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Seabees Arrive in Sasebo for Support Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090820-10
Release Date: 8/20/2009 3:45:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det., Japan

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Constructions Battalion (NMCB) 1, based in Gulfport, Miss., arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Aug. 17 to kick off a six-month deployment in Japan.

One of five East Coast active-duty Navy battalions, the NMCB 1 Seabee Sasebo mission is part of a normal six-month rotation cycle to relieve the Port Hueneme, Calif.-based, NMCB 40 in the role of providing construction support to the region.

"NMCB 40 did a excellent job to make it easy for us to pick up were they left off," said NMCB 1 Detachment Officer in Charge, Lt. Christopher Vincentti, a native of Shreveport, La. "We have ten more guys arriving tomorrow to bring us up to a 100 percent, fully manned and operational level; so far our transition here has been seamless."

In preparation for his team's arrival, Vincentti conducted a pre-deployment site and survey earlier in the year to tour base facilities to help make a smooth transition for his 27-member crew.

"Between May and the time I arrived here, we have received the utmost help," said Vincentti. "Support from everybody all the way around, which is great because then everybody wanted to be here."

NMCB 1 Seabees will complete a military dog storage facility project started by the previous detachment, renovate a pollution control building near Akasaki fuel depot and build new lavatory facilities at both the Nimitz Park and Hario Village housing facility ball fields.

According to crew leader, Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Kristopher Lucas, a native of Milwaukee, having the right people and tools for the job are equally important.

"We all work together - be it wood, steel, masonry or concrete. Everybody has been hand-picked to be out here for their knowledge and skill on the job," said Lucas.
"Together we can build or repair just about anything."

The confidence, pride and work satisfaction found at each job site provides a rewarding experience for the crew.

"I have been a Seabee four years now, and I'm loving every minute of it," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Christopher Jones, from Reading, Pa. "It's been great experiences and great people; Sasebo is no exception. I look forward to our time here and expect amazing results from our work."