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Fighting Seabees Depart Naval Station Newport

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140801-10
Release Date: 8/1/2014 11:16:00 AM

By Lisa Woodbury Rama, NAVSTA Newport Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- A final formation of Naval Station Newport-based 7th Naval Construction Regiment (7NCR), the Seabees, took place this morning in front of regimental headquarters as the unit officially closed down operations in Rhode Island following an active presence in the Ocean State since 1969.

'I appreciate everyone coming this morning as we reflect on our time here in Newport before we transition to Gulfport,' said Capt. Gary Rouse, commander, 7NCR.

'The unit has physically been here on Naval Station since 1994 and I recall twenty years ago as a lieutenant being a training officer in the building the Marines occupy now. Newport has been a tremendous host command for us,' Rouse said

'It is with mixed emotions that we leave here but we are looking forward to the efficiencies that will be gained with our relocation to Gulfport.'

7NCR is relocating to Gulfport, Mississippi effective today. The move was made as part of a plan to reduce the overall number of Reserve Component Naval Mobile Constructions Battalions (RC NMCB) from 12 to six, and relocate the remaining RC NMCBs to one of the two Naval Construction Force concentration areas in Port Hueneme, California or Gulfport, Mississippi.

In addition to the Regiment, local units NMCB 14 and 27 have also relocated to Mississippi.

Capt. Douglas Mikatarian, Naval Station Newport commanding officer, also addressed those assembled.

'One of the great things about the base is the variety of commands we have here. We have been happy to have seventh NCR here and wish you all the best as you move onto Gulfport.'

Naval Station Newport is the Navy's Center of Learning Excellence and home to over 50 Navy, Marine Corps, Army Reserve and Coast Guard commands including the prestigious U.S. Naval War College, Surface Warfare Officers School Command, Officer Training Command Newport and the Senior Enlisted Academy.