Amphibious Construction Battalion (PHIBCB) 2 participated in Iron Gator 2013, an active duty and reserve component field exercise (FEX) at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., in March, that provided training in all Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS) mission areas for junior Seabees. Iron Gator maintains essential skill sets for leaders and SCWS designated personnel, and provided a unique opportunity to test equipment in a safe environment.
Photos by MC2(SCW/SW/AW) Jonathan Pankau
Seaman Martins Anozie (right) takes cover behind a road block as CM2(SW) Andrew Acu a (center) mans a 240B machine gun as Master-at-arms 1st 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.