Story by MC1 Scott Bigley, Commander Task Force 68

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CHABANKA, Ukraine Seabees and Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 began a land-based construction project in Chabanka, Ukraine, July 4, during exercise Sea Breeze 2019. [caption id="attachment_18047" align="alignnone" width="618"] Construction Electrician 3rd Class Samuel Pero, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, works with a Ukrainian marine to assemble a hardened sentry post during exercise Sea Breeze 2019 in Chabanka, Ukraine, July 4, 2019. (Photo by MC1 Class Scott Bigley)   During construction, the Seabees of NMCB 133 are working with their Ukrainian counterparts to complete the project a hardened sentry post. This is one of several joint construction projects that NMCB 133 plans to complete during the exercise. Other planned projects include a 15-foot timber tower and renovations to an airfield. Joint training in contingency construction methods is a great opportunity to continue building and maintaining friendships while supporting the land-based portion of the exercise, said Lt. Amanda Caffey, officer in charge, NMCB 133 Air Detachment. Projects, like the hardened sentry post, are one piece of SB19. The exercise also includes maritime and aviation events that focus on shared learning between partner nations. We have 19 nations who sent their navy personnel to work in a wide range of ways, and to train and work toward improving our skills and abilities in maritime security, air superiority, and land tactics, said U.S. Navy Capt. Matthew Lehman, commodore of Task Force 65 and U.S. exercise director. The goal is quite simple: to train and work together, side by side, and to ensure a Europe that is whole, free, prosperous, and at peace. Sea Breeze is a U.S. and Ukraine co-hosted multinational maritime exercise held in the Black Sea and is designed to enhance interoperability of participating nations and strengthen maritime security and peace within the region. [caption id="attachment_18048" align="alignnone" width="618"] Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 use a trailer-mounted saw to cut wood for a hardened sentry post during exercise Sea Breeze 2019 in Chabanka, Ukraine, July 4, 2019. (Photo by MC1 Scott Bigley)