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NMCB 11 Tackles Historic Training Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080719-02
Release Date: 7/19/2008 8:00:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erick S. Holmes, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 completed Operation Tandem Fury, its first field training exercise (FTX) in more than 40 years June 27.

"After months of preparation, the execution of the FTX was a success," said Cmdr. Stephen K. Revelas, NMCB 11's commanding officer.

"It was a rigorous, physically and mentally demanding environment that tested individuals and units on the 'Big 4' - building, fighting, moving and communicating. And you passed every test with flying colors. This battalion is fully mission capable, ready for tasking worldwide and fully able to mount out its air detachment on 48-hour notice. I could not be prouder of your accomplishments."

Training highlights included air transport of civil engineer support equipment, a convoy from Construction Battalion Center Gulfport to Logistical Support Area Joe Gillie located at Camp Shelby, and construction of a vertical take-off and landing pad.

NMCB 11's troops also conducted small-unit training.

"Man, I got here and I've never been so busy!" said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Edward "Wayne" St. James. "We're 18-on and eight-off, roving and checking the generators across camp."

The event provided a rare joint-service training opportunity. It was a joint effort to load one aircraft, which took off from the Gulfport Air National Guard airfield and conducted a tactical landing on the auxiliary airfield at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss.

"This is great training," said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Lee Wood. "Hopefully the junior troops actually get to [see the importance of their project]."

Toward the end of the FTX, Rear Adm. Richard Cellon, commander of the 1st Naval Construction Division, toured the camp and joined the troops for lunch.

"He was really interested in us, as in who we are and where we've been," said Engineering Aide Constructionman Dustin Dyer, who received a coin from Cellon.

NMCB 11 is scheduled to deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of operations next year.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrse/.