NMCB 5 Seabees Prep for Deployment to Remote Areas
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS081006-01
Release Date: 10/6/2008 4:50:00 AM
By Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs
San Nicolas Island, Calif. (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Seabees completed a homeport training project on San Nicolas Island, Calif., Sept 25.
The Seabees are now finalizing the turnover of the construction of a Butler pre-engineered building that will serve as a storage facility for the island's public works department. This project, combined with construction training, enhances the battalion's construction skills through on-the-job training. The acquired skills these Seabees learn on this project are going to be invaluable for the upcoming Iraq deployment.
U.S. Navy Seabees travel all over the map and work in some of the most isolated locations the world has to offer. With multiple home improvement stores just minutes away from Port Hueneme, it is difficult to emulate an isolated project site, far away from the conveniences of home.
The professionals from NMCB 5 found San Nicholas Island located roughly 60 miles off of the coast of California the perfect spot for such a task. The island is used by the military to track and test weapons systems.
The crew of Seabees' completed work included placing forms, bending and placing rebar, concrete placement and finishing and the installation of three roll-up doors.
"This project will help to ensure that the construction skills gained remain honed," said Lt. Michael Tomsik, NMCB 5 Charlie Company commander. "Not only are junior troops getting the chance to polish their trade skills, but senior petty officers are being given the opportunity to serve as an officer-in-charge, vital to their development as future leaders in naval construction project management."
For the newest Sailors, this project has given them an early snapshot of how construction battalions function during overseas deployments.
"The skills and teamwork they are learning now will enable them to function as an integral part of the battalion during future deployments. It is very difficult to get into the mindset of an isolated project with significant logistical problems like this from home. This applies to both junior and senior troops. For that reason this project is proving to be invaluable for the development of everyone that is involved," said one Seabee involved in the project.
The most recent of the rotating project crews to be on the island was led by Steelworker 3rd Class (SCW) Phil Tremiti. With guidance from Project Supervisor Builder 2nd Class Daniel Bartley, he led six crew members through the completion of the concrete phase of construction and building erection. Builder 3rd Class Adam Schaack, having experience in installing roll-up doors, has been passing on his skills to two of the newest Seabees, Steelworker Jacob Scarlett and Steelworker Viviana Mesa.
Eager to learn, they learned as much information as possible on erecting a PEB so they can potentially lead crews in the future. These Seabees have exemplified the "Can Do" spirit and continue to promote the professional name of NMCB 5.
"I will certainly never forget the valuable training I have received as a result of this construction project," said Mesa. "I am a new Seabee that wants to learn all I can about construction techniques and this project has quenched my thirst for learning."
Everyone who has worked on the project say he or she is proud of the work and the development of the building due to the hardships that the location provided.
NMCB 5 is homeported at Naval Base Ventura County and is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements providing host nation construction operations and security in support of the global war on terrorism.
For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb5/.
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