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NMCB 3 Joins the Fight

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120322-21
3/22/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Travis Alston, Naval Station Rota, Spain

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- In preparation for the trilateral exercise Lisa Azul, Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 assembled a building-clearing obstacle course at the simulated urban terrain compound Hogan's Alley aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, March 6.

During four days of extensive building, they assembled various challenges and obstacles that members participating in the exercise would be exposed to in a real combat environment.

"We are supporting the exercise by building obstacles that will expose Marines to different combat scenarios," said Steelworker 1st Class Teddy Brown. "What better way to prepare for deployment then by practicing in a stimulated combat environment."

Seabee units also remained on station during the final exercise, to repair any damage that occurred when the Marines cleared the buildings.

"Due to timelines and constant repetition, we remained on-station during the exercise," said Brown. "If something is damaged and an other team has cleared that location, the repairs need to be made on the spot. Our job isn't done until the completion of the exercise."

Brown added that aside from safety precautions, not having any guidelines or procedures while constructing the obstacle course made the job fun.

"We ensured that all safety procedures were followed," said Brown. "We were able to get very creative with some of the obstacles. Our goal was to challenge the Marines and introduce them to random but common situations."

For junior Sailors like Builder 3rd Class Patrick Connolly, this exercise offered a sense of accomplishment knowing that one day, some of the Marines who participated in the exercise would be better prepared because of the Seabees' effort.

"It feels great to play such a large role in this year's exercise," said Connolly. "Most of the time we do jobs for ourselves or public works. It's nice knowing that our hard work is benefiting and preparing Marines for a combat environment."

Lisa Azul is a training exercise held twice a year that promotes partnership and maritime security while improving cultural understanding between the U.S., Spain and Britain. This year was the first time that members assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 and NAVSTA Security department's military working dog unit were involved with the exercise.

Training as well as health and wellness are important elements of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.