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NMCB 1 Celebrates Seabee Birthday Abroad

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080319-02
Release Date: 3/19/2008 10:48:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chad Runge, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs

AR RAMADI, Iraq (NNS) -- On March 5, 1942, Adm. Ben Moreell was granted the authority to establish a naval construction force and officially call its personnel "Seabees."

Sixty-six years later, the 'Bees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, currently deployed to several locations across Iraq and Afghanistan, honored the day by doing something they rarely have the opportunity to do in a high-stress, combat environment: they celebrated.

Initially created to bring civilian engineers and contractors off of the front lines, the Naval Construction Force is not what it was in 1942. In the years since, it has grown well beyond Moreell's initial plans, most recently commissioning a third Naval Construction Regiment as well as a ninth active duty NMCB.

Just as the U.S. Navy runs deep with tradition, the Seabees have created additional traditions and have their own fair share of heroes. March 5 was a day to celebrate those traditions and remember those heroes.

"The birthday activities provided a great opportunity for me to talk to my troops about what makes this day so important to us, as Seabees, and to the rest of the Navy," said NMCB 1's Detail Al Taqaddum, (DET TQ) officer in charge, Lt. Chris Casne. "I was able to "pin" two of my 'Bees that have earned the distinction of being called Seabee Combat Warfare Specialists and to award another for his outstanding service to the Battalion while attached to (NMCB) 1."

DET TQ's celebration could have been considered "traditional, with a twist."

"In standing with tradition, we had our oldest and youngest Seabees cut the birthday cake," Casne added. "But once we finished, we broke out the lights and played a game of softball under the stars. We all had a great time out there."

Al Taqaddum wasn't the only location to host a "First and Finest" Seabee birthday bash.

"Over here in Ramadi we had a Seabee birthday barbecue," said Command Master Chief (SCW) Robert Cuff. "It gave us some time to relax and ease some of the tensions that have built up through the deployment."

The 'Bees of NMCB 1 welcomed a break from their daily routines with open arms, as they slowly bring their successful deployment to a close.

"It's a great day for the Seabees, and I think it's nice that even though we're deployed, we were able to celebrate," said Ensign Teruo Toyama, NMCB 1's communications officer.

Yeoman 3rd Class Kenneth Remington, of DET TQ, added, "I think it's great to be able to take time out and let your guard down a little bit. Days like this really help to reduce the stress that comes along with being deployed to the desert."

Working at a fever pace for the last five months, the 'Bees of "One" have earned the short break and all of the accolades they have received.

"As we celebrate the Seabees' 66th birthday on camps and outposts throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, I am reminded that the men and women of NMCB 1 are part of a great legacy," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Dean Tufts. "Through their tremendous accomplishments and sacrifices this deployment, my Seabees continue to honor those that have gone before us."

For more news from the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/22ndNCR/.