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NMCB 3 Completes Highly Successful Embarkation Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090328-02
Release Date: 3/28/2009 1:48:00 AM

By Lt. Martin Ranalli

March 24, 2009 (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 successfully completed Operation Meathook, a two-day embarkation training exercise March 18.

"Meathook is designed to test the battalion's ability to mount out our air detachment on 48 hours notice," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffery Deviney, executive officer NMCB 3.

"We prepared for this event with in-house training, which paid big dividends. I truly felt that we maintained good command and control from start to finish, which made the exercise very successful."

The exercise began early the morning NMCB 3 received a message (for training purposes) directing the battalion to mount out the air detachment in support of a contingency construction mission. Because of training and time constraints, the actual exercise lasted 32 hours instead of 48, but during that time, the battalion prepared 22 pieces of civil engineer support equipment (CESE) and seven pallets of gear in preparation for embarkation to the country outlined in the training scenario.

"This training exercise gave the air detachment a good chance to practice the planning process. A mission can arise anywhere, and we need to be prepared to quickly respond at any given time," said Lt. Aaron Ripple, air detachment commander. "It also gave us a great opportunity to ensure the personnel readiness of the air detachment, ensuring all members have all medical, administrative and other needs met."

The air detachment's ability to respond may seem like the focus of the exercise; however, its responsiveness is a direct result of the battalion's ability to support its movement. The organization which provides the expertise and muscle behind any movement is the embark organization.

"The entire embark organization began their preparations weeks ago by conducting unit driven training, preparing databases and honing our skills of weighing and marking the equipment," said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Michelle Malone, embark organization lead petty officer.

"This was not the first time anyone on the organization had practiced their jobs. They all prepared with classes, attending training and taking their own initiative to understand their individual jobs."

The embark organization in turn was supported by the efforts of the men and women of Alfa Company, who were charged with preparing the CESE before sending it to the embark yard and line hauling the equipment to the yard and to Point Mugu for air embarkation. Overall coordination of the evolution was exercised by the battalion's mount out control center, and close cooperation ensured all equipment, gear and personnel were ready for the arrival of the first notional aircraft the next day.

"In the end we were very successful thanks to Alfa Company and the rest of the battalion," said Malone. "I am very proud of each member of my organization."

For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/30NCR/.