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Reserve Sailors Actively Integrate in Support NAVELSF Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051028-05
Release Date: 10/28/2005 1:57:00 PM

By Storekeeper 2nd Class (SCW) Russ Dutcher, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Northeast Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Ordnance Reporting and Handling Battalion (NORHB) 1, headquartered in Yorktown, Va., was commissioned to support the need for Active Reserve Integration (ARI) and unit consolidation within the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force (NAVELSF).

Sailors attached to this unit take a “hands on” approach regarding the procurement, loading, storage and offloading of various types of ordnance.

Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Mariela Anderson, who just returned to the Navy Reserve, stated, “I’m new to this unit and the internal support and training from our members has been great.”

NORHB personnel work directly with their active duty counterparts in fulfilling mission requirements and carrying out the overall effectiveness of NAVELSF operations around the world.

“When I relieved the previous commanding officer I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Bellotti, Delta Company commanding officer. “What I did find was a highly motivated group of Sailors who were dedicated to both their mission and the unit.”

Bellotti further stated, “Many of our members go above and beyond in their efforts to support the battalion’s operational readiness.”

These units must maintain a high level of mobilization readiness and constantly upgrade their training matrix in order to be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.

“The reserve personnel have been a great asset with respect to our efforts in maintaining operational readiness and supporting NAVELSF,” said Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Glenn Brogden, Delta Company leading petty officer.

Damage Controlman 2nd Class James Dodimead, a veteran of the unit’s initial deployment, agreed, “We have gained seven new members to the company over the past year and these individuals are truly dedicated to the overall effectiveness of the unit.”

Since December 2002, the Sailors of NORHB 1 have been deployed in various roles in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Members were part of the original Deployable Ammunition Handling Team and Deployable Ammunition Reporting Team detachments, and served on Atlantic Ordnance Command Expeditionary Force (LEF) 1 and Atlantic Ordnance Command Expeditionary Force (LEF) 2 supporting combat ground operations in Iraq.

“I really enjoy this job and the camaraderie of the unit. Our ordnance handlers are real professionals and always perform in an exemplary manner,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Scott Mitchell, a deployed member of LEF-1 and Material Handling Explosives instructor. Mitchell added, “This unit isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people, we’re one big family.”

NORHB personnel come from a wide variety of ratings. “We have storekeeper’s, photographer’s mate, culinary specialist’s, gunner’s mate, machinery repairman, aviation ordnanceman, hull technician’s and machinist’s mate among others within the battalion. I believe that it shows our diversity and various specialties, and that’s what the Navy is about,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Edward Roberts.

As long as there is a need to move ordnance and support the operational needs of the Navy/Marine Corps team, units of the NORHB 1, will continue to provide invaluable support towards accomplishing this mission.