• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NMCB 4 Participates in Deployment Field Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060427-08
4/27/2006

By Lt. Carl Rhoads, Naval Mobile Construction Batalion 4 Public Affairs

OKINAWA (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, homeported at Port Hueneme, Calif., broke from their Okinawa deployment routine to participate in exercise Kennel Cub, a battalion-level field training exercise, April 3.

In the early morning hours, the Seabees arrived at Landing Zone (LZ) Dodo with their weapons drawn and ready to go.

“This is an ideal location to teach and train,” explained Lt. Cmdr Frank Cervasio, the battalion’s operations officer. “Many of these troops have been to Southwest Asia multiple times, but others have just arrived aboard. It is important that the knowledge gained by the experienced troops is passed on.”

To add realism and intensity to the exercise, Marines from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion acted as “insurgents.” During the three-day evolution, the Marines challenged the Seabees both day and night, in scenarios ranging from convoy operations to patrols and perimeter defensive procedures.

The Seabees split into three companies: Alfa and Air Detachment combined to form one company, Air Detachment Bravo and Headquarters made up the other two. Each company cycled through the different stations in a flurry of constant activity.

“This was the most fun I have had since I’ve been in the military,” exclaimed Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Clinton Drewery. “It helped me to understand the importance of what the Seabees do.”

During patrol traning, the Seabees were taught the basic fundamentals of security and reconnaissance skills. While navigators and patrol leaders learned to plot a course, the rest of the company was taught the importance of camouflage, patrol maneuvers and the art of silent movement.

During defensive combat training, the Seabees learned the importance of cover and concealment. They built and improved fighting positions while defending against insurgent attacks.

Convoy operations were the most important and largest evolution of the exercise.

“This has become one of the primary missions of the Seabees,” said Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) Bruce Sites. “From Pakistan to Iraq and places in between, we must provide our own security and material delivery to job sites.”

During the scenario, the Seabees practiced proper procedures for dismounting a vehicle during an ambush, reacting to improvised explosive devices and using night vision goggles.

“I was impressed by the way each company handled themselves throughout this evolution,” commented Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW) Russell Preston. “They came together as a unit and did exactly what they were supposed to do.