Story by MC2 Albert Sanchez, NMBC 133
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Cmdr. Miguel Dieguez, Commander, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, passes the battalion s colors to Cmdr. Luke Greene during NMCB 133 s change-of-command ceremony. The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition drawn from the customs and seafaring laws old.
GULFPORT, Miss. - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, June 23.
Cmdr. Luke Greene relieved Cmdr. Miguel Dieguez as commanding officer of the battalion.
The guest speaker, Capt. Paul Odenthal, Commander, Naval Construction Group (NCG) TWO, commended Deiguez on his long-running success as commanding officer of the Runnin Roos .
I have had the honor and privilege of watching this command as NMCB 133 has excelled over the last two years under skipper Dieguez s magnificent leadership of this battalion, said Odenthal. Cmdr. Dieguez has shown me drive and passion for his troops and the mission.
During the ceremony, Odenthal presented Dieguez with the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding performance while leading his battalion through two highly successful deployments to the European, African and Pacific Theaters as well as vigorous homeport training cycles.
Having the privilege to lead the finest men and women in the United States Navy is what I have dreamt of doing since I was an Ensign in NMCB 40, said Dieguez. You (Greene) are about to take command of one of the most storied and decorated Seabee battalions ever; I wish you God speed and unequivocal success as you lead the best battlion in the Naval Construction Force (NCF) to even greater heights.
Dieguez, who is selected for Captain, has orders to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Greene transferred from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport where he served as the Public Works Officer.
Upon assuming command, Greene stated his optimism for leading the Runnin Roos as the new skipper.
It s absolutely an honor for me to be standing here today taking command of this battalion, said Greene. It s truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of so many great Seabees.
NMCB 133 is currently undergoing the final stages of their scheduled homeport training cycle in order to hone their skills and prepare the battalion for their slated deployment in late 2017. The battalion provides an adaptive and scalable NCF ready and capable of executing quality construction in combat or in support of civic action, humanitarian assistance, or disaster recovery around the world.