NMCB 74 Completes Field Training Exercise, Final Evaluation Period
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS101118-04
11/18/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan G. Wilber, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Public Affairs
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (NNS) -- The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 completed their field training exercise and final evaluation period (FTX/FEP) at Camp Shelby, Miss., Oct. 23.
The FTX/FEP evaluated the battalion's abilities in every NMCB mission area.
Not only does the successful completion of the FTX/FEP go a long way toward certification, it proves that the battalion is ready for their scheduled deployment in late 2010, as well as confirms that the battalion can be deployed anywhere in the world and is capable of executing any assigned construction mission.
The FTX/FEP is not a "stand-alone" exercise, but the apex and culmination of six months of homeport training evaluated by the battalion's higher echelon command. The demanding 21-day exercise tests the Seabees' ability to "move, shoot, build and communicate," a phrase used by NMCB 74 to describe the basics of construction operations.
"I would say that 'move, shoot, build, communicate' covers the key aspects of what a naval mobile construction battalion does. As we are getting ready to move into the field we want to exercise our ability to move, exercise our ability to set up a defensive perimeter and defend ourselves, exercise our ability to perform construction operations and lastly to exercise command and control across diverse operations. As the CO (commanding officer), what I want to see on the exercise as we are coming up here on FTX is our ability to execute each of those and execute them well," said NMCB 74 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Richard Hayes III.
Personnel safety is first priority for Seabees setting up a new camp. Due to the fact that Seabees go ahead of the war fighter, the area often poses many dangers. As soon as the first troops hit the ground the area has to be systematically swept for potential dangers, such as mines or explosives, and secured against the threat of enemies.
"As soon as you hit the deck your security gets set, because you can do nothing without security. First thing you have to do is provide 360-degree security for the rest of the work to be done," said Gunnery Sgt. Jason Neale, NMCB 74 military advisor.
Construction operations during the FTX are accomplished under constant bombardment and hostile activity. Around the clock aggressors and role-players attempt to penetrate the defense, which means long hours of watch along the lines and constant vigilance at entry control points.
For Seabees, the mission is not solely to fight, but to build. During the FTX, the battalion has a main body site, project detachment, air detachment and bridge detachment, all with their specific tasks and mission for success.
"I like the work, being outdoors, getting dirty. It's a lot closer to what I initially thought the Seabees were all about," said Builder Constructionman Apprentice Eric Maldonado, a project detachment crew member. "It's been fun."
Daily operations are accomplished under nearly constant simulated attacks along the lines, mortar rounds and rocket propelled grenades fired into the middle of the camps and numerous chemical, biological and radiological attacks. Under such conditions, an understanding of basic self-aid and buddy-aid and the ability to effectively communicate is essential. All Seabees in the battalion are trained in both.
Before the FTX is completed, one major task has to be completed; the camp has to be disassembled, moved tactically to a new site and reestablished in just the same way as the first. Every Seabee is involved in the evolution. All equipment is stowed and loaded on trucks for movement by convoys organized by the battalion's combat security element.
"Everyone camp-wide, battalion-wide, every company touched a part of it [the camp move], taking up were they were there, packing up, getting their people where they needed to be, getting their gear where it needed to be. It went efficiently, certainly safely, and we got everything over here. It was a good move," said Camp Move Officer-In-Charge Bobby Kendall.
"The movement was all done tactically, involved many 'sticks,' and the effort of the entire battalion. Everybody had to pitch in and give their best effort to make that evolution pay off. That's why it was such a good exercise for us, because it was so all encompassing. We really tested the ability of the battalion to tactically move ourselves, to plan a movement and execute the movement," added Hayes.
The FTX is a demanding exercise for any battalion, but the hardships create opportunities for teamwork and camaraderie that few others can. Squads come together to push through long hours of work and watch, while leaders have the opportunity to demonstrate their concern for their troops.
"Honestly, the best thing about being out here is getting to know your guys, because when you're back at the shop you don't really get to know them on a personal level. Out here you're actually out here doing the same stuff they're doing, working the long hours and everything. You really get to know them. You get to know their strengths and weaknesses, so from that aspect, it's a really good opportunity," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Christopher Melio, an Alfa Company squad leader.
The exercise is designed to simulate the conditions and projects the Seabees could expect to encounter while on deployment. The successful accomplishment of more than 20 graded exercises indicates that the battalion's troops are well prepared to meet upcoming challenges.
"This exercise is the reason why the troops have gotten as close as they have. They've built that team, that family, because of the exercise - the long hours, the hard work, the end goal, and that's going to follow us to Spain (deployment) without doubt," said Senior Chief Construction Mechanic Shawn Hollister, Alfa Company leading chief petty officer.
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