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U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Visits NMCB 133 Detachment Sasebo

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080805-10
Release Date: 8/5/2008 3:43:00 PM

By Engineering Aide 3rd Class Henry Andermann, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Detail Sasebo had the unique opportunity to visit with the fleet master chief for the U.S. Pacific Fleet July 14.

During his visit, the Pacific Fleet Master Chief Tom Howard (SW/AW) toured a Seabee project site and held an all-hands briefing for Detail Sasebo and the Seabees stationed at Commander Fleet Activity Sasebo's (CFAS) Self Help Unit.

Howard toured NMCB 133 SA6-839 project, the construction of a 48' by 48' pre-engineered building, to house the new Fire Arms Training Simulator for CFAS. Steelworker 2nd Class Jayce Rogers, crew leader, briefed Howard on how the simulator will improve training and readiness for Sasebo and all of the ships transiting through CFAS.

Howard was impressed with Steelworker 3rd class Aaron Charles, the safety petty officer for the project and he showed it by presenting him with a coin for his efforts in keeping the project running accident-free.

During the all-hands call, Seabees asked a variety of questions from Physical Training uniforms to Iraq.

When asked what kind of role he sees the Seabees playing in the future in the Pacific, Howard stated that Seabees, because of their ability to build and fight during contingency construction, are a major asset to any operation.

He also mentioned the key roles Seabees serve in disaster recovery efforts and humanitarian exercises, not just in the Pacific area of responsibility, but throughout the world. Howard witnessed first-hand NMCB 133's role in Central Command from Camp Bucca, Iraq to the Horn of Africa during the 2007 deployment.

"Seabees would continue to play crucial roles in theater as long as we have troops on the ground," said Howard.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb133/