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NMCB 7 On Station to Support Coalition Forces in Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081023-14
Release Date: 10/23/2008 6:26:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Michael B. Lavender

AR RAMADI, Iraq (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 relieved NMCB 3 at a brief ceremony held Oct. 16.

The transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony marked the end of NMCB 3's six-month deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan and the start of NMCB 7's deployment.

Commander, 1st Naval Construction Regiment, Capt. Jim Schroeder presided over the TOA at the battalion's main body site in al-Anbar province, Iraq's most Western province.

NMCB 3 has marked a standard for the region, conducting projects both on and off their bases to improve quality of life for coalition forces.

Schroeder spoke about the merits of NMCB 3 and the hard work they accomplished through their deployment.

"There are lots of challenges ahead," said Schroeder. "We're looking at what we can do for the future. As the Iraqis look at where they are placing their forces, we will support construction for our military transition teams so they can support the Iraqi security forces."

"We are looking towards the future," continued Schroeder. "We're looking forward to meeting the challenges ahead by working with you. Hoorah Seabees!"

The Seabees of NMCB 3 hauled down their colors followed by NMCB 7 Seabees raising theirs. Once NMCB 7's colors were hoisted into the air and NMCB 3's colors were posted, the ceremony concluded and the transfer was complete.

NMCB 7's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John Adametz, spoke about the challenges ahead for NMCB 7 while also thanking NMCB 3 for all their hard work.

"Thank you so much for all the hard work you have done to ensure this transition went as smoothly as possible," said Adametz. "To the Seabees of NMCB 7, it's time to go to work. We've trained hard [in] homeport to prepare us for the challenges ahead. Our main goal is to stay safe and succeed magnificently."

NMCB 7, based out of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., will spend the next few months in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait providing engineering support for coalition forces in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.