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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 22, 2013

Navy divers remembered http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103663/navy-divers-remembered#ixzz2O5SDSEU4

By Lt. Nathan Potter Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 held a memorial service for two navy divers aboard

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, March 14.

Task Force Anchor’s Aweigh http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103768/task-force-anchors-aweigh#ixzz2O5VV7L3B

By Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers NMCB 133

U.S Navy Seabees in Afghanistan transferred authority for the country‟s Navy engineering

operations mission during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck March 19.

EODMU 2 holds change of command http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103661/eodmu-2-holds-change-command#ixzz2O5Rxunwp

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Randy Savarese Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 held a change of command and

retirement ceremony March 15 on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit, Joint Expeditionary Base

Little Creek-Fort Story. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Charles B. Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory

W. Hubbard as Commanding Officer of EODMU 2.

NMCB-11 Seabee Receives Navy's Annual Stethem Award http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72816

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 11

A Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Seabee was awarded the Steelworker 2nd

Class Robert D. Stethem Award during a ceremony in Crystal City, Va., March 9.

Commander rewards top PFA performers, promotes Navy culture of fitness

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103460/commander-rewards-top-pfa-performers-promotes-navy-

culture-fitness#ixzz2O5TzI8x9

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

Ten sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, were awarded

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND

IN THE NEWS

2

certificates by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, on March 12th in recognition of

outstanding physical achievement and exceptional dedication during the first cycle of the 2013

U.S. Navy official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).

Navy Conducts Boot Study for Expeditionary Forces http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103729/navy-conducts-boot-study-expeditionary-

forces#ixzz2O5Vnxvwm

By MC2 Steven Hoskins Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) sailors are participating in a boot study to help

determine an official desert boot to be worn with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type II

and III.

Guam Seabees Celebrate 71st Birthday http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72807

By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

Service members from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines gathered in an explosion of

enthusiasm and pride to celebrate the Seabee's 71st birthday during this year's Seabee Ball at the

Hotel Nikko Guam in Tumon March 16.

NMCB-11 honors female veterans at Armed Forces Retirement Home

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103381/nmcb-11-honors-female-veterans-armed-forces-

retirement-home#ixzz2O5UszSHT

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 honored female veterans

with a visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) where they had lunch with female

veterans and presented a plaque to be displayed in the home.

Navy divers remembered http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103663/navy-divers-remembered#ixzz2O5SDSEU4

Story by Lt. Nathan Potter Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 held a memorial service

for two navy divers aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, March 14.

The ceremony honored two navy divers who died while conducting dive operations at Aberdeen

Proving Grounds in Maryland last month.

Honored during the memorial service were Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell,

3

Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo. Reyher and Harris died

while diving at Aberdeen Proving Ground‟s Underwater Explosion Test Facility also known as

the Super Pond, Feb. 26.

Cmdr. Michael Runkle, commanding officer, MDSU 2, spoke of the challenges Navy Divers

face and offered words of comfort to the crowd of more than 400 service members, civilians,

families and friends.

"We come together to honor ND1 James Reyher and ND2 Ryan Harris, two extraordinary men

who made the ultimate sacrifice serving as Navy divers," said Runkle. "These heroes and those

like them understand and accepted dangers, not for fame or fortune, but for their friends, for their

families, and for their country."

The memorial included remembrances and sea stories of Reyher and Harris from fellow Navy

Divers and concluded with the playing of taps.

An investigation to determine the cause of the accident is currently ongoing and is being

conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2.

MDSU 2 is an expeditionary mobile diving unit homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base, Little

Creek-Ft. Story in Virginia Beach, Va. and has successfully conducted salvage operations to

support TWA Flight 800, Swiss Air Flight 111, the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and

the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor.

Return to Top Stories

Task Force Anchor’s Aweigh http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103768/task-force-anchors-aweigh#ixzz2O5VV7L3B

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers NMCB 133

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - U.S Navy Seabees in Afghanistan transferred authority

for the country‟s Navy engineering operations mission during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck

March 19.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor, turned over with NMCB 15, Task

Force True Grit.

“We would like to with fair winds and following seas to the Runnin‟ Roos as they begin their

journey home,” said U.S. Army Col. Nicholas Katers, commander, 555th Engineer Brigade,

Joint Task Force Triple Nickel. “What you have done in the last six months rivals the great

accomplishments of the past. You have made your impact felt across the theater.”

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During their deployment, NMCB 133 supported engineering operations throughout the region,

directly supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and supporting the U.S. 5th

Fleet with construction operations in Tajikistan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The battalion, while operating in six different countries, completed more than 70 projects. Its

horizontal construction efforts alone resulted in moving one million cubic meters of earth by

pushing more than 18 kilometers of force protection berms and anti-vehicular ditches, clearing

fields of fire for roughly 130 acres, re-grading a three kilometer strategic connector road on the

side of a steep mountain and constructing a 325 meter causeway. The battalion provided

engineering expertise and construction effects in five of the six regional commands for

Afghanistan‟s International Security Assistance Force.

Throughout its tenure as Task Force Anchor, the battalion conducted two named operation

freedom of movement builds, Afghan National Army Engineer development, 17 life, health and

safety improvement projects that were instrumental to improving the quality of life and force

protection infrastructure for more than 12,000 Marines and soldiers, five coalition forces water

well drills, and twice completed a convoy movement of 1,300 km, the farthest Afghanistan

ground movement in the history of the naval construction force.

“I couldn‟t be prouder of what we have accomplished,” Cmdr. Nicolas Yamodis, NMCB 133

commanding officer told his Seabees. “You are an indelible piece of history.”

Cmdr. Anthony Spindler, NMCB 15 commanding officer, Task Force True Grit, said the task

force name was an obvious one for the vast and difficult missions ahead.

“We are the modern day remake of the movie,” said Spindler. “The essence is loyalty: to our

family, to ourselves, to our mission.”

With NMCB 15‟s assumption of the Afghanistan engineering mission, NMCB 133 will shift its

focus to homeport training in preparation for their next deployment.

Return to Top Stories

EODMU 2 holds change of command http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103661/eodmu-2-holds-change-command#ixzz2O5Rxunwp

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Randy Savarese Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 held a

change of command and retirement ceremony March 15 on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit,

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Charles B.

Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory W. Hubbard as Commanding Officer of EODMU 2.

"I believe my sailors are some of the hardest working people in the Navy and I can never praise

them enough for being the consummate professionals they have proven time and time again to

be," said Hubbard. "Our technicians expose themselves to dangerous situations in some of the

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harshest environments to save service members lives and they and their families should be

recognized for their selfless dedication to others."

Hubbard assumed command of EODMU 2 in June 2011. During his tour at EODMU 2, Hubbard

deployed units to South America, Europe, Africa and throughout the Middle East in support of

both Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

"Being forward deployed with my sailors in the Middle East was especially rewarding for me.

We made a strategic impact but most importantly we saved lives and that's what it's all about,”

said Hubbard.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95B), was the

guest speaker for the ceremony and spoke to the crowd of over 100 service members, civilians,

families and friends.

Morneau first thanked Hubbard for his 20 years of service and spoke about EODMU 2

leadership past and present saying, “they stand on the front lines and use all their guile and

authority to face down the enemies of freedom of this country.”

Morneau then addressed the command and said that while EODMU 2 is a small unit, the men

and women have made a tremendous impact saving thousands of lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Mobile Unit 2 sailors have always, always been out in the front line,” said Morneau. “Wherever

there are sailors, special operations forces or anyone in harm‟s way on the battlefield, you‟ll find

Navy EOD technicians. You‟ll find the men and women of EOD Mobile Unit 2.”

Hubbard is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in May of

1993. After changing command with Eckhart, Hubbard officially retired from the Navy.

"My command tour with EODMU 2 is the pinnacle of my career and something I will always

remember," said Hubbard. "It's not easy leaving a group of Sailors this talented but I know they

are in good hands with CDR Eckhart."

Eckhart enlisted in the Navy in 1992 and earned his commission in 1997 under the Seaman to

Admiral Program while serving aboard tank landing ship USS La Moure County (LST-1194) as

a Boatswains Mate 2nd Class.

“The opportunity to serve a command as commanding officer is an honor and to serve in that

capacity at EODMU 2 is a dream,” said Eckhart. “Navy EOD is the ultimate team sport and I

look forward to being on the roster at EODMU 2.”

EODMU 2 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

6

conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

Return to Top Stories

NMCB-11 Seabee Receives Navy's Annual Stethem Award http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72816

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 11

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- A Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Seabee was

awarded the Steelworker 2nd Class Robert D. Stethem Award during a ceremony in Crystal City,

Va., March 9.

Builder 1st Class (SCW) Nicholas R. Mileham, a native of Oakfield, N.Y., was selected for the

award based on his exceptional meritorious service in connection with combat operations against

the enemy while serving as a member of the Construction Management Training Team (CMTT),

the first of its kind, for NMCB-11 from February to August 2012, during a U.S. Central

Command (CENTCOM) deployment in Afghanistan.

"Winning the award has been kind of humbling," said Mileham. "It makes a person wonder how

they would have acted in the same situation as SW2 Robert Stethem found himself in."

Stethem was killed by terrorists on board TWA flight 847 while returning from an underwater

construction team project in Greece in 1985. He was posthumously awarded the bronze star

medal and advanced to Steelworker 2nd Class. One recipient is chosen each year for the award

which recognizes outstanding individual moral courage in support of the traditions of the

Seabees while in the course of actual operations.

As a CMTT member, Mileham trained 22 civil affairs Marines, local Afghan contractors and

crews, and a quality control inspector with the government of the Islamic Republic of

Afghanistan (GIRoA) in construction methods and management of six infrastructure projects

valued at more than $1.6 million.

He also led more than 19 foot patrols and served as vehicle commander and team navigator on

72 mobile convoys to assess remote construction sites.

Among the projects Mileham was instrumental in successful completion of, were two schools, a

sports complex, a health clinic, a bridge connecting two small villages, and the Nawa District

Agriculture Training Center.

After the Taliban destroyed two schools in the Nawa District, Mileham was a key player in

surveying this as well as the replacement of a U.S. Military bridge, both considered to be future

stabilization and quick-impact projects for local construction.

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Mileham also assisted in the quality assurance of the Nawa-Lash, a critical road connecting the

Nawa district to Lash Kar Gah district.

Mileham's actions in the days following a suicide bomber attack and multiple improvised

explosive devise strikes in the Nawa District, built trust with the civilian population and

enhanced security and overall health and well-being of the local people when he participated in

six security shuras and assisted in the training and installation of two operational solar powered

reverse osmosis water purification and power generators for the local health clinic.

When he completed his work in the Nawa District Mileham, he instructed 120 members of the

Afghan National Army's (ANA) Engineering Kandak, the first of its kind, in construction safety,

quality control, tools and their uses, framing and security fencing. Mileham also mentored them

in managing their manpower, material, equipment and tools.

The assistance Mileham provided to the ANA was done as a member in the multinational

training team on Camp Black Horse in Kabul, Afghanistan, during a time of high tensions

between locals, ANA trainees, and multinational military trainers, and he greatly impacted

current and future Kandak's ability to complete expeditionary construction and survivability

projects in a combat environment.

"Looking back at the CMTT mission and the ANA training missions from deployment, I hope

the impact that I made was a lasting one," reflected Mileham. "Teaching the people of

Afghanistan, and the ANA to be self-sufficient hopefully improved their quality of life at least a

little, and I hope training the contractors and the Quality Control Inspector helped build trust

between the people of Afghanistan and the legitimate GIRoA government."

Mileham has made six deployments to date during his 11-year Navy career: two to Okinawa,

Japan; two to Iraq; Detail San Diego, and Afghanistan. Before being assigned to NMCB-11

Mileham was a member of NMCB-133, and Navy Recruiting District Pittsburgh.

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

humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.

Return to Top Stories

Commander rewards top PFA performers, promotes Navy culture of fitness

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103460/commander-rewards-top-pfa-performers-promotes-navy-

culture-fitness#ixzz2O5TzI8x9

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

GULFPORT, Miss. – Ten sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11,

were awarded certificates by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, on March 12th in

8

recognition of outstanding physical achievement and exceptional dedication during the first cycle

of the 2013 U.S. Navy official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).

The certificates were presented in front of the entire battalion during morning quarters to the top

female and top male PFA performer in each company.

Awarded were: Ensign Caroline A. Perruci, from Marietta, Ohio; Builder 1st Class Duran

Garcia, from Sundown, Texas; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jenesia A. Ordonia, from Girardeau,

Mo.; Construction Mechanic 1st Class David A. Sitone, from Kismet, N.Y.; Builder 2nd Class

Megan E. Dunton, from Columbus, Ohio; Builder 2nd Class Belinda T. Walker, from Chicago;

Builder 3rd Class Remie Acosta, from Lawrence, Mass.; Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Layne

W. Duras, from Hillsboro, Ore.; Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Jeffrey A. Mitchell, from

Chicago; and Builder 3rd Class Anna L. Parcher, from Jamestown, Pa.

This ceremony came one week after Aguayo treated 23 Seabees to lunch, fulfilling a promise

made when she challenged her battalion to beat her run time on the recent one and a half -mile

Physical Readiness Test (PRT) portion of the PFA.

“I challenged my Seabees to beat my run time to incentivize them to push themselves and set the

example for others to follow,” said Aguayo.

The time to beat was nine minutes, 46 seconds, and 30 of the battalion‟s roughly 580 men and

women met Aguayo‟s challenge although some of them were not available to attend the lunch.

With a run time of 8:42, Builder Constructionman Apprentice Andrew T. Door, originally from

Billings, Mont., laid claim to having the fastest run time in the battalion. Door was followed

closely by Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Jeffrey A. Mitchell, from Chicago, and Steelworker

Constructionman Joshua A. Sallee, from Paris, Ky., with run times of 8:46 and 8:47 respectively.

During the lunch, Aguayo encouraged her Seabees to mentor and motivate others who might

have difficulty meeting the Navy‟s PFA standards stating that, “often it just takes someone who

cares with a little extra motivation to get folks on the right track.”

Aguayo‟s challenge serves as an example of the level of importance the Commanding Officer

places on the physical readiness of her battalion.

“There is no denying it; Physical Fitness is essential to our mission readiness,” asserted Aguayo,

who cites the physical demands placed on Seabees during NMCB-11‟s recent deployment to

Afghanistan in 2012 as an example.

“Our Seabees endured extreme temperatures, physical labor with the additional weight of all our

protective gear, and missions that often lasted more than 18 hours straight with minimal breaks.

These environmental demands required our Seabees to be in top physical shape with the

endurance to withstand such pressures on the body.

“Additionally, exercising is proven to help manage stress, which is ever so present in our line of

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work,” concluded Aguayo.

According to Chief Builder Daniel Sherman, NMCB-11‟s Command Fitness Leader (CFL), 19

percent of the Seabees in the battalion improved their overall PFA score enough in cycle-1 of

2013 to move into the next higher category as compared to the previous cycle‟s PFA results.

Additionally, the battalion‟s PFA failure rate improved from 10 percent in the previous cycle to

four percent in this most recent cycle. Sherman, a native of Pittsburgh, attributed multiple

reasons for the improvements including “a well-structured Fitness Enhancement Program which

focuses on properly counseling members on dietary issues and ways to improve personal

fitness.”

“A targeted approach to weight reduction through quality training routines has paid huge

dividends,” said Sherman.

Another program he credited is Ship Shape which, according to the Navy and Marine Corps

Public Health Center official website (http://www.med.navy.mil/), provides active-duty

personnel with basic information regarding nutrition, stress management, exercise and behavior

modification techniques to lower and maintain an acceptable body weight within Navy

Standards.

Sherman also praised the command leadership and the Assistant CFLs (ACFLs).

“The ACFLs do a phenomenal job structuring the company-level work out routines, motivating

personnel and ensuring that they put forth maximum effort each session. They are critical in

assisting me with carrying out the commanding officer‟s intent when it comes to physical

readiness.

“They are the ones that are implementing our unique fitness approach down to the deck plate

level and are largely responsible for our command success,” stated Sherman.

Sherman also mentioned implementation of the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series

(NOFFS) as a key to success in physical readiness. Perhaps the most fundamental key to the

physical readiness of any command is in this statement Sherman made:

“In order to achieve overall success there has to be a true culture of fitness implemented and

practiced on a daily basis. Leaders at all levels have a unique responsibility to encourage

physical fitness among members and to push them to do their absolute best in this critical area of

readiness.”

It seems that this „culture of fitness‟ has been implemented in NMCB-11.

“Monthly mock PFA's result in fewer official failures,“ claimed Yeoman 1st Class Maria A.

Manchion, an ACFL in the command, in reference to the practice of testing individuals once per

month to assess physical readiness as opposed to waiting until the semi-annual official PFA

cycle. “NMCB-11's PT program is very aggressive, and it benefits all of us.” Manchion is

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originally from Parkersburg, W.V.

CFLs, ACFLs, and leaders at all levels within the command continue to maintain the intensity

and daily practice of physical readiness by carrying out the commander‟s intent and a proven

approach toward consistent improvement and physical fitness.

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

humanitarian assistance. The battalion‟s homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.

Return to Top Stories

Navy Conducts Boot Study for Expeditionary Forces http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103729/navy-conducts-boot-study-expeditionary-

forces#ixzz2O5Vnxvwm

Story by MC2 Steven Hoskins Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) sailors are

participating in a boot study to help determine an official desert boot to be worn with the Navy

Working Uniform (NWU) Type II and III.

The purpose of the boot study, which started March 1, is to identify the requirements for boots

used by Navy Expeditionary Forces and to certify a family of desert boots.

Sailors participating in the study conducted by Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility

(NCTRF) were issued different styles of boots manufactured by Bates, Belleville and Rocky,

which they will wear and evaluate for six months.

"The purpose of the boot study is to define the salient characteristics of the tan and brown desert

boot worn by the Navy Expeditionary Forces," said James Martin, NCTRF footwear and insignia

product manager. "Footwear is an essential component of the Type II and Type III NWU. The

desert combat boot is authorized as per the NAVADMIN 259/11, but the description

requirements are too vague."

Along with NECC, Naval Beach Group (NBG) units are also participating in the survey.

Between the two commands, there will be 200 sailors evaluating two styles of safety-toe boots

and 200 sailors evaluating three styles of non-safety-toe boots.

Testing sailors were issued a user's guide for wear of the brown boots with detailed instructions

on how to evaluate the boots, properly wear them and care for the boots. Included in the guide is

a wear schedule for each boot with dates to switch to the next boot.

Sailors have begun voicing opinions about participating in the brown boot study, but no

decisions will be final for official changes to NAVADMIN 259/11 before each study is

complete.

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"So far, I only have good things to say about my first boot," said Chief Navy Counselor James

Snowden, assigned to NECC. "The last thing you want to happen is to be out in the field with a

boot that does not wear properly or causes blisters."

NECC sailors are excited to have the opportunity to voice their opinion on a uniform item,

especially one that will be worn daily.

"I think it is a great idea to compare multiple boots and brands to see which one provides the best

comfort," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Tony Rowe, assigned to NECC. "NECC was a

good choice. We have versatile commands, like the Coastal Riverine Force, wearing the boots in

and out of water. Some of us work in an office environment, while Seabees will wear them in

dirt, mud and water, which will allow the study to get a broader opinion of all the different types

of boots."

NECC units participating in the boot study are: Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group,

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit Two, Coastal Riverine Squadron Two,

Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One,

Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 and Naval

Construction Group Two.

At the end of the six-month test period, NECC and NBG participants will fill out evaluation

forms and submit their opinions and comments about the boots.

Results from the survey will be provided to Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC),

Expeditionary Programs Office (NEPO) before the end of calendar year 2013 to make the

official changes to NAVADMIN 259/11.

Return to Top Stories

Guam Seabees Celebrate 71st Birthday http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72807

By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

TUMON, Guam (NNS) -- Service members from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines

gathered in an explosion of enthusiasm and pride to celebrate the Seabee's 71st birthday during

this year's Seabee Ball at the Hotel Nikko Guam in Tumon March 16.

The event paid homage to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB), or Seabees, Civil

Engineer Corps and Naval Facilities Engineering Command's (NAVFAC) rich histories with the

theme, "Preserving our past, forging our future."

Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, highlighted the significance of

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celebrations, such as the Seabee Ball, which uphold an organization's history.

"Preserving your history is important because the history of an organization is what forms the

culture," he said. "It's what forms the reputation. It's the legacy of all those who have gone

before."

Capt. John Heckmann, NAVFAC Marianas commanding officer, echoed Payne's remarks and

added that the celebration of the Navy's history connects today's Seabees and Sailors with their

past.

"Having anniversaries like this give us a sense of belonging and a connection to our

predecessors, and those predecessors are very important to us," he said. "Because that's a legacy

we want to continue as we go into the future."

Heckmann also highlighted that the event was not exclusive to the Navy, but also included other

branches in their celebration. Recently, the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) took

control of Camp Covington on U.S. Naval Base Guam and became the first Army battalion to be

stationed at the camp.

"We have a large contingent of Army engineers here," he said. "I'm very happy to see that joint

atmosphere of military engineers coming together tonight to help us celebrate."

84th EN BN Sgt. Clarissa Wood said the ball was a great opportunity to share the camaraderie of

the Navy and Army.

"I think it's a really good experience for us to unwind with the Navy since we've been working so

hard with them," she said. "It's kind of nice to decompress from all the work load we have going

on."

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Derek Ellis said he

appreciated his first Seabee Ball.

"I joined to be a Seabee," he said. "So being here, representing the Seabees is a great opportunity

for me, I really enjoy it."

Heckmann said he hoped for all Seabees to enjoy their day in celebration of their history and

hard work.

"We worked very hard throughout the year, so having this opportunity to stop and pause all our

work events, and just go out and celebrate the legacy and the traditions that we have is very

important to us," he said. "Happy birthday all the Seabees, happy birthday to all the civil

engineer corps officers and finally, happy birthday to all the NAVFAC professionals out there,

we've earned an evening to celebrate."

Return to Top Stories

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NMCB-11 honors female veterans at Armed Forces Retirement Home

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103381/nmcb-11-honors-female-veterans-armed-forces-

retirement-home#ixzz2O5UszSHT

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

GULFPORT, Miss. – Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11

honored female veterans with a visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) where they

had lunch with female veterans and presented a plaque to be displayed in the home.

The visit to honor the 54 female veterans residing in the AFRH came, fittingly, during Women‟s

History Month.

Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commanding officer of NMCB-11 attended and spoke directly to the

veterans on behalf her battalion.

“What an honor and a privilege it is for those of us currently on active duty to be able to be here

with you today and enjoy this wonderful lunch with you. In the 20 years that I‟ve been in the

Navy I‟ve seen tremendous progress for women in the military, and I can only imagine, from

your observation when you first came in, what you‟ve seen to date,” said Aguayo.

Both groups, veterans and active duty members, appeared humbled as they shared stories with

one another, realizing their common bond.

“We have come such a long way, and you all started it for us. Thank you sincerely from the

deepest part of our hearts we are in a debt of gratitude to you for what you did so that the rest of

us can do what we do,” added Aguayo.

Navy veteran Marion Ritchie, who had recently celebrated her 96th birthday, accepted a plaque

on behalf of the female veterans in the Gulfport AFRH.

The plaque read, “Thank you for paving the way for us. From the Women of NMCB 11; March

7, 2013."

Women‟s Wellness Council leader, Yeoman 1st Class Maria A. Manchion, originally from

Parkersburg, W.V., organized the visit.

“Sitting in that room with all that history and experience was very emotional for all of us as

women on active duty. It gave me new insight and appreciation of the things they experienced

and what they went through as females in a male dominated military.”

It seems that the appreciation was mutual.

“The ladies at our table kept telling us we made them look good and to keep it up. We kept

telling them we wouldn't be here without them,” added Manchion.

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The common sentiment expressed by sailors immediately following the visit was that of a

heightened sense of responsibility to continue the progress forged by the veterans in regard to

women serving in the military.

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

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

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