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NMCB 40 Detail in Japan Aids in Marines' Warfighting Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090324-17
Release Date: 3/24/2009 9:19:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ian Lundy, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 Public Affairs

IE SHIMA, Japan (NNS) -- A team of Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 reached the halfway point on the airfield extension project at Ie Shima Island, Japan, March 16.

Ie Shima, a small island northwest of Okinawa, is home to a 5,000-foot auxiliary landing field maintained by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The project consists of extending the foreign object damage (FOD) cover portion of the airfield. This portion of the airfield is covered with steel, rectangular planks coated with an epoxy nonskid material instead of the compacted coral which comprises the remainder of the airfield.

This FOD cover portion allows aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier, the V-22 Osprey and various helicopters to take off and land without the hazards of costly damage to the aircraft.

Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 looked to the Seabees of "Fighting Forty" to help complete the project.

"We just got back from Iraq, and we're spread out all over the place with our other detachments, and we've been tasked with this runway upkeep. We asked for help, and the Seabees from NMCB 40 came in and got right to work. There has been nothing but good feelings between my unit and them," said Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Killebrew, Marine Detachment Ie Shima staff non-commissioned officer in charge.

NMCB 40's 16-man team encompasses the spectrum of Seabee ratings.

"We're well ahead of schedule," said Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) Joe Freshour, NMCB 40 detail Ie Shima's assistant officer in charge. "This is the first time we've had a chance to get out and do a horizontal project that has lasted more than just a week or so, and that helps these guys do their job with a manner of continuity."

"We're doing our job efficiently and productively," said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Alex Cianchette.
"We're doing something useful that will help the Marines in the future."