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NMCB 1 Makes Charge to Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071009-01
Release Date: 10/9/2007 7:49:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Demetrius Kennon, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 and an additional 100 Seabees from NMCB 15 deployed, Sept. 24 from Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, to various places around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam and other remote locations.

They will relieve NMCB 4 who will return upon completion of turnover to their homeport in Port Hueneme, Calif.

A detachment of Seabees from NMCB 15 left their homeport in Belton, Mo., to join NMCB 1 in Gulfport to prepare for their upcoming deployment.

"NMCB 15's entire battalion is deployed to Iraq, as they are the ready reserve battalion right now," said Cmdr. Dean A. Tufts, commanding officer of NMCB 1. "They have been tasked to send some of their folks to NMCB 1 to support our operations under Task Force Sierra [Company] in Iraq and Afghanistan."

"The First and the Finest" battalion has spent their entire 10-month homeport period training for this deployment. Their 17-day field exercise "Operation: Desert Heat," held in June, was the climactic finale to all the training they endured.

The Seabees will use what they learned from simulated armed tactical scenarios as well as construction skills attained during homeport and apply them in their various deployment locations around the globe.

In Guam, the Seabees will be constructing a concrete masonry unit-block mechanics shop as well as operating a rock quarry.

"While at San Nicholas Island, we're putting up a 40 feet by 88 feet pre-engineered building and doing road and culvert repair," said Tufts.

In both Iraq and Afghanistan, NMCB 1 will be performing traditional Seabee work like placing concrete pads, constructing facilities, and repairing roads and runways, he added. The battalion is also tasked with camp maintenance work for supported commands.

Each detachment has important missions to accomplish that ultimately contribute to their basis for deployment.

"Simply put, the United States is at war. That should be our mindset," Tufts said. "At every location we are deploying, we have a common goal to provide engineering support to our commanders in support of the global war on terrorism."

It is important that every Seabee deploying be mentally prepared in order to complete their projects in a safe, timely and effective manner. Taking care of things at home can help ensure this.

"It's important to make sure everything is situated before we leave like bills, wills, power-of-attorneys and such," said Engineering Aide 2nd Class Martin O'Brien, a Seabee attached to NMCB 1. "Keeping families informed without risking operational security is a good way to keep their minds at ease through deployment.

"Family is the foundation of our lives," said Tufts. "Other than faith, there is nothing more important. Although my wife may not agree, I think NMCB 1 did a very good job this homeport balancing workload with family time."

Maintaining strong family bonds will ensure deployment success for "The First and the Finest."

"Mission success means every task is completed safely, and all our Seabees return home safely with no incidents," said O'Brien.

"We will succeed by enabling our supported commanders to do their missions more effectively," Tufts added. "I am honored and humbled to be associated with the great men and women in this battalion."