up its training schedule to account for a six-month acceleration of the deployment timeline. Headquartered at Fort McCoy, Wis., the battalion completed 20,000 mandays of construction support and training, and attained more than 790 new technical skills.  They maintained 100-percent accountability in their supply outlets. “Through commitment and focus on personnel programs you have been successful in dramatically improving metrics in all program areas and setting the mark for foundation training,” Handley wrote.

“My congratulations to the Seabees of NMCB 4, NMCB 11, NMCB 25 and NMCB 27.  Your efforts in helping our supported commanders achieve their desired effects were truly inspirational and exemplified the Seabee can-do motto.”

 COBAN, Guatemala (Dec. 27, 2012)Utilitiesman 1st Class Andrew Duquette, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27, installs plumbing fixtures during a laundry facility renovation on the CREOMPAZ military base in Coban, Guatemala, as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative. Duquette is a member of a detachment of Seabees performing infrastructure repairs and improvements on the Guatemalan peacekeeping base. The Seabees from NMCB-27 are forward deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet multinational partnership and humanitarian assistance missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 1st Class Erik Kowalski/Released)

COBAN, Guatemala (NNS) — Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27 completed the construction of a facility addition at the Comando Regional de Entrenamiento de Operaciones de Mantenimiento de Paz (Regional Peacekeeping Operations Training Command – “CREOMPAZ”) military base Guatemala, Dec. 30.

The 15 foot by 18 foot addition to the base laundry facility was constructed between two existing buildings to accommodate four new washers, four new dryers and a slop sink.

The five-person crew that executed the construction project, led by Builder 1st Class Erik Kowalski, poured a raised concrete floor with three culverts below the slab, set concrete block walls, installed a pitched steel roof, and plumbed all necessary piping.

The main building’s electrical service was upgraded from an existing 100 amp panel to 200 amps in order to accommodate the increased load of the addition. The addition was finished with ceramic tile flooring, painted masonry walls, and an exterior water supply tank on an elevated steel stand.

“The new addition adds 270 square feet of space to the existing facility,” explained Senior Chief Builder Thomas O’Connor, leading chief petty officer of the Seabees in Guatemala. “We have effectively doubled their laundry throughput and cut their laundry service time in half.”

The laundry facility addition is just one of several infrastructure improvement projects that the Seabees are currently completing at CREOMPAZ. The work, performed in support of U.S. Southern Command’s Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative (GPOI), is ultimately intended to increase the quality-of-life and operational effectiveness of the Guatemalan peacekeeping facility.

“Wow! Fantastic job to all,” said Jack Likens, GPOI assistant program manager at U.S. Southern Command. After seeing pictures of the completed project, he added that it “looks like the final shot from an episode of Extreme Guatemala Makeover.”

The Seabees in Honduras are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27, based out of Chicopee, Mass., who were recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet multinational partnership and humanitarian assistance missions.

USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility.

Members of the run stop during a runner turn over and pose with the Seabee flag (from left to right)Lt. Benjamin Waite, Lt. Kim Caudle and Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Stoddard. Photo by Lt. Karen McAllister, Intern Architect Public Works Department Annapolis.

Lt. Benjamin C. Waite, construction manager of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Public Works Division Annapolis, used one of his greatest strengths to raise nearly $400 dollars for the Washington, D.C. Seabee Ball by running 37 miles.

Waite started his run at the Admiral Ben Moreell Monument located at the United States Naval Academy and finished at the Seabee Memorial located at the front gates of Arlington National Cemetery. From 7 a.m. on Dec. 7 2012, he was on the run and joined at different points by fellow officers for different stretches. “I saw this as an opportunity for people to get sponsored either as a flat donation for participating or on a per mile donation,” he said.

Waite, a distance runner, actually trained for this event with the Naval Academy Marathon Team. “I am the officer representative for the team so I train and race with them. Three weeks before this I ran a 50-miler,” Waite said. Waite and his team accepted both donations per mile and flat donations for Waite himself to run the whole way, which made his decision to complete another long race so soon after his last one an easy one. “Once I hit mile 31, I was sore, but I knew I could and would finish the entire run.”

Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Stoddard a NAVFAC Headquarters Public Works division officer, joined Waite at the 13-mile mark of the run. Although he was sponsored $50 for running six miles, he kept up with his partner for nine. “Waite motivated the rest of us by just being there the entire way and organizing the logistics,” Stoddard said.

The idea for the run originated during the NAVFAC command physical fitness assessment held in October and Waite decided to begin this December and keep the run as close as possible to Pearl Harbor Day. “Obviously December 7th holds a very deep meaning for the Seabees and our country,” he said. “The funds we raised will hopefully keep ticket prices low for the junior Seabees who need it the most.”

“I hope this event continues in the future and look forward to next year. I also hope this sparks relays and other creative fund raising events considering all the athletes we have in the Civil Engineering Corps.” Stoddard said. At the 35-mile marker Stoddard and the rest of team met Waite to finish out the run together. The total combined distance covered by the six participants equaled 74 miles, with half of it coming from Waite himself.

EA1 William Harris, CSFE SOY, instructs the Engineering Aide C1 Advanced Course at NCTC Port Hueneme, Calif.
Photo by EAC Ernesto C. Escusa Jr.

The Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE) named Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) Port Hueneme’s Engineering Aide 1^st Class William Harris Sailor of the Year (SOY) for fiscal year 2012.

“Petty Officer Harris is one of the very best first class petty officers I have had the pleasure to serve with. His constant maturity and steadfast commitment to excellence is second to none,” said Lt. j.g. Grant Glover, Charlie Company Commander, NCTC. “To not only be the NCTC SOY, but to go forward and represent NCTC and win at the CSFE level is a tremendous accomplishment.”

As Disaster Recovery Schoolhouse (DRS) leading petty officer, Harris supervised three first class petty officer and one second class petty officer as they instructed 56 classes delivering 1,208 hours of instruction to 1,685 personnel. He personally instructed 49 classes, providing 1,148 instructional hours to 1,611 students during the execution of three “F” School courses and one “C” School course.  According to student end-of-course critiques, their participation in these courses consistently enhanced the readiness and capabilities of the operational units they were assigned to throughout the NCF and Navy in Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defensive Operations (CBR-D).

“It is a great honor to receive an award of this magnitude, especially with all the great things my fellow Sailors are doing,” Harris said. “It is a deeply humbling and motivating experience that couldn’t have been possible without the great people who support and mentor me.”

“Like every year, the competition was extremely tough due to the fact that we have so many fine and dedicated professionals assigned to the CSFE Domain,” said Cmdr. Scott Loeschke, NCTC Commanding Officer. “We have many Sailors doing great things.”

As the assistant command career counselor, Harris mentored and provided guidance to peers and students alike. He was also elected vice president of the Acey-Deucy Association by his peers, and spearheaded a fundraiser – “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” – which raised more than $800 for the local chapter of the Big Brother and Big Sister Organization.

“Petty Officer Harris is a whole-hearted performer by nature and the epitome of our Core Values. Sustained superior performance, dedication to the mission and empowering leadership qualities should be recognized appropriately,” said Chief Construction Mechanic Anthony Moreno, who also serves as Navy military training lead. “EA1 Harris maintains these traits and encourages others to do the same, making him the Sailor that NCTC wants to represent them. That, in itself, speaks volumes.”

Harris was selected from a cadre of CSFE Learning Site Sailors of the Year that included:  Construction Electrician 1^st Class Jesus Torres, Civil Engineer Corps Officers School; Builder 1^st Class James Pace, NCTC Gulfport, Miss.; Construction Electrician 1^st Class James Brown, CSFE Detachment Sheppard Air Force Base; and Equipment Operator 1^st Class Philip King, CSFE Detachment Fort Leonard Wood.

NMCB 74 Seabees use heavy equipment to construct three 250-foot-long berms at the firing range to be used by special forces deployed to the island.
Photo by EOCN Laura Trommer

By BU3 Brian Whelan, NMCB 74

The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74, Detail Sasebo, Japan, met with local Boy Scout Troop 76, Far East Council of Boy Scouts, on the construction site of a future Navy ship repair storage facility where the ‘Bees are constructing the building foundation.  While on site, the Boy Scouts learned about the Seabees and had the opportunity to earn their engineering merit badge.

The Scouts, ranging in age from eight to 15 years, took turns looking at blueprints, shop drawings and construction activity schedules, and then moved out on the job site to see the formwork set in place and the various tools Seabees have at their disposal.  When questioned by a young Scout about what classes were most important to become an engineer, Ens. Nick Sweet, Detail Sasebo Officer In Charge, said, “You need to be well rounded in all areas, including writing and history, but math and sciences are the foundation to engineering.”

Builder 3rd Class Brian Whelan explained the necessity of building strong formwork to support pressure while placing wet concrete, and described how important terms such as level, plum, flush and square are to the work Seabees do.  Whelan also discussed how important the use of proper protective equipment is on the job, as even the expertly trained Seabees can get hurt.  When the Scouts doubted the presence of steel in the Seabees’ boots, Whelan firmly tapped the toe of his boots with a hammer – to the boys’ surprise.

Fire Control Chief Eric Holewinski, troop leader and father, said the Scouts, “Get to do a lot of hands-on learning here in Sasebo.  We’ve done overnights on some of the ships out here and now, actually getting onto a construction site they see firsthand the work that goes on.”

Before leaving the site, NMCB 74 Seabees asked the Scouts what they learned. One young Boy Scout responded, “A ‘wacky packer’ makes the ground hard so buildings won’t tilt or sink.” This Scout – and many others – earned their engineering merit badges that day.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (NNS) — Fifteen volunteers from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 took their “can do” spirit to the local Camarillo community Dec. 17 to construct an 8-foot high, 26-foot long patio for a women’s teenage group home.

Using materials donated by businesses and independent professionals from the local area, the “Seabees” donated a day’s work to help transform the state-funded facility into a more comfortable home.

“When the young women arrive here, they have just left a place where they were either abused or neglected,” said one of the home’s 10 guardians Monique Mujica. “An addition like a patio may seem trivial, but it’s one of those details that make our facility feel like a home. A place where the youth here can relax, enjoy a day together and feel at ease.”

The home houses six women ranging between ages 12-17 and is restricted to the money given by the state, which is enough to manage maintenance costs and operating needs. This leaves nothing in the budget for added construction such as the patio.

Funds to these costs fall on outside fundraising and volunteer efforts – the primary reason the patio’s construction had been stalled for two years.

According to Petty Officer 1st Class (SCW) William Reider who coordinated the Navy’s support, the Seabees provided a variety of costly skills. Among the group were Navy builders, steelworkers, utilitiesmen, engineering aides and construction electricians who act as carpenters, welders, plumbers, general engineers and electricians respectively.

“A normal contract for a job with this many laborers could range up to 75 dollars a person,” said Reider. “Taxpayers allowed the Navy to give us our skills. From our standpoint, it’s only fair to use these skills to help our community. We love our neighbors, and they can depend on us for help.”

Sailors are no strangers to facing uncertain futures similar to the home’s teens, it’s not uncommon for the average Sailor to change homes and schools 5-10 times during an average career. Due to constant deployments and defense needs moving military families from coast-to-coast or overseas, it can be difficult for service members to grow comfortable in their changing surroundings.

Reider said volunteering helps quell any sense of unapproachability felt by the community and sets a good example for others to follow.

“The girls here aren’t used to seeing people do things for the sake of just being nice,” said Monique. “It’s nice for them to see that people don’t have to do things because they are told or paid but rather because there is a sense of humanity in it. I think this help you become a well-rounded part of this world.”�

Seabees from NMCB 3 average roughly 100 volunteer events per year that are dedicated to building their neighborhoods into positive places to live.

NMCB 3 provides combatant commanders and Navy component commanders with combat-ready warfighters capable of general engineering, construction and limited combat engineering across the full range of military operations.

By Daryl C. Smith, Public Affairs Officer, 1^st Naval Construction Division

 As members of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), Task Force Stethem, took part in a transfer of authority ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, July 31, they marked not just the end of their six-month deployment to Afghanistan, but also the last Seabee regiment to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The story began when the 1^st NCR deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in September 2008.  During their deployment, they were ordered to redeploy the regiment, along with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7, from Iraq to Afghanistan.

This involved relocating more than 425 personnel, 256 pieces of heavy equipment, and 87 containers by air and sea.  Once relocated to Afghanistan, 1NCR led one NMCB and a large NMCB Detail (Det), as well as an Air Force Expeditionary Red Horse Group.  As a major subordinate command of 1^st Marine Expeditionary Force, they accomplished critical airfield expansions, forward operating base (FOB) construction and other force protection infrastructure projects throughout the region to enable NATO forces and the Afghani government to begin to take control in the region.

1^st NCR was relieved by 25^th NCR in February 2009 in Regional Command South.  In preparation for a troop build-up of more than 15,000 forces, 25^th NCR directed the construction and expansion of various combat outposts (COPs) and FOBs.  Leading a construction force of one NMCB, an NMCB Det, two Army Engineer Battalions, an Air Force Red Horse Group and several Army and Air Force facilities engineer teams, they completed more than 250 projects valued at more than $183.4 million.  This included establishment of command and control facilities for six staff headquarters, improvement of force protection at 11 FOBs and bed-down facilities for more than 10,300 coalition troops.

In August 2009, 30^th NCR deployed to the region as Commander of Task Force Forager and a major subordinate command under U.S. Forces Afghanistan and Regional Command South. They directed the construction and expansion of numerous COPs and FOBs in support of four brigade-size maneuver commands and one infantry battalion.

In December 2009, President Barack Obama announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to the region. 30NCR’s forces swelled to more than 4,500 Navy, Army and Air Force engineers, including three NMCBs, two Army Engineer Battalions, one Air Force Red Horse group and several Army and Air Force facilities engineer teams.  In support of the troop surge, they expanded the number of COPs and FOBs from eight to 24, constructed more than two million square feet of additional berthing and command and control space, 18.7 miles of aircraft matting, and six water wells.

22^nd NCR deployed to Afghanistan in February 2010 as commander of Task Force Alliance and a major subordinate command under U.S. Forces Afghanistan, Joint Force Engineering Command and Regional Command South, supporting seven brigade-level maneuver elements.  The 6,000-person joint engineer force was comprised of three Army Engineer Battalions, four NMCBs, two Air Force Squadrons, one Marine Corps Airfield Engineer Detachment and Defense Department civilians. They completed more than 375 projects on more than 30 FOBs, including the following: base perimeter expansions up to six miles, 23 command and control facilities, two rotary wing airfields, 23 water wells, tactical bridging, more than 180,000 square feet of berthing facilities to house 24,000 personnel, three aircraft runways and various other force protection improvements.  Engineer battalions completed more than 1,900 missions clearing more than 127,000 kilometers of key transportation routes.  They also built and expanded four FOBs in support of the 2/101^st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

3^rd NCR deployed to the region in August 2010 as commander of Task Force Keystone under International Joint Command and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. 3NCR led 5,300 Navy, Army and Air Force engineers including four NMCBs, three Army Engineer Battalions, one Air Force Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron, and several Army and Air Force Facilities Engineer Teams.  They completed more than 400 projects to more than 25 COPs and FOBs and provided critical tactical infrastructure enabling combat operations in the region.  Accomplishments included 32 COPs, 15 watch towers, six strong points, three vehicular blocking positions, three expeditionary gap crossings and 18 road improvement projects. They improved 35 kilometers of roads, installed 15 bridges and drilled 29 water wells.  They also provided support to village stability operations and border security.  3^rd NCR deployed a regimental forward element to meet demands of clear and hold operations in Hamkari and Sagin River Valley. 3^rd NCR also provided leadership to two Army Route Clearance Battalions that traveled more than 359,000 kilometers across five provinces.

In February 2011, 25^th NCR replaced 3^rd NCR in Afghanistan as commander of Task Force Overlord, supporting three regional commands comprising approximately half of the country.  They led a multi-service force of 10 subordinate units totaling more than 4,200 personnel.  They oversaw route-clearing operations and provided construction support to 14 brigade-level Army, Marine and Coalition armed forces commands supporting counterinsurgency operations during a critical period when momentum in southern Afghanistan shifted in favor of the government.  3^rd NCR oversaw construction of five COPs, four roads, three border checkpoints, two large highway inspection stations, 11 surveillance sites, 19 command and control facilities, 12 water wells, an improved ribbon bridge across the Helmand River and two tactical bridges on Afghanistan’s main highway.

30^th NCR deployed to the region again in August 2011 as commander of Task Force Forager, reporting to both International Security Assistance Force Unit Joint Command and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and leading about 4,200 engineers.  They oversaw a variety of projects including nine water wells, five check points, 10 COPs, nine persistent ground surveillance system sites, and the placement and emergency repairs of five bridges on critical supply routes. They also oversaw route clearance operations for theater, regional and provincial routes.

In February 2012, 22nd NCR deployed for a second and final time to Afghanistan.  As Task Force Stethem, they led a multi-service force of approximately 1,900 engineers. They executed vital freedom of maneuver projects, force protection measures, water wells, bridges and tactical infrastructure projects to enhance combat power, command and control, and survivability for coalition forces combating insurgents in southern and western Afghanistan. The regiment also partnered with the U.S. Air Force’s 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron to train and instruct Afghan engineers assigned Kandahar Airfield and the 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army.

“Finally, you effectively set the operational conditions for successful mission execution of the CENTCOM Material Recovery Element, directly enabling the Presidential order to drawdown U.S. forces in Afghanistan,” said Rear Adm. Mark Handley, Commander, 1NCD, in a message to the regiment.  22^nd NCR returned to Gulfport, Miss., in August.

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 perform drilling operations in Challalumsa, Ethiopia.
Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Taylor, NMCB 1 Public Affairs

Challalumsa is a very small village that you won’t find off the side of a main road, near a river, stream or even on a map.  This village is a treasure hidden in the desert near the town of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and home to nearly 500 Somali Ethiopians. Life in Challalumsa is quiet and simple, and most work consists of herding camels, goats and donkeys. People travel up to 20 miles daily for fresh water. For that reason it is a perfect place to send a group of Navy Seabees to drill a well.

The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 began their mission to bring water to the people of Challalumsa on Nov. 21. A pre-assessment was performed by Lt. j.g. Michael Gibson, officer-in-charge; Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) Tremayne Nicholson, assistant officer-in-charge; and Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) William Wilson, lead driller.

“During the assessment we met with the Village Elder to discuss the placement of the well, how many people the well will serve, the effect it will have on the village and job site safety,” said Gibson.

After the road leading to the well site was prepped, work on the well began Nov. 25. Equipment Operator 2nd Class (SCW) Corey Hileman worked to flatten some areas and dig out others, so that the T2W Water Well Rig and Tender would be able to reach the site. Once on-site, set up began with two 20-foot Container Express (CONEX) boxes, a 750-cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) air compressor and well drilling materials.

A water well operation is a 24-hour-a-day mission divided into three eight-hour shifts. Each shift has a tower leader, derek hand, worm and mechanic.  The tower leader is in charge of his shift and controls the drill rig. His second in charge and right hand is the derek. The worm collects cutting samples and keeps the drilling mud program correct, and the mechanic keeps everything working properly.

The water well required a 250-foot depth to have an effective ground water flow that produces enough water for the village. The team worked four days and nights to reach this depth, overcoming a clogged mud pump, air in the hydraulic lines and cold, wet nights.

For the village of Challalumsa, Ethiopia, the placement and completion of this well means no more 20-mile hikes to get water – the liquid gold that keeps this village alive.

Two Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action while deployed to Afghanistan.

The recipients were conducting a convoy mission between forward operating bases in the Helmand Province when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle on Oct.16.

“This was a near-death experience that I don’t like to talk about,” said Equipment Operator Constructionman Matthew Loper. “I pulled out my shipmate and all I can say is I’m glad we made it.”

Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, commanding general, 411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire, awards EOCN Matthew Loper, NMCB 133, with the Purple Heart, Camp Krutke, Afghanistan. Loper received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a mission in the Helmand Province, and is deployed to Afghanistan with Task Force Anchor, providing engineer support to coalition forces.
Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

Loper received the Purple Heart from Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, commanding general, 411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire, during an award presentation at Camp Krutke, Afghanistan, Oct. 29.

“General Weeks told me this was something special,” recalled Loper. “He asked me how I was doing [and] then he said it’s an honor which will last a lifetime. It was moving.”

The second recipient, Equipment Operator Third Class Sean Neilson, received the Purple Heart while recovering from his wounds at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., Oct. 30, from Rear Adm. Mark Handley, commander, First Naval Construction Division.

EO3 Sean Neilson, NMCB 133, receives the Purple Heart from Rear Adm. Mark Handley, commander, 1NCD. EO3 Neilson is recovering at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., from injuries received in Afghanistan during a mission in Helmand Province while deployed with Task Force Anchor.

“I’m proud to receive this award,” said Neilson. “I have a long line of military running in the family and my goal is to get my degree and become a (Naval) officer.”

“Our two heroes, along with first responding Sailors at the site, performed brilliantly,” said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nicolas Yamodis. “Months of training before entering the theater paid off throughout these poignant, extraordinary moments that no one wants to experience, but we must be prepared for. The mettle and conviction of purpose of the entire team cannot be overstated. They are part of effecting monumental tasks in furthering the Afghanistan government, and I am proud to call them shipmates.”

UTCN Angelean Floyd (left) and UT3 Daniel Martin, NMCB 133, Task Force Anchor, prepare to raise a historic battalion flag above the camp in remembrance of Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7.
Photo by MC1 Steven Myers

Five Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, raised and lowered a historic battalion flag above Camp Krutke, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, in remembrance of the 71st anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Nicholas Noviello, current custodian of the relic, gave a brief explanation of the historic significance of the flag before Utilitiesman 3rd Class Daniel Martin, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Andrew Decamp, Builder Constructionman Wesley Howard and Utilitiesman Constructionman Angelean Floyd raised it.

“It’s an honor to fly this flag to represent NMCB 133 and the Seabee battalions here in Afghanistan,” said Noviello.

The flag, previously on display at the Seabee museum in the battalion’s homeport of Gulfport, Miss., had flown above Camp Moreell in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Davisville and Saddam Canal in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom; and above Camp Krutke on the Navy’s 237th birthday, Oct. 13.

Navy Divers recovered a piece of tradition during a frocking ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Nov. 30.

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 frocked three Navy Divers in an unfamiliar fashion to what most Sailors have witnessed in today’s Navy, during a ceremony called “Tacking on of the Crow,” in which Sailors, took turns stitching on petty officer rating badges, or crows, to the sleeves of the newly-promoted Sailors, representing their new rank.

“I’ve been in the Navy for three years and have never seen anything as professional and heritage-related as the ceremony we had today,” said Navy Diver 3rd Class Daniel Parson, assigned to MDSU 2. “Usually, it’s congratulations, a hand shake and you’re given your crow, but this ceremony felt like it meant more.”

While standing on center stage, the commanding officer sewed the first stitch with the expectation of the Sailors to accept their new responsibility and authority. The executive officer sewed the second stitch, while reminding the Sailors of the importance of the small details, where even the most mundane administrative task is important to the mission. The command master chief sewed the third stitch, and highlighted his role to the Sailors as a direct representative of the ideal goals of the petty officer.

The fourth stitch was sewn on by the officer in charge, the immediate senior, whose orders they have sworn not just to obey, but to understand and interpret those orders. The fifth stitch was sewn by master diver, their deckplate mentor and the one who has the most influence to shape, guide and help the petty officer in both his daily routine and his career progression.

The sixth stitch was sewn by the Sailors’ peers, who help them get the job done and survive day-to-day. The seventh stitch was sewn by family because no Sailor operates alone. Whether it be friends or family, each Sailor has a support structure outside of working hours that keeps him focused and grounded.

Once the crow is fully tacked on the Sailors, uniform, you can no longer tell the difference between the first tack and the last tack. It symbolizes equal holding of all who sewed the crow and equal support to the new petty officers.

“The ceremony showed the support of everyone throughout our command,” said newly-frocked Navy Diver 1st Class Tyler Smith, assigned to MDSU 2. “It showed the people who helped us get to where we are and the people that respect us for how far we have come.”

“Tacking on of the Crow” dates back to the Royal navy and days of the sail. Upon the arrival of the industrial age, sail and canvas gave way to engines and steel. The method of the tack transformed from sewing to punching, like the piston of a machine. Over the years, the ceremony slowly evolved into hazing, opposite of its original tradition.

“The message got skewed,” said MDSU 2 Command Master Chief Scott Brodeur. “It went from being positive and upholding and showing the good deed of the Sailor and seamanship, to something people were evil about. From that point, it was no longer about a positive message.”

The MDSU 2 goal for the ceremony was to salvage “Tacking on of the Crow” to allow the Sailors an opportunity to embrace the heritage and tradition in a positive way.

“Our Navy heritage and tradition helps shape who we are and where we could be going,” said Cmdr. Michael Runkel, commanding officer of MDSU 2. “The reaction from the ceremony was positive and a good way to salvage and restart the traditions of old.”

MDSU 2, part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), provides combat-ready, rapidly deployable mobile diving and salvage teams to conduct harbor clearance, salvage, underwater search and recovery, and underwater emergency repairs in any environment.

The Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Learning Site Detachment (CSFE DET) Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB) congratulate “A” School student, Constructionman Recruit Daniel Odoi, for becoming a United States citizen on 27 November 2012. Odoi completed the final steps of the citizenship process with representatives from the Dallas-Fort Worth Immigration Department who made a special trip to SAFB to swear in three U.S. military personnel.
Odoi, a South African native, was a legal immigrant but not yet a U.S. citizen when he enlisted in the Navy. He began his paperwork while attending Boot Camp at Great Lakes Training Center, Ill. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Construction Electrician “A” School at CSFE DET SAFB where the staff continued to support his naturalization efforts.
“The process was very straight forward, well thought out, and very simple. I’ve been back and forth to the United States for 15 years and I’ve enjoyed the country and believed I was well acclimated to the U.S. Culture. I joined the US Navy to serve this country I fell in love with as I wanted to be part this Great Nation and its unique culture,” said Odoi.
“You could see the joy and pride in the eyes and faces of Odoi and his fellow servicemen while they were reciting the Oath of Citizenship,” said Chief Petty Officer Scott Kristek, CSFE Det SAFB Utilities Leading Chief Petty Officer.
Contructionman Recruit Odoi said “It really felt good and was a very important event in my life and I am grateful to be a part of the American Family, to contribute and share in the Dream!”
The U.S. Armed Forces employs a broad spectrum of cultures and ethnicities throughout its ranks. All branches of service have resources to assist members in their desire to become U.S. citizens as they are recognized as valued members of Military Services.

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27, experienced a different kind of Thanksgiving Nov. 22 while deployed to Huaytara, Peru, in support of the U.S. Southern Command’s Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative.

The Seabees are part of a subject matter expert exchange with a newly formed Peruvian military engineer group, providing supervision and support during the construction of a 2,200 square foot auditorium for the town.

Unfamiliar with the history of the U.S. holiday and understanding that construction efforts on the auditorium were getting close to completion, the Peruvian engineers treated Thursday like any other workday. Rather than taking it for rest, relaxation, and reflection, the Seabees instead chose to join their Peruvian counterparts and put in a 12-hour workday right alongside them.

“We did not want to send a bad message to the Peruvians,” said Chief Builder Glenn Kohles, officer-in-charge of the Seabees in Peru. “This close to the end of the project, if they’re working then we’re working.”

In addition to their work on the auditorium, the Seabees also chose to volunteer much of their lunchtime to help out the town’s hospital. Earlier in the morning, a car had crashed into the gate in front of the hospital and broke the top hinge of the gate. Kohles and Construction Electrician 1st Class Daniel Johnson spent two hours at the facility helping to weld a replacement hinge in order to make the gate operational again.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of our deployed Sailors who are spending this holiday away from their families and loved ones,” said Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, commander of U.S. Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet.

“The selfless decision to continue working during the Thanksgiving holiday is a great demonstration of solidarity with our South American partners and is in keeping with the traditional ‘can do’ spirit of the Seabees,” Harris said.

Spending the holiday in a remote Peruvian town did afford the Seabees a unique opportunity for some cultural enrichment. Although they weren’t able to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, they did share a somewhat unconventional Thanksgiving meal with their new Peruvian friends.

“We had some soup with chicken feet in it,” explained Kohles. “It was rough,” he added, with a grin.

The Seabees in Peru are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27 based out of Chicopee, Mass., who were recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet peacekeeping, multinational partnership, and humanitarian assistance missions.

COMUSNAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27 volunteered in a “Transportation Day” event, sponsored by the W.T. Sampson School onboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Nov. 9.

The school invited the Seabees and Emergency Services representatives to demonstrate their construction equipment to the young students.

The Seabees showed a strong presence at the event, bringing with them a tractor and trailer hauling a tracked excavator, a forklift, a loader, a grader and a backhoe. Equipment Operator 1st Class Christopher Bidwell spearheaded the organization of NMCB 27′s personnel and equipment, creating an excellent display of the unit’s capabilities.

Bidwell described how excited the Seabees were to show off their expertise and to enjoy the time with the children.

“Many of the individuals here have young children at home that they are missing,” said Bidwell. “Even these children not being their own, gave them a sense of happiness being around them.”

The children were allowed to get into the equipment as equipment operators and construction mechanics taught them how they work. Equipment Operator 1st Class Michael Hebb explained how to operate the grader and what its various levers do. Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Jeremy Garrett took a group of one and two-year olds and showed them the fork lift.

“It is a real joy to see how enthusiastic the Seabee’s are to volunteer their time,” said Bridget O’Connell, coordinator of Transportation Day. “It really makes a difference to the children. You could see how excited the children were as soon as they walked out of the building.”

The Seabees at NAVSTA GTMO are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27, based out of Chicopee, Mass., who were recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command /U.S. 4th Fleet peacekeeping, multinational partnership, and humanitarian assistance missions.

For more information, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f, www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4thflt, or www.twitter.com/navsous4thflt.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

Power lines bent over by Hurricane Sandy line the streets as a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, stationed out of Gulfport, Miss., drives a forklift down a road during hurricane relief efforts in Seaside Heights. NMCB-11 is operating under the U.S. Northern Command Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission, working closely with civil authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency following the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Martin Cuaron/Released)

Ninety Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 are returning home to Gulfport, Miss. this week after spending the past two weeks providing disaster response support in New Jersey and New York.

NMCB-11 was ordered to support federal, state, and local authorities in disaster recovery operations in the New Jersey and New York areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. The order came just days after the battalion’s Air Det reorganized into its traditional structure of 89 Seabees who are ready on a moment’s notice to respond worldwide to contingency, disaster and humanitarian relief operations.

The Air Detachment was able to mount out a total of 90 people, 94 pieces of civil engineering support equipment including front end loaders, backhoes, pumps, generators and storage containers. Additionally, more than 75 various tool kits and other support equipment were safely loaded for the convoy north.

Upon arrival at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located in Lakehurst, New Jersey, the Air Detachment hit the ground running under operational control of Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2, task-tailoring multiple teams with various capabilities that were ready to deploy throughout the affected areas.

The Seabees’ first mission, saw 45 people with heavy equipment support, involved clearing hundreds of tons of debris from Seaside Heights, N.J. In addition to debris, the team removed more than 80 cars, boats and other large objects which had been swept away and displaced during the storm surge. They also successfully tackled a more than 210,000-gallon dewatering project to aid local authorities in gaining access to water and gas lines for repair, and to reach roadways inaccessible from sink holes and storm damage.

Led by Chief Construction Electrician Robert F. Barrett, the team provided several days of support working a 50-block area alongside other military and civilian counterparts.

“I’m happy we are able to assist the people of New Jersey during a very challenging time. Our troops are doing a fantastic job and making a positive impact here in the communities,” said Barrett.

In addition to the efforts in the Seaside Heights area, another detachment worked diligently in the Sea Bright area.

On Staten Island, a 40-person crew led by Ensign Wesley M. Allen and Chief Builder Cortny G. Johnson worked with local authorities to clean up the areas around Miller Field and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Seabees also worked feverishly to unearth and completely clean up a local World War II Veterans Memorial adjacent to Miller Field in time for Veterans Day.

“The entire memorial was buried in sand,” explained Johnson. “Our troops took a personal interest in ensuring this memorial was restored to its original condition. It took a full day’s work with heavy equipment and multiple personnel to accomplish the task. It’s extremely rewarding being able to help so many people affected by the storm and being able to clean up this memorial is an added bonus for us and the city of Staten Island,” said Johnson.

Meanwhile, three Seabees provided around-the clock-assistance at the Hoboken, N.J. Ferry Terminal providing nine light plants which illuminated the terminal and allowed safe passage of traffic during peak commuting hours.

Elsewhere at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York, a team of 25 Seabees supported clean up and debris removal operations in and around the Breezy Point area along with multiple other military and civilian support teams. As civilian relief efforts in the New York and New Jersey area continue, the Seabees will head back to their home station and are confident they provided a critical support function assisting federal, state and local government.

While the Seabees accomplished quite a bit in support of relief efforts, moving them 1,400 miles from their home base in Gulfport was a logistical challenge of its own.

Because the Seabee trucks and equipment run on military jet fuel, refueling must be done at military bases along the route. Additionally, suitable berthing needed to be found as troops must be well rested for their driving and daily operational commitments.

With the assistance of the Movement Control Center (MCC) East, under the direction of Mr. Mike Noggle as Operations Manager, NMCB 11 personnel uploaded cargo onto 20 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) tractor trailers and cargo trucks.

“We wanted to ensure the Battalion stepped off on time with the first of three convoy configurations; we offered our help” said Noggle. By providing two additional forklifts from their shop, two operators, a runner for additional cargo straps, shoring and chafing material MCC East was able to provide a much needed helping hand.

“Ground movements normally don’t involve the Movement Control Center other than building the Time Phase Force Deployment Data and determining a mode/source for movement in the event aircraft became available but under these unusual circumstances of going from an air movement to a ground movement at the 11th hour we felt the need to assist in any way we could. We pride ourselves in customer service and work very well under pressure to meet short fused time lines such as sending Seabees forward to provide disaster relief efforts to the East coast,” added Noggle.

In addition, NMCB 11′s Alfa Company, partnering with the 20th Seabee Readiness Group (SRG), R43 Equipment Management Department, led the way with equipment preparation, joint inspection and operational testing of all heavy equipment needed for the mission.

Working 24-hour operations, they were able to safely work with the embarkation team and allow Air Det personnel the much needed time to prepare personal gear and get affairs in order before deploying.

“The entire mount out process was an unbelievable collaboration of teamwork and dedication on multiple fronts. Alfa Company being the equipment specialists, supply department personnel, Table of Allowance managers, Embarkation professionals, Intelligence Specialists and supporting staff personnel all made this process a resounding success,” explained Lt. Edward Fosson, the Air Det Officer in Charge.

On the 31st of October, just 39 hours after initial notification the first chalk of vehicles and equipment left Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport. Three other groups of personnel and equipment followed over a 24-hour period.

Fosson expressed the battalion’s gratitude for the cooperative efforts that helped them achieve the successful haul from Gulfport to the affected areas. “The assistance we were provided with from Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Dobbins ARB in Georgia, Fort Gordon, Georgia, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Lee, Virginia, Andrews AFB in Maryland, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst here in New Jersey has been absolutely phenomenal.”

NMCB-11 returned home to Gulfport, Miss. in September following a successful eight-month deployment to Afghanistan. The battalion continues training and exercises in preparation for its next deployment less than a year from now.

Rear Adm. Kate L. Gregory (right) relieved Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, and became the 43rd commander of NAVFAC and Navy Chief of Civil Engineers aboard the Washington Navy Yard, Oct. 26. Before the ceremony, Gregory was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) by Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan W. Greenert. Photo by MC1 Chris Thien

The leadership of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) was transferred during a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard the Washington Navy Yard, Oct. 26.

Rear Adm. Kate L. Gregory relieved Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, and became the 43rd commander of NAVFAC and Navy Chief of Civil Engineers. Before the ceremony, Gregory was promoted to rear admiral (upper half) by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert. NAVFAC is the Navy Systems Command that builds and maintains sustainable facilities, delivers utilities and services, enables energy security and environmental stewardship, and provides humanitarian assistance, contingency engineering response, and expeditionary combat force capabilities. Established in 1842 as the Bureau of Yards and Docks, NAVFAC enables Navy and Marine Corps readiness through 15 commands in the United States, Europe, Southwest Asia and the Far East.

In his remarks Greenert thanked Mossey for his service to the Navy and the nation. Greenert presented Mossey with the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service to the United States while serving as NAVFAC commander. The citation reads in part: “During his time as commander, Mossey flawlessly led a worldwide NAVFAC team in delivering more than $25 billion of facilities planning, design and construction, environment and energy management, and expeditionary support for supported commanders across the globe.”

Mossey retires after serving 31 years in the Navy. In 1981 he was commissioned an ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Cornell University after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He received a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Stanford University in June 1981, and completed the Executive Training Program at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business in August 2003.

Mossey assumed command of NAVFAC in May 2010. Other assignments included: commander of both NAVFAC Pacific and NAVFAC Atlantic; vice commander of Navy Installations Command; director of the Shore Readiness Division (N46) on the CNO staff; and chief of staff at NAVFAC Headquarters. Mossey is a registered professional engineer, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is designated as a Seabee combat warfare officer.

In his remarks, Mossey reflected on his extensive career as a Civil Engineer Corps officer and as a Seabee.

“I’d like to start by thanking by NAVFAC shipmates…Professionals who toil out of the limelight - but no ship sails, no Sailor is trained and no family is taken care of without your contributions.

“When I’m asked someday what I did in the Navy, my answer will be simple. I was a Navy Seabee. Every single day, our Seabees make important contributions to the Navy in support of the CNO’s three tenants: warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. Over 1,800 Seabees, active and reserve, are forward deployed at this moment, operating in 26 countries. No matter the task, from building a forward outpost for the Marines in Afghanistan to shifting through debris in Haiti for survivors, Seabees work with just an  incredible sense of esprit de corps and pride. What an incredible privilege to have been part of this community.”

Gregory comes to NAVFAC Headquarters from NAVFAC Pacific, where she has served as commander and Pacific Fleet civil engineer from July 2010. She is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and holds graduate degrees from the University of Southern California and George Washington University. She also completed the Senior Executive Program at the London School of Business.

Gregory’s other assignments included: commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133; commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment; and chief of staff for the First Naval Construction Division. Her facilities and project management assignments include: Yokosuka, Japan; Naples, Italy; Adak, Alaska; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Gregory emphasized responsibility and making a difference during her remarks.

“To the NAVFAC, CEC, and Naval Construction Force communities: I am honored to serve with you, and to have this opportunity to lead – especially at this time. Yes, there are challenges ahead, but how lucky we are to be here now and to serve.

“Few people have the chance to make a difference in the lives of people: the warfighters and their families we support; the workforce and Seabees whom we lead; the Navy and DoD community with whom we engage; and the nation, to whom we’re accountable. The shore infrastructure supports the readiness of our fleet and warfighters, and touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every day. We are part of a great legacy and charged with great responsibilities. I am excited to be part of this effort. Let’s get started!”

By UT3 Drew Verbis, NMCB 133 Task Force Anchor Public Affairs

CECN Elizabeth Leow, NMCB 133′s assistant yard boss at the Task Force Anchor material liaison office (MLO), ground guides a forklift operator lowering a massive bundle of concertina wire, Camp Krutke, Afghanistan. Photo by UT3 Drew Verbis

Task Force Anchor, comprised of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 personnel, meets the demand for Seabee capabilities to support ongoing military operations in Afghanistan by establishing solid supply lines. The center of the effort resides in the material liaison office (MLO) aboard Camp Krutke, where pushing supply lines of mission essential materials is assigned to a small unit of experts from a diverse spectrum of training.

Builder 2nd Class Travis Johnson, MLO yard boss, said each of the nine Seabees has multiple responsibilities each day to complete tasking requirements.

“It would all but be impossible to complete missions as fast or with such ease as we do, if we didn’t come from such culturally diverse backgrounds, and [with] such a mixture of ratings,” said Chief Utilitiesman Laroy Brisco, MLO leading chief petty officer.

“Here at MLO, we work with a unique dynamic of military, civilians and foreign national personnel, which only add to our figurative tool box,” said Brisco.

MLO uses a variety of methods to acquire a staggering quantity of tools and materials required to support the needs of coalition forces and at the same time maintain a working stock able to support emergent missions. This includes using local vendors, adjacent supporting units such as the Marine Corps builder maintenance yard and overseas shipments. There are language barriers, deadlines, budgets, contracts and physical acquisition of materials normally picked up by the equipment operators on staff. At any one time, the department might be responsible for supplying multiple projects with thousands of pieces of materials worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“In a region like Afghanistan, there’s always a challenge to provide materials to our projects on camp and located at forward operating bases,” said Johnson. “It’s not an easy task.”

MLO has already processed nearly $1.2 million in construction materials for five different construction projects and outfitted those same projects with the necessary tools to complete the mission, inventoried most of a 5.8-acre yard housing more than $8 million in materials, and many additional chores since the NMCB 133′s arrival in Afghanistan.

“You see us working around the yard through the day, non-stop until after sunset,” said Lt.j.g. Mike Manzano, MLO division officer. “The next morning we come in early with smiles on our faces.  Every day is a new day and this crew truly embodies the spirit and the legacy of the Seabees like no other.”

CM1 William Cook, CBMU 202, is greeted by his family after surprising them at halftime during Military Appreciation Night at the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football game, Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 8. Cook was deployed to Afghanistan for almost a year and was given the opportunity to return home early for the celebration. Photo by MCSN Rob Aylward

One Sailor and his family especially enjoyed the Jacksonville Jaguars hosting a military appreciation game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 8. While the action on the field was the main focus for more than 60,000 screaming fans, a moment that had nothing to do with football may have produced the loudest cheers. The entire stadium was on its feet as Construction Mechanic 1st Class William Cook ran out of the tunnel to meet his wife and daughters during halftime.

Cook, assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CMBU) 202 on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, spent the last 10 months deployed to Afghanistan as an individual augmentee (IA). He had not seen his family since last Christmas, and they were completely unaware that he was coming home. But thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars and his chain of command, he was able to reunite with his family earlier than expected. The event was even more special to Williams and his family because it just happened to be his daughter’s 21st birthday.

“I’m still in shock. I really never expected to see my father tonight,” said Kasey, Cook’s daughter. “It’s definitely a really special thing to be able to get together tonight because I didn’t expect to be able to celebrate this birthday together. But this is as good of a birthday present as I could ask for.”

The military appreciation game was sponsored by the City of Jacksonville and the Jaguars as part of the Week of Valor, a city-sponsored initiative designed to showcase Jacksonville as one of the most military-friendly cities in the country. Cook was informed by his senior enlisted advisor about three weeks ago that he was selected to come home early and participate in the event. He was originally scheduled to return next week, but arrived in Jacksonville Wednesday, instead.

“The whole thing was overwhelming…it really took me by surprise,” he said. “I wasn’t really sure if my daughter was going to be able to make it because she’s in the process of moving, but I think it was really cool for her to have me home for her birthday.”

According to Cook, it was a real challenge to keep his family from realizing that he was still overseas throughout the past two days, but thanks to social media, he was able to pull it off. They thought he was in Kuwait going through the Navy’s Warrior Transition Program, which is designed to ease the transition for Sailors returning from deployment.

“Social media came into play because the guys over there kept tagging me in their posts, saying, ‘Hey, we’re in Kuwait hanging out watching movies with Lt. O’Connell and Chief Berg,’ you know, so we were able to keep it a big secret until the game.”

The post-deployment family reunion was the third of its kind since Cook enlisted in the Navy in 1995. He was deployed twice previously to Iraq and Afghanistan, including a tour in 2005 where he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon.

A native of Hopactong, N.J., Cook said he never really considered the Navy as a career when he first enlisted.

“I didn’t have a great job, and I wanted to do something better with my life. I heard about the Seabees, thought that it was something I could do and I’ve been doing it now for 17 years. I’ve had some pretty good tours, and I look at it as probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said.

“I was the maintenance manager for the detachment here, and I don’t like sitting for too long. I heard about these provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) that go out and do a lot of stuff with the Department of Agriculture and USAID (United States Agency for International Development), going out and trying to make Afghanistan a better place,” he said.

After completing PRT training, Cook reported to Afghanistan, where he spent most of the past year supporting reconstruction efforts. After 10 months, he flew into Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport on Wednesday for out-processing and then on to NAS Jacksonville the following day.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to come home a week early, and I’d like to thank the City of Jacksonville for making this happen,” he said. “I think it’s great program that the NFL has with the NFL Salutes the Military. It’s an honor to be selected. You don’t get many of these opportunities, and I thank them for their efforts to get me home.”

Now that he is home, Cook is looking to take some time off and relax, but life at home also comes with its own challenges, he said.

“I’m planning on taking a lot of time off, but I do have a kitchen to remodel, and my wife is waiting for me to get home and get on that. I’ve got a back yard to finish up and some housework to do, but I thoroughly enjoy doing that stuff, so I’m looking forward to getting started,” he said.

CM1 William Cook, CBMU 202, is greeted by his family after surprising them at halftime during Military Appreciation Night at the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football game, Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 8. Photo by MCSN Rob Aylward

Seven-year-old Jimmie Carrick learned via phone and radio, over a nationwide broadcast, that he’d been officially named mascot for every Seabee.  Jimmie’s reaction, “Oh boy, that’s swell!”

Jimmie Carrick was a little boy from Pittsburgh, Pa., who, at two years old, contracted spinal tuberculosis, crippling his back and left leg.  Jimmie spent most of his young life in a plaster cast and seldom went anywhere besides Mercy Hospital, where he received his medical treatments.

In 1942, Bernard Flinn, 8th Naval Construction Battalion (NCB), wrote to Jimmie, then age 5, and stated that members of the battalion would like him be their mascot, a practice that many other Seabee battalions had adopted.

The offer was accepted happily by Jimmie and letters from Seabees began arriving shortly after. Jimmie’s mother would read all of the letters to him, which in her words, “seemed like a tonic for him.”

In August 1942, Pappy Rayburn, the editor of Tow Lines at Camp Thomas, learned about Jimmie’s story and wrote an editorial about him. The editorial was warmly received and the number of letters that Jimmie received increased to approximately 500 a day, only now they were written by Seabees from all over the globe.

The fame that the editorial brought was the foundation of the drive to make Jimmie the mascot for the entire Seabee organization. Camps voted and Seabees stationed overseas wrote thousands of letters in favor of Jimmie being the official Seabee mascot.  When the vote was finally complete, Jimmie was notified on June 21, 1944, via telephone and in front of a national radio audience of 12 million people that he was elected the official Seabee mascot.  It was hardly a surprise, but Jimmie and his family were thrilled nonetheless.

The first perk that Jimmie received as the mascot was the local cinema turned Jimmie’s bedroom into a theatre so he could watch the movie, “The Fighting Seabees.”

At a “Pennies for Carrick” donation station, Y1c John P. Pauk and S1c Orville Belton roll coins.

Shortly after Jimmie’s election as the official Seabee mascot, the Seabee Coverall initiated the “Pennies for Carrick” campaign.  The goal of the campaign was to have every one of the more than 260,000 Seabees donate a penny.  The total donation would be used to help restore Jimmie’s health. The grand total of the campaign was never tabulated, however, the most notable single contribution was by the 47th NCB — 36,500 pennies.

Clearly the Seabees went above and beyond for their mascot, Jimmie Carrick. In 1946, the funds raised by the “Pennies for Carrick” campaign were put to use when Jimmie was admitted to the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.  Jimmie was bedridden for 18 months while he underwent numerous surgeries and intensive physical therapy to repair the damage done to his back and leg by spinal tuberculosis. However, the long and painful process was a success since the Seabee Mascot was able walk out of the Shriners Hospital just before Christmas 1947, under his own power.  Rear Adm. J.J.  Manning, chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, sent a new Sailor suit to Jimmie for the momentous occasion that was memorialized in newspapers across the country. The Seabee’s and their generosity not only helped a little boy walk again, it showed what a “Can Do” attitude could accomplish.

Some of the men with the 47th NCB who contributed to the Carrick Mascot Penny Fund. The men are grouped around the “penny fund box” on a table displaying the Carrick story in the Seabee Coverall.

Construction Electrician 2nd Class Luke Timmerman, a member of the U.S. Navy Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) team, tests a low voltage power circuit breaker at the U.S. Strategic Command facility, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Oct. 30. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Markus M. Maier

After nearly two years of supplying the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) facility with electrical power, members of the Navy’s Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) team ended their mission at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Nov. 1.

In December 2010, a ruptured water main flooded the basement of the STRATCOM facility, damaging the building’s transformers and resulting in the loss of electrical power to parts of the facility.

Initially, the 55th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) responded by renting several commercial mobile power generators to supply electricity to the facility. However, due to the high rental and fuel costs the civil engineers searched for a better solution.

The answer came in form of the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center sending two mobile 2,500-kilovolt amp electrical substations, along with a Seabee MUSE team to install the transformers just a few weeks after the flood.

The center, located in Port Hueneme, Calif., supports worldwide Department of Defense utility shortfalls and emergencies by providing mobile critical power equipment. The center also sends Seabee MUSE team personnel who are trained in specialized power generation to install the equipment.

“Our mobile substations allowed the facility to be tied to the existing power grid as opposed to having to use generators to create electricity for the building,” said Steelworker 1st Class Shawn Herr, Seabee MUSE technician. “Now that the building’s permanent transformers have been repaired and are back on-line, our mission here is complete.”

Herr also praised the 55th CES for doing a great job maintaining the equipment for 21 months.

“Our mission would not have been as successful without the cooperation and support of the 55th CES and their outstanding maintenance team,” Herr said.

“The Seabee MUSE team offered a low-cost alternative to renting commercial generators which run on diesel,” said Douglas Wendt, 55th CES exterior electric and power production flight supervisor. “The commercial generators were costing us $70,000 per month in rental fees. On top of that the generators burned almost $4,000 in fuel each day.”

He added that these figures don’t include costs associated with the manpower needed to refuel and maintain the generators around the clock.

“In short, the Seabee MUSE team helped save the Air Force more than $3.75 million,” Wendt said. “But more important than that, through the delivery of reliable electricity, they enabled zero degradation of STRATCOM’s mission, defense posture and warfighter support.”

This is not the only time the Seabee MUSE team assisted Offutt. In July 2011, Seabees provided the Air Force Weather Agency with a 3.2-megawatt power plant in conjunction with a 5000 KVA substation for almost three months as part of the agency’s contingency plan in response to potential flooding associated with the Missouri River.