Seabee Change of Camp on Guam Marks Strategic Realignment
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080101-03
Release Date: 1/1/2008 7:33:00 PM
By Kyra Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas Public Affairs
CAMP COVINGTON, Guam (NNS) -- In order to provide more robust support to DOD mission-critical demands in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan, 86 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, turned over their deployment reins on Dec. 21 to NMCB 5, after only three months on station in Guam.
The quick turnaround marks a significant shift in alignment of the deployed Naval Construction Force (NCF).
Historically, Seabee units deployed to Guam retained a main body component of more than 300 members who served in exercises, operations and infrastructure support in the Pacific area of responsibility. Missions were complimented by an additional 500-plus member Seabee battalion deployed to Okinawa, Japan and surrounding DOD locations.
However, with current operational emphasis rooted in the global war on terrorism, Seabee deployment strategy is evolving to meet the changing demand signals for expeditionary construction.
This realignment of NCF assets frees additional personnel and provides for command element presence forward in support of Marine Expeditionary Force missions in Iraq.
From the Iraq main body site, Seabees are dispersed to a variety of geographically distinct detachment locations, employing task-tailored personnel and equipment teams to provide construction support as identified by Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine commanders.
The 86 Gulfport, Miss., based Seabees of the NMCB 1 Guam Detachment who are departing the island will join the remaining 400-plus members of their unit currently deployed to an array of detachment locations in SWA and Afghanistan.
During the Dec. 21 change of camp ceremony held on Guam, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Mihaly, officer in charge of the NMCB 1 Guam detachment, remarked on the importance of the unit's move to Iraq to supplement existing Seabee assets in theater.
"Being on Guam was a great experience for us, and we will miss the people and their warm hospitality. Going to the desert to join the team that is already forward will give our young Seabees the exposure that they need to develop their skills and witness expeditionary leadership and missions in action," said Mihaly.
In addition to running convoy operations and expeditionary construction, Seabees are also serving integral roles as trainers, teachers and mentors to the Iraqi military construction force, as well as journeymen aiding in Iraq's infrastructure development.
Lt. Jim Evans, officer in charge of the incoming NMCB 5 Guam detachment from Port Hueneme, Calif., expressed his enthusiasm for the unit's upcoming work.
"This is where we hone our skills and construction competencies in a non-hostile environment. Most of the Seabees before you have made multiple deployments in direct support of the global war on terrorism. This is their chance to train, mentor and pay close attention to quality control without the constraints that accompany working outside the wire," said Evans.
The upcoming deployment to theater evoked a little anxiety mixed with enthusiasm for one NMCB 1 member.
"Our detachment of 86 people on Guam was tight – we were a great team and a well-oiled machine; everyone really supported each other," said Gunners Mate 2nd Class Mandi Hung. "My deployments with Navy ships never took me to the 'sandbox,' and I'm excited for the opportunity to run an armory in a place where weapons safety and security is important. And while I'm a little nervous, I feel like I need to see things for myself and find a positive way to contribute."
NMCB 1 will remain on station in Iraq and Afghanistan through the spring of 2008. NMCB 5 Guam detachment will complete a six-month deployment at Camp Covington.
For more news from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.
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