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NMCB 3 Builds Communication Skills During CPX

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100506-20
5/6/2010

By Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Kevin Chambers, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Alfa Company

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 began preparing for their August 2010 field training exercise (FTX) in anticipation of an upcoming Afghanistan deployment by completing a command post exercise (CPX) April 21 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

NMCB's FTX is a pre-deployment evaluation of the battalion's combat and construction readiness and capabilities in a contingency scenario.

During CPX, the Seabees practiced command post watch-standing and communications procedures, as well as developed skills in using communication equipment.

By learning these skills the Seabees ensure the clear and concise flow of critical information to and from each command post, allowing the chain of command to take the proper actions to understand and react to situations quickly and efficiently.

All four companies in NMCB 3 used the time to hone in on communication skills which would be essential on the FTX, as well as on their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

"With this being my first CPX, I learned a lot about how important and how much effort it takes to properly receive and transmit messages to and from each CP (command post) and the command operations center," said Construction Mechanic Constructionman Apprentice Tyler Clark, a new communication watch-stander from NMCB 3's Alfa Company. "Even just maintaining the wire communications between the CP's is a constant job."

Construction Mechanic 2nd Class (SCW) Jason Zaback taught Clark how to string communication wire, splice and connect wire onto connecting posts and use proper radio etiquette when speaking over the communications equipment.

"We will continue throughout our homeport to improve our military skills with CPX and FTX to ultimately prepare for tasking in Afghanistan, where we will put this training to good use," said Zaback. "This is also a good time for our upper chain of command to get to know who their communicators will be and pass on all the information it takes to be proficient at their job."

NMCB 3 is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements, providing host nation construction operations and security in support of overseas contingency operations.