By MC1 (SW) Michael Gomez, NMCB 3 Public Affairs
UTC Philip Anderton, NMCB 3, places the battalion seal on the Camp Shields sign during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, a brief service when the incoming battalion formally relieves the outgoing battalion after a week-long turnover period, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3. (Photo by MC1 Michael Gomez/150903-N-YG415-153)
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 assumed charge of all Pacific Region Naval Construction Force (NCF) missions from NMCB 5 during a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3.
The relief in place and transfer of authority ceremony (RIP/TOA) marked the official start of NMCB 3s deployment and the end of NMCB 5's deployment to Pacific Region that began in February when the battalion deployed from Port Hueneme, Calif.
Before the RIP/TOA occurred, a week-long inspection and review was conducted of all equipment, supplies, projects, facilities and civil engineering support equipment (CESE).
When a Seabee battalion deploys, it does not travel with equipment. Instead, all construction equipment and supplies are already at the deployment sites. A detailed turnover must be conducted before the incoming battalion commences work.
The CESE undergoes a more thorough inspection in a process called the Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program (BEEP). The BEEP inspection is designed to transfer all special knowledge of CESE maintenance, operations and techniques to the relieving battalion. During the BEEP inspection, NMCB 3 Alfa Company, consisting of construction mechanics and equipment operators, inspected and received custody of more than 300 units of CESE.
UTC Philip Anderton (left) oversees BUCN Michelle Herr, both assigned NMCB 3, as the battalion evaluation equipment program (BEEP) sign is placed on the welcome board at Camp Shields during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3. (Photo by MC1 Michael Gomez/150903-N-YG415-168)
We prepared and trained in homeport for deployment to conduct a smooth and successful transition with NMCB 5, said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Antonio Harris, NMCB 3.
When the inspection was complete, a red diamond shaped sticker with a white number three, called a BEEP sticker, was placed on each piece of CESE. A red diamond identifies the CESE as belonging to an NMCB; a triangle identifies it as belonging to a naval construction regiment.
They were extremely thorough during the inspections and performed their duties according to the instructions and procedures, said Lt. Don R. Pasteur, NMCB 3s Alfa Company Commander. Alfa Company performed exceptionally well.
Along with the equipment and supply turnover, NMCB 3 relieved NMCB 5 of construction project responsibilities throughout the NCF.
Now that the turnover is complete, NMCB 5 will return to Port Hueneme, Calif. NMCB 3 is homeported in Port Hueneme, and is currently supporting Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command with construction projects and humanitarian missions in more than 13 geographical locations.
UT1 Jeffery Walter and ET3 Rhian A. Brinskele, NMCB 5, retrieve the battalion colors during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3. (Photo by MC1 Michael Gomez/150903-N-YG415-045)
MA1 Matthew G. Lundeen and BU1 Cresencio Estrada, NMCB 3, raise the battalion colors during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3. (Photo by MC1 Michael Gomez/150903-N-YG415-077)
Seabees assigned to NMCB 3 stand at attention after raising the battalion colors for the first time during a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3. (Photo by MC1 Michael Gomez/150903-N-YG415-080)