'Desert Heat' No Sweat for NMCB 1
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070703-05
Release Date: 7/3/2007 10:43:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chad Runge, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Public Affairs
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 completed its inter-deployment field exercise (FEX), Operation Desert Heat, June 29.
The three-week exercise is designed to measure the battalion’s contingency construction and combat capabilities, and it also provides the Seabees with the most realistic training possible to help them succeed while on deployment.
“The battalion field exercise is a significant inter-deployment military training event for U.S. Navy Seabees,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chad Brooks, the battalion’s operations officer. “Seabees train and test a full range of contingency construction and defensive tactics in a field environment.”
The battalion received evaluations in several different areas of construction, combat tactics, communications, convoys, patrols and first aid that will all be vital to the success of their upcoming deployment. They learned to defend against small arms fire, mortar attacks and chemical, biological and radiological attacks on their camp, among many other combat skills.
“The exercise control group ensures training realism to help prepare the Seabees for service in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Brooks. “The demanding training employs the same equipment and personal gear that many will use on our next deployment.”
The likeness to real-world situations was critical to the training that the battalion received.
“There is no classroom that can simulate the challenges that a field exercise creates,” said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Dean Tufts. “Priority of work is a constant challenge. There is always more to do than the resources (people, equipment and materials) will allow. Because of that, troop comfort sometimes receives a lower priority than security, mobility, survivability and productivity.”
The environment of FEX is perfect for testing the combat readiness of the Seabees. They are asked to endure long work hours and extreme weather conditions while still maintaining their combat posture.
“Our field exercise is the one opportunity for me to see my entire battalion practice and perform the mission essential tasks that the NMCBs are required to carry out,” Tufts added. “FEX is uncomfortable, strenuous, tiring and exactly the atmosphere where young men and women find out just how strong they are.”
“It’s tough out there,” said Builder 1st Class Tony Boldrey. “We work long, tough hours, but we all realize that it will only make us stronger in the long run.”
The Seabees of “The First and the Finest” responded to the adversity. Their key to success was simple.
“Motivation,” said Builder 1st Class Ben Corbett. “No matter how tough the conditions get or how hard the work is, you’ve got to stay motivated and help to motivate those around you. We’re all in it together, so if you see another guy down, you’ve got to help pick him up.”
Not only did the Seabees survive in the environment, they thrived.
Tufts spoke highly of his troops’ performance.
“It takes a dedicated individual to sacrifice their own comforts for the good of the unit. Luckily, I have 650 of them.”
His 650 Seabees are now ready for their next challenge: deployment.
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