• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NBG Improve Combat Readiness During Annual Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061024-08
Release Date: 10/24/2006 8:28:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer R. Hudson Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1 implemented for the first time the use of boat operations and a tactical environment command and control center during their annual Field Exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 14-27.

The exercise is aimed at improving their overall combat readiness in preparation for possible deployments to Iraq and other areas worldwide in support of the global war on terrorism.

“We are developing the skill sets from the ground up and a whole new world of competency for the crew to prepare for what lies ahead,” said Capt. S. Keith Hamilton, commanding officer, Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1. “With world events changing constantly, it heightens the need for us to do these exercises so we can be ready and focused on whatever may arise.”

Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, ACU 5, and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1 also participated in the exercise.

The Naval Beach Group’s primary mission is to provide ship-to-shore transportation of fuel, materials, and equipment in support of amphibious ready groups, Marine expeditionary forces and brigade-sized operations, and Maritime Prepositioned Force (MPF) operations.

The training goals of the exercise included camp defense planning, convoy tactics, camp communications, and casualty transporting and reporting. Scenarios ranged from managing protestors at camp to defending against an all-out assault on the camp.

“The value of the training received during this large-scale exercise cannot be understated,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff C. Melton, maritime prepositioning force plans officer attached to NBG 1. “The things that we do here is what will be required of us in a real-world situation, and that is why it is vital to do these exercises.”

Another first for the exercise was the ability for commands to move personnel and supplies without the benefit of a port, using the Improved Naval Lighterage System (INLS), landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) and landing craft utilities (LCU). Cargo was discharged from simulated ships anchored in a harbor onto smaller vessels or barges for movement to shore.

"These exercises are vital training for the job skills and teamwork these units need during deployments," said Lt. Cmdr. Jim West, the officer-in-charge of training team members during the field exercise. “We don’t do this often; this is our mission, and every individual needs to understand their mission and the command’s mission in a real life scenario.”

According to Capt. Thomas S. Wetherald, commander, NBG 1 and overall in charge of the field exercise, the goal is to move about 100 vehicles with equipment. The ultimate goal however, is to do the operations a significant number of times for familiarization purposes rather than move a vast amount of equipment.

“This is my first FX (field exercise), and what I’ve seen and learned since I’ve been here would be very helpful if it came down to a real-life situation,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Larry D. Craig, attached to ACB 1. “I would know how to handle myself in case someone went down in the line of duty, and I think that is important.”