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Seabee Crane Crew Provides Lift Inside and Outside the Wire

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080122-05
Release Date: 1/22/2008 2:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ja'lon A. Rhinehart, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Public Affairs

AR RAMADI, Iraq (NNS) -- The crane crew attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 completed their 23rd crane mission of their ongoing deployment.

Deployed with an up-armored equipped crane, the Seabee crew has provided field commanders with critical tactical lifting capabilities in the Ar Ramadi area. With projects usually ranging from security upgrades and blast protection to the improvement of quality of life standards, "The First and The Finest" crane crew has aided many contingency operations in their area of responsibility (AOR).

"Generally the scope of our tasking encompasses anything from placing crow's nests or T-walls to shower trailers," said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Antoinette Harmon, crane crew mechanic and safety petty officer.

"Our crane allows us the flexibility to effectively and safely accomplish missions inside or outside of the wire," she added. "By being able to integrate and utilize the capabilities of convoys, we are able to extend our reach to combat outposts and forward operating bases throughout the AOR providing help for many combat commanders."

Having completed more than 20 missions, totaling over 650 lifts, NMCB 1's crane crew has garnered praise from inside and outside of the Naval Construction Force.

"Everything that I hear is high praise from the top down," said Alfa Company Commander, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Baldwin. "From their professionalism to their job execution, the Marines and other organizations in between appreciate their help, and look forward to working with them again."

"The other services are grateful for our assistance and are more than willing to help us get the job done for them," said Harmon. "It feels good to be able to either help improve their security or their way of life. It's what we will be leaving behind, and I am more than happy to do it."

Recently, the crane crew completed a maximum load recertification on their crane, clearing it to safely and effectively tackle more loads in the future. Since taking over the crane, the crew has made tremendous leaps in moving from strictly contingency operations to a more by-the-book approach.

"Focusing on this approach, the crew is able to facilitate an environment that assures quality and safe results time after time, while also providing growth and priceless technical experience for the junior personnel," said Baldwin. "Though we are in war time environment, it is essential that we do things safely, effectively and efficiently."

"When everyone plays their position, we work very well together as a team, but we also realize that we can't do it alone," said Harmon. "Learning and working with one another, we have learned to anticipate and respond ahead of time to things as they come. When we work together, we are one of the best teams there is, and we'll continue to improve – one lift at a time."

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcb1/.