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Seabees Gain Confidence and Display Teamwork

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090403-12
Release Date: 4/3/2009 3:03:00 PM

By Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Brendan Conaty, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4's Alfa Company participated in an annual chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) response qualification March 27.

Equipped with basic military issue M-40 gas masks, Seabees entered the Naval Construction Training Center "confidence chamber" to exhibit their competence and proficiency when exposed to chemical agents.

Corson stoughton (CS) gas, commonly known as teargas, has been in use since the early 20th century as a riot control agent. When exposed to human beings, CS gas can produce a wide array of effects ranging from mild tearing of the eyes to immediate vomiting. As a training tool, the United States military uses CS gas in chemical warfare drills in order to ensure that members are familiar with protective gear and actions upon contact.

"Coming from a special warfare command, I wasn't familiar with the mask or the chamber," Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (EXP) Matthew Weibel said, "and when I got into the chamber, I couldn't get my mask to seal –luckily my battle buddy was there to square me away."

Teamwork is paramount when a new troop is exposed to an unfamiliar environment. In the past, CBR qualification has been an individual evolution, but this year, teamwork was the factor which allowed some inexperienced Seabees an opportunity to find their niche in the chamber.

"Some of the newer guys weren't even sure how to put the canister on the mask," Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Oscar De La Rosa said. "Once we explained the basic concepts to them, everyone picked up the concept pretty quickly."

Once inside the chamber, Seabees were required to break the seal on their mask and purge it of chemicals. This evolution allows troops to gain the self-assuredness required to handle a chemical attack. Following the 'unseal-and-purge,' the facilitators from the 31st Seabee Readiness Group tested NMCB 4's teamwork, requiring troops to remove their canisters from the masks, exchange them with their battle buddies, and re-install them.

"When I took off my canister I got a face full of gas," said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Angel Garcia. "I thought I knew what I was doing, and I took a big breath – I guess it just didn't register that my canister is my only line of defense between me and the gas."

Putting the general unpleasantness aside, the confidence chamber served as a useful learning and team-building experience. NMCB 4's Alfa Company has always been known for its unity and 'can do' spirit and on March 27 at the confidence chamber was no exception. With a freshly requalified company of Alfa Dogs ready for CBR warfare, NMCB 4 is blazing trails toward their February 2010 deployment to the South Pacific.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.