Story and photos by MC1 Steven Myers, NMCB 133 Public Affairs
Cmdr. Nick Yamodis salutes the battalion flag held by Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jeff Powell during a change of command ceremony at Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, June 28. The passing of the colors is a physical representation of the immediate transfer of responsibility and authority between the relieved commander and the relieving commander. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers/Released)
The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 marked a transition in the battalion s history with a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 28, 2013.
During the ceremony Cmdr. Nick Yamodis relinquished command to Cmdr. Jeff Powell.
Guest speaker Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, deputy commanding general, 416th Theater Engineer Command, said he was amazed by the magnitude and complexity of the construction efforts NMCB 133 completed during their recent Afghanistan deployment under his command.
During the deployment, NMCB 133 completed more than 70 projects, constructed more than 18 kilometers of protection berm and moved more than 1.25 million cubic feet of earth. The battalion also constructed five water wells, a medical facility, and more than 104 thousand square feet of infrastructure.
In summary, Weeks said, when I needed quality engineering construction, and I needed it right away, I didn t go to the Army. I looked to the Seabees to execute and execute they did.
An organization takes on the personality of its commander, Weeks added. 133 s unprecedented levels of professionalism, mission accomplishment and morale are cemented by a great command climate.
Yamodis said he has always been focused on team accomplishments.
I could not have been more proud or humbled to have been a part of this team, said Yamodis. Our accomplishments supporting Joint Task Force Empire, then Triple Nickel as Task Force Anchor resonate with an indelible commitment to serve our oath brilliantly. We were manned, trained, and equipped to deliver and did so magnificently.
When our conviction of purpose was tested, everyone pulled together and snapped back with even greater force and tempo, he added. It has been my greatest honor serving with you and collectively answering the call. Thank you for your honor, courage and commitment throughout our war fighting forward together.
Yamodis will next serve as the Chief Staff Officer for the Twenty Second Naval Construction Regiment.
Powell said he was humbled and honored to again serve with the Seabees of NMCB 133. He had served as the battalion s Executive Officer from 2008 to 2010.
He charged each member of the battalion to embrace and enhance the legacy of the battalion as they open the next chapter in the battalion s history.
My priorities and philosophy are simple, Powell said. Mission Focused and People Centered. My vision is that we will be the most combat credible battalion in the [Naval Construction Force], always ready to operate forward to provide relevant and timely construction to the supported commanders. I expect your best. I promise that you will have mine.
Lt j.g. James Bruno, right, and Lt.j.g. Jonathan McGuire present the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 colors to outgoing Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nick Yamodis during a change of command ceremony, June 28. The colors were flown over the battalion's camp during their recent deployment to Afghanistan. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers/Released)