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NMCB 21 Seabees Refine Small-Unit Skills During Operation Cool Breeze

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081213-20
Release Date: 12/13/2008 6:27:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Kuzlik, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21 Public Affairs

LAKEHURST, N.J. (NNS) -- Neither freezing temperatures nor an overnight snowfall could stop more than 100 Seabees from Alfa Company of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 21 from successful completion of Operation Cool Breeze Dec. 4-7.

Operation Cool Breeze was designed to develop and train the Alfa Company command element and small unit leaders at the squad and fire team levels. The exercise also stressed effective company-level command and control and communications in accordance with NMCB 21 tactical standards and operating procedures.

"The importance of small unit leadership cannot be overemphasized," NMCB 21 commanding officer Cmdr. George Steffen said. "When Seabees are forward deployed, often there aren't chiefs or officers available, and much of the decision-making lies with the squad leaders and fire team leaders."

After deploying forward via tactical convoy, Alfa Company's main body established a temporary forward operating base at a remote site aboard Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst. There they set up tents, established a secure perimeter including entry control points and set up a communications station.

As part of the simulated scenario, a fuel and ammunition re-supply point was damaged during combat operations. NMCB 21 was responsible for conducting a battle damage assessment in order to complete rapid runway repair, or "Triple R", and provide construction engineer support for all aspects of general, expeditionary and contingency construction.

Seabees from the Blackjack Battalion received training in infantry skills, patrol techniques, convoys operations, chemical biological and radiological warfare, and communications procedures.

According to Equipment Operator 3rd Class Darnella Smith of New York, her first field exercise was a very valuable experience.

"This gave me an opportunity to add to the skills that I learned in 'A' school, and the six months since I joined '21 [NMCB 21]," Smith said.

"I learned about setting up camp, convoy security patrols, and a variety of other things that will help prepare me for the full-scale field exercise and eventual deployment."

NMCB 21 is based at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J., with detachments at Navy Operational Support Centers in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Its mission is to train for mobilization readiness and construction operations in support of Commander, First Naval Construction Division.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb21/.