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NMCB 3 Relieves NMCB 1 in Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050819-11
Release Date: 8/19/2005 3:13:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW/FMF) Chad V. Pritt, Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 relieved NMCB 1 at a brief ceremony here Aug. 17. The Transfer of Authority (TOA) marked the end of NMCB 1’s six-month deployment to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq’s western-most province.

The TOA was presided over by Commander, 30th Naval Construction Regiment, Capt. Michael L. Blount.

Since arriving in Iraq in March, NMCB 1, based out of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., has been involved in the improvements of forward operating bases (FOBs) throughout the Al Anbar Province, to include chow halls and dust abatement projects. Because the FOBs were spread out around the area of operations, the Seabees of the “First and the Finest” had the opportunity to improve on Seabee tactical movement team (TMT) operations.

“You really are the authors of the current TMT procedures,” said Blount to the gathered NMCB 1 Seabees at the ceremony. "You’ve been all over Al Anbar doing what Seabees do — building.”

Before NMCB 1’s command pennant was hauled down, traditionally indicating that the transfer was complete, NMCB 1 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Louis V. Coriello spoke to the two battalions about the missions behind them and the ones ahead.

“Every day we were in Iraq with the coalition, we were making a difference,” Coriello said to his command. “We have everything that is good, bright and pure on our side.”

“NMCB 3, be proud of what you’re about to accomplish. Lead the way, Seabees.”

Following Coriello’s remarks, NMCB 3 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Anthony K. Higgins took a moment to thank NMCB 1 for all of their help during the brief turnover time. The turnover included “right seat/left seat” training of the TMTs, in which a member of NMCB 1 rode in each vehicle during convoys run by NMCB 3.

With the posting of the NMCB 1’s colors, and the raising of NMCB 3’s in its place, the transfer was complete.

NMCB 3, based out of Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Calif., will spend the next few months in Iraq and Kuwait providing engineering support for Operation Iraqi Freedom.