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ACB-1 Conducts Field Exercise, Maintains Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090405-05
Release Date: 4/5/2009 6:08:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., conducted a field exercise (FEX) at Camp Pendleton March 21-30.

The ACB-1 FEX improves the command's mission readiness by training its Seabees for possible scenarios against hostile aggressors.

ACB-1 Seabees arrived in a field location March 21 at Camp Pendleton to start the construction of its life-support-area (LSA). The LSA provides operational and administrative needs including berthing to support 800 personnel, the beach support-center (BSC), showering facilities, the battle-aid-station and a galley for serving hot meals to personnel.

"This FEX gives us proper 'hands-on' training of what our actual mission is," said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Kristy Donoghue, from Perth, Australia.

During simulations, defensive fighting positions, patrols and convoys were executed as they would be in a hostile environment. Each line-company in the battalion set up fighting positions and control points which reported to the BSC for command and control of all activities in their area of responsibility.

"Communications is the key to achieving the mission. It can be the difference between life and death," said Yeoman 3rd Class (SCW) Samika Watson, BSC communicator.

Basic combat skills were taught through controlled scenarios created by the battalion's training department. Day and night, Seabees were tested by designated, "white cell" evaluators on their reactions to the challenging scenarios and their ability to follow the rules Of engagement, as well as deal with noise and light discipline.

"It's a lot of work, but [it's] good training," said Builder 3rd Class Jeremy Morgan, assigned to ACB-1 Charlie Company. "You learn your role in all defensive positions."

ACB-1's FEX focused on controlled, tactical training scenarios, demonstrating the battalion's primary mission to support real-time situations in hostile environments.