Necc news 25 jan for web

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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

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Friday, January 25, 2013

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Statement from the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the Women in

Service Review http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71610

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus released the following statement Jan. 24 on the Women in

Service Review. In his statement he speaks about expanded opportunities for women in our

riverine forces.

NMCB 133 Conducts First Mission in Tajikistan http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71448

By Lt. Kyle Schlais, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs

Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed to

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in November as part of a Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the

first Seabee mission in Tajikistan.

Blog: MCAST instructors in Cape Verde for APS

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100639/blog-mcast-instructors-cape-verde-aps#ixzz2IuGbulKr

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique Jr. Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

Detachment Europe

A team of U.S. Navy maritime civil affairs security training (MCAST) instructors completed 8

days of training with Cape Verdian marines and coast guardsman aboard the High-Speed Vessel

Swift (HSV 2), Jan. 17.

NMCB 74 Turns Over Camp Covington to Army's 84th Engineer Battalion http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71602

By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 turned over control of Camp Covington Jan.

17 to the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) during a change of charge ceremony at the

camp on U.S. Naval Base Guam.

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND

IN THE NEWS

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71610



http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NPASEEDE



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NMCB 15 Completes Water Well Training http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71440

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Garas, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 15 Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 15, based in Belton, Mo.,

completed water well training Jan. 14.

UCT-1 divers train for future readiness http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100920/uct-1-divers-train-future-readiness#ixzz2IuFwGimW

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Tenorio Expeditionary Combat Camera

Underwater Construction Team 1 divers, from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story,

Va., conducted semiannual training Jan. 16-17 in Key West, Fla., to hone their specialized skill

set in variety of construction projects in the ocean environment.

RIVRON 3 Disestablishes at Naval Weapon Station Yorktown http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71538

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon M. Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support

Element, Norfolk

Sailors, former Riverines, and family members attended a disestablishment ceremony for Naval

Expeditionary Combat Command's Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 at Naval Weapons Station

Yorktown, Jan. 17.

Seabee Battalion Battle 'E' Awards Announced http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71517

By Daryl Smith, Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs Commander First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) recently announced the winners of the

Naval Construction Force Battle "E" award, which recognizes outstanding operational

performance of its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions.

CORIVRON 4 Sailor Receives Copernicus Award


By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather M. Paape, Navy Expeditionary Combat

Command Public Affairs

A Sailor assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVRON) 4 was one of 31 recipients of the

2012 Copernicus Award announced by the Armed Forces Communications Electronics

Association (AFCEA) Dec. 28.

The 23rd Master Blaster Pinned http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71581

From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs


http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/ECC-East





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The 23rd master blaster of the Navy was pinned during a ceremony in San Diego, Jan. 18.

During the ceremony, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) John Carr assumed the

title of master blaster from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) Stephen

Treadwell Jones with fellow EOD Sailors, family members, and friends in attendance. The

ceremony was the result of Treadwell's pending retirement.

Return to Top Stories

Statement from the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the Women in

Service Review http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71610

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus released the following statement

Jan. 24 on the Women in Service Review. In his statement he speaks about expanded

opportunities for women in our riverine forces.

"I fully support Secretary Panetta's decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat

Definition and Assignment Rule, which removes barriers preventing women Sailors and Marines

from reaching their potential in certain fields.

"I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up

one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia Class

submarines (SSNs). Three years ago we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in

guided-missile attack (SSGNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and this is a planned

continuation of that effort. Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for

assignment to Virginia Class submarines upon successful completion of the Naval Nuclear

Powered training pipeline. We expect these officers, along with female Supply Corps Officers, to

report to their submarines in FY15. We also plan to include female enlisted Sailors in this

process. The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration and I am proud we have

achieved another important milestone during my tenure as Secretary.

"Along with the changes already being made in the submarine force, rescinding the Direct

Ground Combat and Assignment Rule allows Navy to expand opportunities for women in our

riverine forces and in Navy billets that directly support Marine infantry operations like hospital

corpsman and chaplains.

"The Marine Corps has already opened officer and staff noncommissioned officer billets in

unrestricted mission occupational specialties in ground combat units that were previously closed

to women such as artillery, armor, low altitude air defense and combat engineer battalions. We

will continue to seek female volunteers to train at the Infantry Officer Course to prepare women

to serve in the infantry as part of a comprehensive research plan that will inform the Marine

Corps' implementation plan.

"The Marines are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness and


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capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance our warfighting capabilities and the contributions

of every Marine--it's simply the right thing to do.

"As the Marine Corps moves forward with this process, our focus will remain on combat

readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success

for every Marine.

"Women continue to serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore. Drawing from their talent in

additional assignments increases our ability to maintain readiness.

"We will meet the goals and timeline laid out by Secretary Panetta and we will continue to

deploy the finest naval force in the world."

Ray Mabus released the following statement Jan. 24 on the Women in Service Review.

"I fully support Secretary Panetta's decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat

Definition and Assignment Rule, which removes barriers preventing women Sailors and Marines

from reaching their potential in certain fields.

"I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up

one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia Class

submarines (SSNs). Three years ago we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in

guided-missile attack (SSGNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and this is a planned

continuation of that effort. Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for

assignment to Virginia Class submarines upon successful completion of the Naval Nuclear

Powered training pipeline. We expect these officers, along with female Supply Corps Officers, to

report to their submarines in FY15. We also plan to include female enlisted Sailors in this

process. The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration and I am proud we have

achieved another important milestone during my tenure as Secretary.

"Along with the changes already being made in the submarine force, rescinding the Direct

Ground Combat and Assignment Rule allows Navy to expand opportunities for women in our

riverine forces and in Navy billets that directly support Marine infantry operations like hospital

corpsman and chaplains.

"The Marine Corps has already opened officer and staff noncommissioned officer billets in

unrestricted mission occupational specialties in ground combat units that were previously closed

to women such as artillery, armor, low altitude air defense and combat engineer battalions. We

will continue to seek female volunteers to train at the Infantry Officer Course to prepare women

to serve in the infantry as part of a comprehensive research plan that will inform the Marine

Corps' implementation plan.

"The Marines are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness and

capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance our warfighting capabilities and the contributions

of every Marine--it's simply the right thing to do.

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"As the Marine Corps moves forward with this process, our focus will remain on combat

readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success

for every Marine.

"Women continue to serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore. Drawing from their talent in

additional assignments increases our ability to maintain readiness.

"We will meet the goals and timeline laid out by Secretary Panetta and we will continue to

deploy the finest naval force in the world."


NMCB 133 Conducts First Mission in Tajikistan http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71448

By Lt. Kyle Schlais, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

(NMCB) 133 deployed to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in November as part of a Global Peace

Operations Initiative (GPOI), the first Seabee mission in Tajikistan.

In support of the Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) and Tajikistan Ministry of Defense

(MOD), the Seabee crew began construction alongside the MOD's construction force, the

Stroibat, on phase one of a $1 million project at the Peace Support Operation Training Center

(PSOTC) at Shamsi Base, funded by GPOI.

To help boost the local economy and establish lasting relationships with contractors and vendors,

the building materials were procured in nearby street vendor markets by Utilitiesman 1st Class

Justin Walker, the Seabee project supervisor, and Air Force contracting officer, 1st Lt. Sunset

Lo. The vendors delivered the materials in a timely manner, enabling the project to move

forward on schedule.

Throughout the first phase, which included the construction of a new roof, English language lab

classroom, kitchen renovations and electrical distribution repairs, the Seabees mentored 10

Stroibat soldiers, teaching them basic construction skills while building strong relationships

through coordination with MOD Stroibat forces and communication with high level Tajikistan

military officers.

"Working with Stroibat has been a great experience," said Builder Constructionman Xavier

Knowlesball. "It has been educational working through language barrier challenges and I am

honored to be a part of the crew."

Construction Electrician Constructionman Hunter Kiser expressed a similar sentiment.


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"It has been an awesome experience working with the local construction force," said Kiser.

"Their hospitality is amazing and made our visit to Dushanbe easy, allowing us to focus on the

tasking."

With the first phase scheduled to conclude in January, planning for the second phase has already

begun.

NMCB 133 is currently deployed as a part of engineering support operations throughout the U.S.

5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.


Blog: MCAST instructors in Cape Verde for APS


By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique Jr. Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

Detachment Europe

MINDELO, Cape Verde – A team of U.S. Navy maritime civil affairs security training

(MCAST) instructors completed 8 days of training with Cape Verdian marines and coast

guardsman aboard the High-Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), Jan. 17.

The MCAST team from Dam Neck, Va., who came to Cape Verde in support of Africa

Partnership Station (APS), taught the Cape Verdians boarding team operations and armed sentry

training. The curriculum featured classroom instruction, takedowns and holds, striking

techniques and field tactical movements. They also simulated boarding procedures on the Cape

Verde Coast Guard patrol boat NP Guardian (P511).

Two MCAST instructors used their fluency in Portuguese to translate and communicate

instructions. Their assistance as interpreters proved valuable in Cape Verde, where English is not

the dominant language.

“It’s a privilege for me to be here and speak my native language,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st

Class Bruno Doamral, who was born and raised in Portugal and immigrated to the U.S. when he

was 20. “I knew the Navy could use me here. This is my first time in Cape Verde, and I love it. I

like the island environment. The people are great, and it’s absolutely incredible.”

Doamral also said he believes training and partnering with African nations through APS is a

valuable contribution.

“If you train these nations…their waters will be secure,” said Doamral.

“They’ll be able to support themselves and can live in peace.”

Chief Master-at-Arms Joe Nunes, a reservist and 21-year veteran of the New York Police

Department, was the other Portuguese speaker who helped facilitate the training.

“It’s a great working relationship that we have with Cape Verde,” said Nunes. “They are




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extremely professional, and I feel very positive about this country and its outlook. Hopefully

they can take a good portion of this training with them for future use.”

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval

Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and

collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.


NMCB 74 Turns Over Camp Covington to Army's 84th Engineer Battalion http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71602

By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 turned over

control of Camp Covington Jan. 17 to the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) during a

change of charge ceremony at the camp on U.S. Naval Base Guam.

In order for the Navy to meet operational missions around the world, the 84th EN BN, from

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, relieved NMCB 74 as the forward-deployed presence in Guam for

contingency and humanitarian response, disaster assistance, theater security cooperation and

construction readiness operations.

Capt. Rodney Moore, commodore of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, was the keynote

speaker for the event and addressed the increased need for joint military operations.

"We are making a bit of history today since this is the first time that Army engineers have taken

over the Seabee mission here on Guam and throughout Oceania," he said. "In recent years, the

U.S. military has faced some of its most challenging combat deployments and made it a common

practice to operate jointly, and now we are putting that into practice here as we work together in

unity to support the fleet's maritime security and response objectives."

NMCB 74 Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Casperson said regardless of the branch of

command, the mission will continue.

"The legacy of contingency and peacetime construction remains the same," he said. "As a

combined effort for all those who build and fight in support of our nation's military."

During NMCB 74's tour on Guam, construction was completed on several projects including a

communication shelter, softball head and medical facility at Camp Covington, a steel range berm

improvement at NBG, and 40 percent of the Polaris Point pure water tanker facility. NMCB 74

Sailors also volunteered for community service projects to include assisting at Special Olympics

of Guam events and community events on Naval Base Guam.

Lt. Col. Aaron Reisinger, 84th EN BN commanding officer, thanked NMCB 74 for support

during the battalion's move and said he is proud to be on Guam to carry on the mission and honor


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the Seabees contribution.

"To the Seabees of NMCB 74 who supported this transition, thank you," he said. "You are a

tremendous group of professionals who should be extremely proud of both your

accomplishments and reputation."

The 84th EN BN's 250 Soldiers deployed to Guam will ensure a seamless transition of

construction projects during their nine-month tour, including a shelter for pure water storage

tanker truck, Camp Covington Communication Shelter, several parking lots and various projects

at Andersen Air Force Base.

Approximately 140 Sailors with NMCB 74 will return to their duty station in Gulfport, Miss.

NMCB 5 Det. Guam, a 21-person support element will remain on the island to provide logistical

and financial oversight of various projects.

Navy construction battalions have been on Guam since the island's liberation from Japanese

occupation in 1944. Since then, Seabees completed the initial construction on the island's main

thoroughfare, Marine Corps Drive, and helped Guam recover from the devastation of several

typhoons.


NMCB 15 Completes Water Well Training http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71440

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Garas, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 15 Public Affairs

CAMP SHELBY, Miss (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

15, based in Belton, Mo., completed water well training Jan. 14.

During the past week, 25 Seabees from NMCB 15's water well team trained to execute the field

portion of the well drill rig, drilling more than 200 feet down into the surface of the earth to

access the water aquifer, completing their training late January.

"In essence what we are doing is pushing air down into the hole like a big water gun," said,

Construction Mechanic 1st Class James Wilson. "It pushes all the debris up to the filter and gets

the water into the pump. This lets us filter debris out of the water and into the pipe, which we can

pump out.

Seabees worked in two teams with three shifts each for 24-hours a day operating the Table of

Allowance, T2W well rig to successfully complete the well which will provide valuable training

to Seabees for their upcoming deployment.

Water well training is a series of exercises required for each battalion to complete as part of their


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pre-deployment criteria. Most bases in the Central Command area of operations require some

sort of water source for various use to include drinking, bathing, dust abatement and

construction.

"Everyone is basically taking turns and switching off so we can all get a feel for the job and be

better prepared for it," said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Taylor Herrera, as she explained the

importance of this type of training. "This is going to be very essential, because when we are over

there, we are going to be digging a lot of water wells."

According to Construction Mechanic 1st Class Dustin Cooper, the unit's ability to drill and/or

maintain water wells is a vital asset supporting warfighters on the pending deployment.

"Water is everything, even if it's non-potable," said Cooper. "We use it for everything from

equipment wash down to water for our troops showers and it contributes to morale and welfare."

NMCB 15 is currently mobilized to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, executing

pre-deployment homeport training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is an

expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces that act as combat engineers and support various

units worldwide through national force readiness, humanitarian assistance, and building and

maintaining infrastructure.


UCT-1 divers train for future readiness http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100920/uct-1-divers-train-future-readiness#ixzz2IuFwGimW

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Tenorio Expeditionary Combat Camera

KEY WEST, Fla. - Underwater Construction Team 1 divers, from Joint Expeditionary Base

Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., conducted semiannual training Jan. 16-17 in Key West, Fla., to

hone their specialized skill set in variety of construction projects in the ocean environment.

"This training is conducted every six months," said Lt. Kent Michael Hull, diving medical officer

for UCT-1. "They are running through different drills and scenarios they might encounter on

deployment."

The Seabee underwater construction technicians practiced underwater welding and cutting,

surface-supplied breathing, scuba and emergency medical procedures in preparation for a

scheduled deployment to Rota, Spain, in the summer of 2013.

"This training is about being proficient in everyday diving," said Chief Engineering Aide

Christopher Munch, UCT-1 diver. "It's all about getting comfortable in the water, learning your

limits and what your own capabilities are."

Projects from recent deployments include the construction of boat ramps and floating piers, as

well as the maintenance of shore front facilities.

http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/ECC-East

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"Anything that's on the shore front, we can maintain, manage and inspect it," said Munch."

Diversity is paramount to the success of UCT-1. Divers must be interchangeable to maintain

ocean construction capabilities and readiness.

"Every diver gets to work on different parts of the dive team," said Hull. "This familiarizes them

with all the different aspects of the team."

Hull said his focus is to get the team ready for any type of dive injury they could encounter.

"It's important that everyone on the team knows how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a

dive injury, as well as the proper treatment that goes along with each injury," said Hull.

"This training will benefit our team immensely," said Builder 2nd Class Carlos Hernandez. "Not

only have we built up our proficiency in underwater welding and cutting, we've worked on

emergency procedures in the case of any dive casualty. This ensures we're able to respond and

know how to take care any situation."

UCT-1 provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean

facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations. They also maintain the capability to

support a Fleet Marine Force amphibious assault, subsequent combat service support ashore, and

self-defense for the camp and facilities under construction; and in time of emergency or disaster,

conduct disaster control and recovery operations.


RIVRON 3 Disestablishes at Naval Weapon Station Yorktown http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71538

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon M. Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support

Element, Norfolk

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors, former Riverines, and family members attended a

disestablishment ceremony for Naval Expeditionary Combat Command's Riverine Squadron

(RIVRON) 3 at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Jan. 17.

The disestablishment marks the merger of offensive Riverine forces with defensive Maritime

Expeditionary Security Forces to form the Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR), formally

established June 1.

The ceremony featured Capt. Frederick A. Olds, retired Vietnam veteran and former Riverine, as

the guest speaker to highlight the legacy of Riverine capability in the Navy as well as a transfer

of authority between RIVRON 3's Cmdr. William H. Snyder III and CORIVFOR's Cmdr.

Jeremy P. Jurkoic.


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CORIVFOR's primary mission is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of

military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and

harbors, both inland and on coastal waterways, and when commanded, conduct offensive combat

operations.

The budget-initiated merger moved portions of the force to San Diego as part of the National

Defense Strategy's rebalance to the Pacific, which will bring Riverine capability to the West

coast for the first time since 1974, according to Capt. Eric B. Moss, commander of Coastal

Riverine Group 1, formerly Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1.

"The Riverine forces will do what they've always done, which is continuing to hone their skills

and work in brown water and green water areas," said Moss. "There is no abatement of

requirements. We continue to get missions and are sourced to meet those requirements. We're

doing the same with less."

The merge cuts the former seven active Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF)

squadrons and three active RIVRONs down to three active Coastal Riverine squadrons and four

reserve squadrons.

"This is a reduction in capacity, but not in capability," said Moss. "I would say this is a very

affordable force. We are light, expeditionary, and bring a lot capability in small packages. We

are familiar with disaggregated operations, so immediately we give the combatant commander a

tailor-able and scalable force."

The ceremony was emotional for most of the Riverines, many of which had been with the

squadron since its beginning and will not follow the move to San Diego.

"Change isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just weird looking back on everything I've done and

seeing new changes come in," said Quartermaster 1st Class Andrew McKnight, who served with

RIVRON 3 in Iraq. "They will definitely have the growing pains of two different units merging

forces and figuring out everybody's place, but I think it's a good thing. It's a good day to look

forward."

Commissioned July 6, 2007, RIVRON 3 served two deployments in Iraq, fulfilling a total of 502

combat missions, 268 water security operations and countless U.S./Iraq tactical convoy

operations.


Seabee Battalion Battle 'E' Awards Announced http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71517

By Daryl Smith, Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

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

recently announced the winners of the Naval Construction Force Battle "E" award, which


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recognizes outstanding operational performance of its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions.

Atlantic Fleet winners are Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 (Active) and

NMCB 27 (Reserve). Winners from the Pacific Fleet are NMCB 4 (Active) and NMCB 25

(Reserve).

While supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, NMCB 11 supported

engineering operations for three supported commands operating in 77 dispersed locations

throughout six regional commands. Based in Gulfport, Miss., the battalion completed more than

70 projects and 46,000 mandays of construction, counter-insurgency operations and training

support to Afghan engineer forces.

"Your efforts improved force protection, enhanced freedom of movement, and improved quality

of life for U.S. and coalition forces, and set the stage for the surge drawdown of U.S. and

coalition forces and the eventual transfer of the mission to the Afghan forces," wrote Rear Adm.

Mark Handley, Commander 1NCD.

Headquartered in Brunswick, Maine, NMCB 27 was commended for accomplishments in

preparation for and during its deployment to U.S. Southern Command.

"The 'Skibees' have clearly demonstrated that you are deserving of selection as 'Best of Type,'

and I congratulate you on a job well done," Rear Adm. Handley wrote.

Its unit level training included two command post exercises, embark training exercises, a

communications exercise and a field training exercise involving 376 battalion personnel. They

completed more than 31,000 mandays of training and 19,000 mandays of homeport and

contingency construction. They deployed an 85-person Air Detachment to Guantanamo Bay and

completed projects there as well as El Salvador and Peru.

"Throughout a challenging year, NMCB 4 has consistently and unequivocally proven their

commitment to excellence and an uncompromising 'can-do' attitude," wrote Rear Adm. Handley.

During its fourth consecutive CENTCOM deployment, NMCB 4 worked at 72 sites across all six

regional commands in Afghanistan. It provided mobility support by establishing and improving

low-water crossing sites, emplacing bridges and building roads. The battalion completed 72

projects consisting of more than 42,000 mandays of tasking. Returning to homeport in Port

Hueneme, Calif., it executed a solid homeport training plan for preparation for the next

deployment to Europe and Africa.

NMCB 25 ramped up its training schedule to account for a six-month acceleration of its

deployment timeline. Headquartered at Fort McCoy, Wis., the battalion completed 20,000

mandays of construction support and training and attained more than 790 new technical skills.

They maintained 100-percent accountability in their supply outlets.

"Through commitment and focus on personnel programs you have been successful in

dramatically improving metrics in all program areas and setting the mark for foundation

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training," Rear Adm. Handley wrote.

"My congratulations to the Seabees of NMCB 4, NMCB 11, NMCB 25 and NMCB 27. Your

efforts in helping our supported commanders achieve their desired effects were truly

inspirational and exemplified the Seabee can-do motto."


CORIVRON 4 Sailor Receives Copernicus Award http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71508

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather M. Paape, Navy Expeditionary Combat

Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron

(CORIVRON) 4 was one of 31 recipients of the 2012 Copernicus Award announced by the

Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Dec. 28.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin J. Bruner was selected for the award which recognizes

individual contributions in the field of naval warfare information systems and information

warfare in the form of doctrinal, financial, organizational or other dimensions of information

systems.

AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) present the Copernicus Award to civilians and

servicemembers of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who demonstrate exceptional

initiative, leadership and insight within the selectee's area of expertise.

"I feel honored to be recognized for the award," said Bruner. "All services and federal employees

send hundreds of nominations every year, and to be one of the few selectees really brings a sense

of accomplishment."

During the merger of Riverine Squadron 1 and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4 into

CORIVRON 4, Bruner combined two communications departments and supervised a department

that supported more than 500 personnel. Applying his technical acumen, Bruner directly

contributed to the first successful deployment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

Enterprise Tactical Command and Control system in a real-world mission. The system provided

Internet protocol services to the NECC Adaptive Force Commander Operations Center, which

utilized the services to coordinate support of 2,060 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, four naval

vessels, 20 aircraft, two landing craft units and 237 pieces of civil engineering support

equipment. This coordination led to water removal, lighting, debris removal, diving operations

and construction services during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Bruner also devoted more than 300 man-hours to overseeing system operability, performance

testing, and maintenance and operations procedures as well as several other C4ISR tasks.

"I'm very proud that Petty Officer Bruner won the Copernicus award," said CORIVRON 4


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Command Master Chief Daryl Green. "Bruner performed above standards and was a critical

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

(C4ISR) asset during the merger by developing communication capabilities on what we call

'green gear'. I look forward to seeing more remarkable work from him and hope to see him

advance to chief petty officer."

Brunner will be presented his award from the AFCEA and USNI during a ceremony May 14 at

the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Va.

The Copernicus Award was established in 1997 for Sailors in C4ISR capability, information

systems and information warfare related jobs. Those nominated for the award are reviewed by a

board of judges based upon superior performance, exceptional initiative, leadership and insight

within the nominee's area of expertise.

"My advice to anyone who wants to win the award would be to simply be passionate about what

you do," said Bruner. "It is not just about how well you can do your job, but how you can better

your command, your community and the Navy as a whole."

CORIVRON 4 is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, an enduring force providing

capability across the full range of military operations in the maritime strategy to include forward

presence, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, sea control and

power projection and deterrence.


Necc news 25 jan for web

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Transcript of Necc news 25 jan for web