By MC1 Steven Myers, NMCB 133 Public Affairs
Seabees from NMCB 133's Bridge Detachment and Marines from the 8th Engineering Support Battalion (ESB) bridge building platoon construct a Mabey Johnson bridge during training at the Contingency Construction Crew Training (CCCT) facility, NCBC Gulfport, Miss., April 9. Photo by MC1 Steven Myers
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 and Marines from the 8
th Engineering Support Battalion (ESB) gathered aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Miss., Contingency Construction Crew Training (CCCT) facilities for a Mabey Johnson bridge building class, April 2-13.
While Seabees and Marines have historically worked together, NMCB 133 s Bridge Detachment and the 8
th ESB recently began their relationship while assembling bridges during Operation Bold Alligator 2012.
For the Marines, this class was an opportunity to not only work beside familiar faces, but a chance to learn additional skills.
We gained a better understanding of this bridge so we will be better able to help commanders when they ask us to check out a bridge we may not be as familiar with, said Staff Sergeant Paul Cascell, bridge building platoon sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Cascell said he would love to see more Marines training beside their Navy counterparts as this could enhance the understanding of all parties involved.
Steelworker 3
rd Class Ryan Budreau, NMCB 133, whose only previous joint experience was during Bold Alligator, said he learned a lot during the class including the importance of teamwork.
This [class] took a lot of working together to accomplish, SW3 Budreau said. It went really smooth and fast, and made for a good experience. I look forward to working with other services again.