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NMCB 1 Takes Charge in Guam

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071102-14
Release Date: 11/2/2007 4:20:00 PM

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

CAMP COVINGTON, Guam (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 Guam Detachment hit the ground running after taking command of Camp Covington on board Naval Base Guam on Oct. 12.

NMCB 1 is currently on a six-month deployment dispersed primarily from Guam across the Middle East.

Before NMCB 4 could turn over authority to NMCB 1, all equipment, facilities and procedures had to be in working order.

In May 2007, NMCB 4 moved in with half the manpower that's normally required to run the camp. Six months later, NMCB 1 made history by conducting military operations at Camp Covington with 86 personnel rather than the usual 300.

"The process was outstanding. NMCB 4 was definitely ready for us," said Senior Chief Builder E. Dan Walker, NMCB 1 Guam Detachment senior enlisted leader. "Under the circumstances of having such a small detachment, we did the best job we could with both battalions fully involved in the procedure."

The battalions held a change of camp ceremony shortly after all outlets conducted a successful turnover. Then on Oct. 15, NMCB 4 departed for their homeport in Port Hueneme, Calif., leaving the camp to the NMCB 1 Seabees who were eager to get to their work.

"We finally get to do our work, now," said Steelworker 2nd Class Bryan Casey, NMCB 1 Guam Detachment camp maintenance expediter. "We actually get to do what we came here to do."

"It's so relieving to come into deployment with all the inspections completed," said Walker. "We can pretty much get on with the plan of the day!"

In addition to running Camp Covington, the battalion has been tasked with operating a rock quarry and building a concrete masonry unit-block mechanics' shop.

"We're going to finish placing the concrete route for the 20-feet walls for the mechanics shop," said Walker. "Our main objective at the quarry is to get as much material processed through the plant. We're also looking at trying to do two rock blasts."

The projects, along with training and normal day-to-day tasks, could be a strain on the small detachment. The battalion's remedy – to employ the second class petty officers with more responsibility.

"What's unique about this detachment is that we have a lot of second classes," said Casey. "It gives us a little more perspective on different aspects of how to run a camp, because we're in all those key positions that normally first [class petty officer's] and chiefs would be in."

Whatever the rank, safety is everyone's responsibility.

"Safety cannot be overlooked," Casey said. "Low-end leadership just has to step back and look at all safety precautions and make sure we don't overwork ourselves."

NMCB 1 has taken over Camp Covington and is getting acclimated to life in Guam.

"Our goal is to improve the camp and get our projects to a higher percent of completion, if not completed," said Casey. "We want to prove that we, as a small detachment, can get it done."