• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NMCB 11 Retraces Its Historic Steps

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090205-09
Release Date: 2/5/2009 2:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nicholas Lingo, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (NNS) -- The re-established Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 is in the movement stage of its deployment, pushing its detachments out to various locations around the world in support of several conflicts and humanitarian missions.

The wait has been a lengthy one for this burgeoning battalion; its homeport was extended several times over due to training commitments and the Naval Construction Forces shift to a 12-month homeport.

This isn't the first deployment for NMCB 11. Formerly known as MCB 11, the battalion was re-commissioned Sept. 14, 2007 and can trace its heritage back to World War II.

NMCB 11 was originally commissioned on July 27, 1942, and served in Tutaila, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Auckland, Banika, Los Negros, and Luzon, Philippines. It was disestablished Dec. 1, 1945. NMCB 11 was again commissioned on Sept. 14, 1953. NMCB 11 was also the battalion of Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin Shields, who was killed at the Battle of Dong Xoai and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the only Seabee ever to achieve this great merit.

Of the "Four-Horseman", the original four Sailors attached to the command, two remain and will deploy with the battalion. NMCB 11 is deploying for the first time in nearly 40 years since its last decommissioning on December 15, 1969.

In war, time can be a major adversary, but in NMCB 11's case the extra time to train has better prepared this young unit for the tasks that lie ahead of them.

Lt. Cmdr. Brian Lindoerfer, NMCB 11 executive officer, expects great things from his battalion.

"There is much anticipation; it has been 16 months since the commission date. Our Seabees have worked extremely hard preparing for this first deployment. They met and often exceeded expectations during every training evolution; I expect they will do the same on deployment… ready, willing and able!"

Due to the infancy of the battalion as a whole, another question for their success is their relative youth throughout the unit.

"Over 60% of the personnel have never completed a deployment. We will be working in over 33 locations, in 24 countries, spanning 11 times zones and supporting requirements for 4 different component commanders," said Lindoerfer. "Command and Control will be difficult at best, but our leadership and our Seabees are prepared. It is a great opportunity for our detachment and project team leaders to shine."

Though the youngest Seabees of the battalion may not have the relative experience of other peers, they are more than willing and in some instances are eager for the experience of deployment.

"This deployment is going to outstanding," said Equipment Operator 3rd Class (SCW) Asia A. Rogina, who is serving in NMCB 11's Air Detachment slated for six months of work in Afghanistan.

The Bellingham, Wash. native's enthusiasm is comparable to the "Can Do!" spirit Seabees have embodied since 1942.

"I can contribute more to the war effort there {than in homeport}," Rogina explained.

The Seabees of NMCB 11 move forward for the first time as a battalion, but the journey they've been involved in over the last two years has them well-prepared to endure and overcome any obstacle they may face in the near future.