NMCB 5 ?Bees Engage in Virtual Battle Simulation

By darylsmith, / Published May 17, 2012

Story and Photos by MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five utilize the recently installed Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California during a Command Post Exercise (CPX) April 25, 2012. NMCB 5 Seabees are conducting training in preparation for a scheduled Pacific Command (PACOM) deployment early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Ace Rheaume)

A Seabee assigned to NMCB 5 mans the recently installed Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System at NAS Point Mugu, Calif., during a Command Post Exercise (CPX) in preparation for deployment.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 became the first battalion to use the Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System, a combat simulator used to train 'Bees on tactics, combat drills and other battle scenarios ranging from patrols to convoys, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu, Calif., as they prepared for deployment during a Command Post Exercise (CPX), April 25.

Seeing you guys go through the first time is inspiring, make the most of it, pave the way for the rest of the Naval Construction Force [NCF], said Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division (1NCD).

Rear Admiral Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division, watches Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five utilize the recently installed Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California during a Command Post Exercise (CPX) April 25, 2012. NMCB 5 Seabees are conducting training in preparation for a scheduled Pacific Command (PACOM) deployment early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Ace Rheaume) 120425-N-SI773-035 Rear Admiral Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division, watches Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five utilize the recently installed Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California during a Command Post Exercise (CPX) April 25, 2012. NMCB 5 Seabees are conducting training in preparation for a scheduled Pacific Command (PACOM) deployment early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Ace Rheaume) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume VIRIN: 120425-N-SI773-035: Rear Adm. Mark Handley (second from left), Commander, 1NCD, watches NMCB 5 Seabees navigate the recently installed Virtual Battle Simulation (VBS) System at NAS Point Mugu, Calif., during a Command Post Exercise (CPX).

During the CPX, Seabees learned Entry Control Point (ECP), communication and combat training skills.

When they leave here, they can...take this knowledge back to battalion to teach other troops, said Construction Mechanic 2^nd Class Christopher Biegmann, instructor, 31^st Seabee Readiness Group (SRG).

In the future, the 31^st SRG is planning to use the tool to train all four west coast Seabee battalions.