1

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in the News is a service of the NECC Public Affairs

Office and is used to provide senior leadership and interested NECC personnel around the Fleet

with news about the Navy‘s expeditionary forces. Please do not repost the Clips to any publicly

accessible website since we must maintain the integrity of copyrighted material.

Friday, March 08, 2013

_________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: Diving Accident Claims Two Navy Divers

http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=72398&VIRIN=&imagetype=0

From EOD Group 2 Public Affairs

Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan

Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., died while conducting dive operations at the Aberdeen Proving

Grounds in Aberdeen, Md., Feb. 26. Harris and Reyher were assigned to Mobile Diving and

Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.

Seabee Headquarters Begins Realignment http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72445

By Daryl Smith, First Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), the headquarters organization for the Navy Seabees,

began a realignment initiative designed to improve efficiency by eliminating a headquarters

layer, March 1.

Expeditionary Doctor Continues Training Partnership in Mexico http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72540

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kay Savarese

A Mobile Training Team (MTT) of three U.S. Navy medical specialists, two assigned to Navy

Expeditionary Combat Command, deployed to the Search, Rescue and Diving School in

Acapulco, Mexico, to teach a 40-hour clinical medical course focusing on hyperbaric oxygen

therapy, Feb. 18 to 22.

Water well teams improve bases, save millions in costs

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102679/water-well-teams-improve-bases-save-millions-

costs#ixzz2Mgb2Btvo

By Chief Equipment Operator Dawn Mayhugh, Task Force Anchor Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 in Afghanistan are

completing their fifth water well project, providing coalition forces direct, cost-effective water

access on bases across the country, saving the military millions in costs.

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND

IN THE NEWS

2

Sailors, Airmen wrap up aircraft salvage operation http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123337318

By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Navy divers from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2 and Air Force personnel are wrapping

up salvage operation to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which

crashed off the coast of Italy late last month.

Marines and Seabees train to build and breach http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102578/marines-and-seabees-train-build-and-

breach#ixzz2MgM7dbSk

By Ens. Humberto Baeza Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 conducted inter service training with the

U.S. Marine Corps Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 20-22.

EODMU-3 change of command http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102879/eodmu-3-change-command#ixzz2MgNVV1oI

By Lt.Cmdr. Donnell Evans Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 held a change of command ceremony, March 1, at

Naval Base Coronado, Calif. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Lawrence E. Hall relieved Cmdr.

Charles Andrews as commanding officer of EODMU 3.

Navy EOD Makes Good on Promise to Children http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72367

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Group 2 Public Affairs

Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 visited kindergartners at

Central Elementary School Feb. 25 for a welcome home luncheon in their honor hosted by the

children they had been communicating with while on deployment.

NMCB-11 announced as recipient of Prestigious Peltier Award for FY 2012

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/101710/nmcb-11-announced-recipient-prestigious-peltier-award-

fy-2012#ixzz2MgaUT9vj

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile construction Battalion 11

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 was announced as the recipient of the Rear Admiral

Eugene J. Peltier Award for fiscal year 2012.

3

UPDATE: Diving Accident Claims Two Navy Divers

http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=72398&VIRIN=&imagetype=0

From EOD Group 2 Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio,

and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., died while conducting dive

operations at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md., Feb. 26.

Harris and Reyher were assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, located at Joint

Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our teammates." said Capt. John Coffey, Deputy

Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2. "Petty Officer Harris and Petty

Officer Reyher were exceptional Sailors. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,

friends and shipmates during this difficult time."

Harris enlisted in the Navy June 13, 2007 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great

Lakes, Ill. in August 2007. Harris successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and

Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy diver in April 2008. He

served at Navy Submarine Support Facility in New London, Conn. from May 2008-June 2011,

before reporting to MDSU-2 in June 2011.

Reyher enlisted in the Navy May 28, 2008 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great

Lakes, Ill. in July 2008. Reyher successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and

Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy diver in February

2009. He served at Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility Pacific Northwest from March

2009-April 2012 before reporting to MDSU-2 in April 2012.

"Ryan and James epitomized the unsung hero persona of the Navy diver. We are fortunate to

have had the opportunity to serve with them," said Cmdr. Michael Runkle, commanding officer,

MDSU-2. "We are all deeply saddened by their loss and are focusing on supporting their families

during this time of need."

EODGRU-2 is conducting an investigation into the deaths of the Sailors.

Return to Top Stories

Seabee Headquarters Begins Realignment http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72445

By Daryl Smith, First Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), the headquarters

organization for the Navy Seabees, began a realignment initiative designed to improve efficiency

4

by eliminating a headquarters layer, March 1.

1NCD will merge with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and subsequently

disestablish 1NCD. This change will improve headquarters alignment and consolidate the direct,

formal relationship between the expeditionary forces and Fleet Forces Command/Pacific Fleet.

"Seabees remain an essential component of America's naval force structure and a force multiplier

to naval and joint operations," said Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, commander, 1NCD. "By

reducing a headquarters layer, we create efficiencies and an NECC structure that is both

functional and equivalent in size with today's smaller Type Commander staffs. We will continue

to provide Seabee engineering and construction capabilities that our Navy and the nation vitally

need."

As part of the realignment, the 1NCD staff will be integrated into NECC, and the 1NCD

commander will be reassigned as deputy commander for NECC. This headquarters change

requires realignment at 1NCD's subordinate commands as well. 1NCD currently oversees Seabee

Readiness Groups and active Naval Construction Regiments located in Gulfport, Miss. and Port

Hueneme, Calif., as well as four reserve Naval Construction Regiments at other locations across

the U.S.

Naval Construction Force command and control will be consolidated into two Naval

Construction Groups (NCGs), one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic. This realignment

process began in February and will be complete in April. Certain functions performed at 1NCD

will transfer to NECC, and other functions will transfer to the NCGs.

The 20th Seabee Readiness Group, located in Gulfport, Miss., was renamed Naval Construction

Group 2 on Feb. 26, and the 31st Seabee Readiness Group, located in Port Hueneme, Calif., is

scheduled to be renamed Naval Construction Group 1 on March 11. The commander of the 30th

Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for NCG 1, and the

commander for 22nd Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for

NCG 2.

Reserve regiments and active battalions, along with Underwater Construction Teams (UCTs) and

Construction Battalion Maintenance Units (CBMUs), will report directly to the NCG. Reserve

battalions will still report to a reserve regiment.

The regiments will remain fully-deployable command elements capable of providing command

and control of expeditionary engineer forces.

Established in 2002, 1NCD develops and implements policy and requirements to man, equip and

train Seabees. The command ensures engineer forces are ready to support continuous combat

deployments and is currently responsible for approximately 13,800 Seabees worldwide. A

deployable command, 1NCD made two combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2006, the Navy stood up NECC to provide a single headquarters for all expeditionary forces.

5

Both commands are located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia

Beach, Va.

The 1NCD realignment is scheduled to be complete by May 1.

With the motto, "We Build, We Fight," Seabees provide a wide range of military construction,

including roads, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases, as well as worldwide humanitarian efforts

and disaster response. Nearly 2,000 Seabees are currently deployed, conducting operations in

every Combatant Commander's Area of Responsibility.

Return to Top Stories

Expeditionary Doctor Continues Training Partnership in Mexico http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72540

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kay Savarese

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A Mobile Training Team (MTT) of three U.S. Navy medical

specialists deployed to the Search, Rescue and Diving School in Acapulco, Mexico, to teach a

40-hour clinical medical course focusing on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Feb. 18 to 22.

This marks the second year team members conducted this training, stemming from a request

from the Mexican navy in 2012.

"The Mexican navy has the equipment, but their program to develop the expertise to utilize the

equipment to its fullest potential is still in its infancy," said Capt. Bruce A. Cohen, force surgeon

at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). "We've been doing this a long time, so they

turned to us for assistance. NECC places high focus on assisting our counterparts with this

training as it better supports the interoperability of shared and joint missions."

The Mexican navy has 17 hyperbaric chambers. A hyperbaric chamber is a cylindrical

compartment that artificially reproduces pressure conditions found under the sea, allowing for an

isolated form of oxygen therapy to be used in both diving-related and non-diving medical

applications. These chambers are essential in preventing and treating decompression sickness in

divers.

"Our plan was to essentially 'train the trainer,'" said Cohen. "This year, we've updated the course

to reflect additional case studies and current research in the field. Our goal is to build up their

expertise to increase the number of personnel trained to operate the chambers."

The five-day course provided an opportunity for the two navies to participate in lectures, discuss

case studies and share knowledge through group interactions. The training included instruction

on chamber operations, wound care and basic medicine for treatment of patients in a hyperbaric

environment.

6

"We give them scenarios and discuss the outcomes," said Cohen. "The students know how to

operate the chambers. This course focuses on academics and medicine, and offers a basic review

of physics and operations."

Mexican navy personnel attending the course included 10 physicians, 10 nurses and 10 divers

from all over their country. The Search, Rescue and Diving School provided students with a

state-of-the-art facility, supplying a hyperbaric chamber, real-time instant translators and

electronic whiteboards.

"They have a phenomenal translation system and people there," said Cohen. "It's real-time

translation. We wear a headset and it translates as we speak; instantaneously."

The translation system allowed the two navies to communicate effectively throughout the

classroom-based course despite language barriers, while a hyperbaric chamber on-site provided a

platform for visual demonstrations.

"The undersea environment can be harsh and unforgiving and is dangerous to operate in," said

Cohen. "A hyperbaric chamber allows for treatment of injuries that could be life threatening to

working divers."

The MTT instructing this year's course consisted of Capt. Bruce A. Cohen, Capt. Brett B. Hart,

head of the Hyperbaric Training Department at the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute, and

Master Chief Mitchell T. Pearce, the force medical master chief at NECC.

Upon completion of this second visit, 60 Mexican navy personnel have graduated from the

course instructed by the U.S. Navy.

NECC is a command element and force provider for integrated maritime expeditionary missions,

serving as a single functional command for the Navy's expeditionary forces.

Return to Top Stories

Water well teams improve bases, save millions in costs

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102679/water-well-teams-improve-bases-save-millions-

costs#ixzz2Mgb2Btvo

By Chief Equipment Operator Dawn Mayhugh, Task Force Anchor Public Affairs

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – Naval engineers in Afghanistan are completing their fifth water

well project, providing coalition forces direct, cost-effective water access on bases across the

country, saving the military millions in costs.

7

Launching out in Sept. 2012, U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

(NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, began to drill the first of five deep water wells across the

country.

Two 12-man teams took charge of two Laibe drill rigs and more than $2 million worth of

materials.

As 24-hour drilling operations continued, each team had to overcome obstacles ranging from

equipment repairs to weather delays as the winter season brought rain and snow to some sites.

The teams were constantly tested as hidden rock formations and voids changed drilling speeds.

By managing the ―mud‖ program through skillful manipulation of chemicals, the teams

progressed in operations. ―Mud‖ is a combination of water and a number of chemical agents that

allows the water well team to bring soil drilled out of the water well to the surface.

As each member honed their expertise in their respective job assignments, the team‘s efficiency

increased at every site.

As Task Force Anchor, part of the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Triple Nickel,

nears the completion of the fifth well, all wells have an average depth of nearly 1,000 feet and

produce an average of 100 gallons of clean water per minute.

―Coalition and Afghan forces will benefit for years due to their efforts,‖ said Chief Petty Officer

David Asbury, construction officer with JTF Triple Nickel.

Each well saves the military hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to the costs of

contracted drilling or having to acquire and transport water from off-base, according to Asbury.

This means, already, the military has saved over $2 million thanks to these projects.

Across the country, these wells will continue to have a positive impact and increase the quality

of life for thousands of coalition personnel.

NMCB 133 is currently deployed to Afghanistan and the U.S. Central Command area of

responsibility in support of coalition forces, the Afghan National Army and the local population.

Return to Top Stories

Sailors, Airmen wrap up aircraft salvage operation http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123337318

By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

USNS GRAPPLE, At Sea -- U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel are wrapping up salvage

operation to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which crashed off the

coast of Italy late last month.

8

U.S. Navy divers from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2, Company 4, and Airmen from Aviano

Air Base, Italy, have been working aboard the USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53) for more than two

weeks. Their mission has been to identify, locate, and recover wreckage of the Aviano fighter jet

which crashed in the Adriatic Sea during a training mission Jan. 28.

Collaborating to better identify debris and information vital to the investigation, the joint salvage

operation faced several challenges throughout the process.

"Weather, size of debris field and poor visibility have been some of the challenges we have had

to overcome these last few weeks," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Woods, MDSU 2,

Company 4, master diver. "We have been forced to operate with even greater caution under these

conditions."

Also among the challenges has been identifying components of the aircraft recovered by the

divers.

"As subject matter experts we are able to provide immediate answers for proper handling of

sensitive equipment," said Master Sgt. Chad Aubuchon, 31st Maintenance Squadron flight chief,

aboard the Grapple. "It is important for us to caution the divers on potential dangers that might

hurt them or damage their equipment."

After Air Force personnel briefed divers on proper handling of sensitive equipment, members of

the MDSU 2, Company 4, began operations with scuba dives to locate potential wreckage

located by underwater scanning devices. Divers then conducted surface-supplied diving

operations which allowed them to perform more difficult tasks such as moving heavier objects.

"With surface supplied diving operations we are able to stay down in the sea longer and gather

more debris as opposed to scuba," said Woods. "We have unlimited air supply with this type of

dive."

The divers recovered over 200 pieces within the first few days despite the large debris field. This

has been a difficult feat, according to the divers, as the significant amount of soft mud at the

bottom of the sea has reduced visibility to zero.

"We have overcome cold weather, bad sea state, mud and zero visibility," said Petty Officer First

Class Andrew Swartwood. "Although it has been difficult, we are trained to operate in these

conditions."

Despite the difficulties, the Sailors and Airmen remain committed to their mission and report that

the partnership has been a positive experience.

"The teamwork I have seen is outstanding," said Aubuchon. "The Navy works well together, and

having the opportunity to work with them while participating in their traditions is definitely an

eye-opening experience."

9

Return to Top Stories

Marines and Seabees train to build and breach

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102578/marines-and-seabees-train-build-and-

breach#ixzz2MgM7dbSk

By Ens. Humberto Baeza Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan — Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 conducted inter

service training with the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, Feb.

20-22.

This educational exchange involved NMCB 5 troops teaching Marines how to construct

Southwest Asia huts while CAB Marines demonstrated their demolition skills used to conduct

urban mobility breaching or what Marines refer to informally as UMBC based on the acronym

for the Marine Corps‘ Urban Mobility Breaching Course.

―The training we received from the Marines on UMBC opened our eyes to the dangers they

face,‖ said Builder 3rd Class David Domagala. ―Overall, everyone came away from this training

exercise with a new found respect for the other service.‖

Upon arrival to the demolition range, both Marines and Seabees offloaded their builder‘s tool kit

and lumber and began their construction classes. Within minutes both services were working side

by side under the guidance of crew leader Domagala. The Marines and Seabees completed the

construction of the SWA hut in about five hours.

On day two, Seabees received extensive training on building urban breaching shots, initiating

systems, burn rates and the proper employments of demolition.

―It improved the Marines‘ confidence in their knowledge of UMBC, because they had to

communicate that knowledge to the Seabees,‖ said 1st Lt. Jonathan Bisulca, 3rd platoon

commander of Combat Engineer Company.

Under the supervision of the CAB Marines, the Seabees were able to construct six distinct

charges from scratch. The power of the charges ranged from a simple doughnut breaching charge

to a much more destructive concrete charge. Once completed with the construction of the

charges, the Seabees were instructed on the proper utilization of a blast blanket and determining

the standoff distance from the blast. Working side by side and under the watchful eyes of the

Marines, the Seabees conducted urban breaching training on the constructed SWA hut.

Marine Capt. Benjamin Nichols, NMCB 5‘s assistant operations officer, previously served with

the CAB and shared a unique perspective of the event.

―It was special for me to witness the Seabees of NMCB 5 teach construction while the Marines

10

of CAB expose the Seabees to their expertise in urban breaching.‖

This joint exercise was a chance for the Marines and Seabees to build camaraderie.

―Bravo Zulu to the Marines and Seabee crew out there, I hope for more opportunities to cross

train with Marines,‖ said Steelworker 2nd Class Brandin Salazar, assistant officer-in-charge.

NMCB 5 is home ported at Port Hueneme, Calif. and is currently deployed to multiple sites

throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Return to Top Stories

11

Seabee base makes history with change of command ceremony http://www.wlox.com/story/21353531/seabee-base-makes-history-with-change-of-command-

ceremony

By Doug Walker WLOX 13

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - It was billed as a historic day on the Seabee base in Gulfport. A

change of command ceremony involving several officers. One unit was decommissioned,

another was renamed and then combined with yet another unit that will be called Naval

Construction Group 2.

All those changes are in recognition of changing times. Captain Darius Banaji is commander of

the newly formed Naval Construction Group 2.

"We're part of a smaller piece that's responding to the Naval construction force in response to

changes in the fiscal climate and we're reorganizing the Navy in a downsizing," Banaji

explained. "We've positioned ourselves the best to be able to support the future and still be a

relevant, capable expeditionary force."

Base commander Captain Frederick Burgess will still hold that title under the realignment.

"I think it does streamline our command and control. It sets us up for future operations and

positions. That's very well for future changes that may come our way," Burgess said.

The Seabee base will still play a vital role, despite the changes. Rear Admiral Mark Handley is

the Naval Construction Forces Commander.

"Now, we will combine all of our efforts here in Gulfport and this will be the center for our

efforts for the future," Handley said.

While this change of command ceremony reflects the new economic realities facing the Navy,

and indeed the entire military, the mission of the Seabee is not going to be changing all that

much. They're going to be helping people around the world, according to Handley.

"They remain ready to fight and win our wars when we need to, but also that they can focus on

preventing war aspect of our business," Handley explained. "That's when we go off into the

Pacific or into Africa and other places and we build partnerships by the works that the Seabees

do, through building clinics, schools, and other things."

A job the Seabees do better than anybody.

Another change of command will take place in June when base commanding officer Captain

Burgess will be replaced by Captain Paul Odenthal.

Return to Top Stories

EODMU-3 change of command http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102879/eodmu-3-change-command#ixzz2MgNVV1oI

Story by Lt.Cmdr. Donnell Evans Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE

CORONADO, Calif. - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 held a change of command

ceremony, March 1, at Naval Base Coronado, Calif. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Lawrence E.

Hall relieved Cmdr. Charles Andrews as commanding officer of EODMU 3.

12

"There are many people that stray away from difficult tasks, but you don't have to look any

further than mobile unit three to find individuals that are ready to put their life on the line daily.

Your courage, patriotism, and willingness to carry the fight to the enemy are the very reason

America is the most dominant military force in the world,‖ said Andrews. ―Every day I was

humbled by the selfless warriors of EODMU 3. I will remember you always as the bravest men

and women with whom I have served."

Andrews assumed command of EODMU 3 in June 2010. Since taking the helm, Andrews led the

unit during two deployments to Afghanistan.

During his tour at EODMU 3, Andrews also trained and deployed seven special operation force

platoons, seven combat expeditionary support platoons, three carrier strike group platoons and

one mine countermeasures platoon for combat operations in direct support of Operations New

Dawn, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Ed Eidson, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, served as

guest speaker for the ceremony.

―It‘s very easy to lead a command when everything goes right. That‘s not hard. As a

commanding officer, your job is to lead when things don‘t go right. Charles, you did an

exceptional job,‖ said Eidson. ―Lawrence, you have been preparing for this your entire life, I

know you will do well.‖

Andrews is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and was commissioned an ensign in May

of 1992. His next assignment is to the Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving in

Panama City, Fl.

―Everybody‘s told me for the last 28 years, command at sea is the greatest job in the Navy, and it

is,‖ said Hall. ―It‘s also one of the most humbling jobs that I know I‘ll ever have, because I‘ll

have to try and live up to what is demanded to lead men and women like this.‖

Hall enlisted in the Navy in May of 1985, is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic University, and

was commissioned in May of 1996.

EODMU 3 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal capability as required for the

location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive

ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world‘s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and

conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

Return to Top Stories

13

Navy EOD Makes Good on Promise to Children http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72367

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Group 2 Public Affairs

MOYOCK, N.C. (NNS) -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2

visited kindergartners at Central Elementary School Feb. 25 for a welcome home luncheon in

their honor hosted by the children they had been communicating with while on deployment.

As part of the project, the class adopted the Sailors and sent care packages to them while they

were deployed. In return, the class requested that if time permitted the deployed Sailors would

become "pen pals" and write responses back to the class.

"Every year we try to get pen pals," said Kathleen Stadler, kindergarten teacher at Central

Elementary. "They love it, they absolutely love it. It keeps the kids excited about writing and

they actually want to do it."

Every year the children write service members serving overseas as part of the program and while

the students understand the Sailors may not be available once the deployment is over; this year

they got a surprise.

"We understand that this is their time to be with their families and for them to come out of their

way and come down here and spend time with us, that's huge and we appreciate that a lot," said

Stadler. "It speaks volumes and it's important people know that."

Those feelings were shared by school principal Daun Belangia who said it is important children

get to see what service members are doing for them and the country.

"Watching the kids sing the thank you song to me was a very emotional thing," said Belangia.

"It's important to me that these children understand what a big deal it is that these guys are doing

their job not just for themselves or their families but for everyone and it's an honor to have them

in our building today."

Two Sailors from EODMU 2 answered the children's questions, read stories and demonstrated

the PackBot transportable robotics system they use in their job every day in appreciation for all

of the support the children gave them while deployed overseas.

"It was a good opportunity to meet all the kids and try to provide them some positive feedback,"

said Lt. Keith Caton, platoon commander, EODMU 2. "This was our way of showing our

appreciation to Mrs. Stadler's kindergarten class for all the letters and support they gave us while

we were deployed."

"It feels really good and I think it went well," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Daniel

Franklin, EODMU 2, platoon 6 lead petty officer. "I enjoyed receiving packages from the

children and reading their letters and seeing the drawings they would make for us. We shared

14

them with the Soldiers who were there with us as well."

Navy community outreach programs are a way for the Navy to give back to the community.

"You could tell the kids were excited to see us in uniform," said Franklin. "They got to see the

robot and it was great to see them so happy and excited to see us."

In addition to generating good will and excitement between the children and service members,

Stadler uses the penpal program to keep children engaged in writing. To this Franklin had some

parting words for the children:

"Keep up writing even if it's not fun and thank you very much for your support to the Armed

Forces and what they do for your country," said Franklin. "It's great to have this kind of support.

Oh and listen to your teachers!"

Return to Top Stories

NMCB-11 announced as recipient of Prestigious Peltier Award for FY 2012

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/101710/nmcb-11-announced-recipient-prestigious-peltier-award-

fy-2012#ixzz2MgaUT9vj

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile construction Battalion 11

GULFPORT, Miss. – Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 was announced as the recipient of

the Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier Award for fiscal year 2012.

The announcement came in a Jan. 31, 2013, unclassified message from Commander, Naval

Facilities Engineering Command, Rear Adm. Katherine L. Gregory.

Units selected for this prestigious award are recognized leaders in the Naval Construction Force

in safety, overall performance, readiness, construction accomplishments, equipment

management, logistics programs, retention, and training.

NMCB-11 completed an arduous eight-month United States Central Command deployment in

Afghanistan during 2012 in which the battalion set the stage for the surge drawdown of U.S. and

coalition forces and eventual transfer of mission to the Afghan forces.

The Peltier award is named for a legendary and distinguished Civil Engineer Corps and Seabee

leader. Commissioned into the Navy in 1940, Peltier was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Yards

and Docks, and Chief of Civil Engineers of the Navy in 1957 where he served until 1962. Peltier

died Feb. 13, 2004, at the age of 93 and was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in

Arlington, Va.

NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and

humanitarian assistance. The Battalion is home-ported in Gulfport, Miss.

15

Return to Top Stories

Ready for Combat: Amanda Rutledge Is a Woman Warrior http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20675876,00.html#disqus_thread

People Magazine

Ten members of the Quick Reaction Force patrol a remote wooded village. Suddenly enemy

machine-gun fire bursts from the trees. A man cries out, "I'm hit!" As the squad takes cover, a

lone warrior dashes back to the fight zone to drag the wounded man from harm's way.

Had this been war and not a training scenario at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Amanda Rutledge would

likely have earned a commendation for valor. With 35 lbs. of gear on her back, the only female

trainee in a class of 43 at the Navy's Riverine Combat Skills course proved that she could get a

much larger combatant to safety.

"I think I won them over," says Rutledge, 23, who is among the first women training for combat

since the Jan. 24 Pentagon decision to open combat roles to them. "When I heard about it, I

thought, ‗I can do this!' " says Rutledge, a former art student from Mentor, Ohio, who enlisted in

2010 and was recently promoted to Gunner's Mate 2. While the new policy has critics – Center

for Military Readiness President Elaine Donnelly calls it "irresponsible . . . physical strength is a

factor" – for the 202,400 women currently serving, the move "reflects the reality on the ground,"

says Becky Halstead, retired Army brigadier general. Until women make up greater numbers in

these programs, "I'm odd woman out," says Rutledge. "I want to show that if I can do it, others

can."

Return to Top Stories