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NMCB 3 Departs for Six Month Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080401-07
Release Date: 4/1/2008 1:39:00 PM

By Mass Comunication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, homeported at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, departed for a six month deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan March 29.

Shortly after 1 a.m., more than 200 Seabees bid farewell to their loved ones as they were dropped off at the base theater to begin their long journey to Southwest Asia.

"It is difficult to see your loved one go," said Yvonne, a NMCB 3 spouse who, with tears in her eyes, encouraged her husband to be safe. "I told him not to worry, that we would be okay, to take extra care of himself and not to forget to say his prayers."

Yvonne explained their nine-year-old son also assured his father he had nothing to worry about as he made a promise he would take care of the family.

"He told his dad, he would take care of me," she said. "And that he would try his best to help me with his 8-month-old baby brother."

Prior to their departure, Capt. Kate Gregory, commander of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment made a brief visit to tell the Seabees about the importance of their mission.

"Very few people have the opportunity to do what you are about to do," said Gregory, who acknowledged they were going to one of the most dangerous parts of the world.

"Without your support, the forward operating forces cannot complete the mission," added Gregory. "I know you are going to do things that are going to amaze the people you are supporting, but the most challenging part will be to take care of yourselves and take care of each other."

Gregory ended by saying she was confident that the Seabees of NMCB 3 were ready to complete the mission, especially after winning the Battle "E" and Peltier awards.

"There is no other unit that deserves these awards better than you," said Gregory. "You've earned it and I know you are more than ready to go."

The Seabees of NMCB 3 were the second group of Seabees to depart from Port Hueneme within a week. The remainder of the battalion will leave shortly after to join their counterparts in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/.