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NMCB 5 Celebrates Halfway Point of Deployment

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040401-06

Release Date: 4/1/2004 12:59:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Scott Sutherland, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

CAMP SHIELDS, Okinawa Island (NNS) -- Seabees assigned to "The Professionals" of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 celebrated their first 90 days on deployment March 13 with a party traditionally known as the "over the hump" (OTH) party.

Ethnic food and local entertainment, along with sports events and various activities, kept the Seabees busy throughout the day. Special cuisine entrees from Japan, Hawaii, the Philippines and America gave "The Professionals" plenty of choices to satisfy their palates.

The Pacificana Polynesian dancers provided a colorful, energy-filled revue that drew numerous rounds of applause. Some of the Seabees even took part in the dancing, encouraged by the dancers to join in the fun.

To raise funds for the battalion's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee, there was a "khaki auction," in which enlisted Seabees bid for chief petty officers and officers to do their job for a day. There was also a pie-throwing contest, as Seabees put up money to slam a pie in the face of their supervisor, friend or even foe.

"The pie in the face contest was hysterical," said NMCB 5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Rick Cook. "The last time I had that much fun was when I last saw my kids. The good thing is that it was done in the spirit that was intended, good old fun."

Storekeeper 3rd Class Jasmine Wilson, who was judge for a dart-throwing contest, also liked the pie in the face event. "Everyone had fun, whether they got a pie in the face, threw a pie or just watched." she said. "I think we should keep that in the plan for the next OTH along with the khaki auction."

"The food was good," said Personnelman 3rd Class Chris Cash, "but the pie-throwing contest had me doubled up laughing. Now that's an over the hump party."

According to MWR Officer Ensign Bradley Petersen, the MWR committee hopes to collect more than $6,000 for the fund-raising activities to help support future morale-boosting events and activities. Besides the khaki auction and the pie contest, money was raised by the sales of raffle tickets, closest-to-the-pin golf challenge and a basketball free throw event.