Squad Leader’s FTX

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 conducted a patrol at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Janu-ary 13, 2011. NMCB 5 squad leaders participated in a two-week long squad leader’s field training exercise (FTX) that helped teach small unit leadership and combat skills. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

Squad Leader’s FTXCO’s Note

CDR Scot T. SandersCommanding Officer, NMCB 5Strength and Honor

CO’s Note

NAVAL MOBILE CONSTRUCTION BATTALION FIVENaval Base Ventura County

To the Professionals of Five!

OorahProfessionals!It’shardtobelievewearealreadyfourmonthsintohomeport.Youhavedoneafantasticjobtransitioningfromhighoptempodeploymentoperationstotheextremelybusyhomeporttrainingcycle.Despitethepaceyouhaveaccomplishedmuch,whilestillmaintainingakeenfocusonsafetyandCaringforoneanother.YoucontinuetoleadtheNCFwiththebestmilitarybearingandconduct.YourstrongCharacteranddisciplineshowsandisworthyofHonor. Phenomenalsmallunitsleadershavejumpedrightintoexecutingseveralcriticalmilitarytrain-ingevolutionsinpreparationfortheFieldTrainingExercise,includingthreecommandpostexercises,twoembarkationexercises,squadleaders’fieldexercise,khakifieldexercise,andaverydemand-ingconvoysecurityelementtrainingpipeline.Inadditiontothemilitarytraining,severalconstruc-tionprojectshavebeguntoenhanceourtechnicalskillswhilebenefitingthesupportedcommandsandbuildingCompetence.TheStrengthofyourCommitmentandCouragehasshonethroughasyouhaverespondedtothechallenge,andcontinuetoimpressmeeverysingleday. Homeportwillclimaxwiththe2ndAnnualVietnam-6SuperSquadFinals(24/25March),andthenagreatFTX.“Vietnam-6”recognizestheas-tonishing6toursNMCBFIVEconductedinViet-nam;morethananyotherbattalion.Iknowtraininghassomechallengingandfuneventslinedupforthefinals(thinkAirSof.)AfterFTXwewillrollintosummerwithafewhomeportprojects,alighterclassload,andapre-deploymentstanddown. YourpositiveAttitudehasbeen,andisconta-gious,andsetsyouupforfuturesuccesses.Ihavenodoubt“TheProfessionals”willkeepthefullcourtpressonthroughtheremainderofthehome-portandonintodeploymentinbothEuropeandAfrica.ThankyouallforyourLeadership,yourcontinuedproudserviceandtheoutstandingTeameffort.SemperFive!

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Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 walk to the start point of a land navigation training course at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. January 10, 2011.

Back on Squad FTXStory and photos by MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

SeabeesattachedtoNavalMobileConstruc-tionBattalion(NMCB)5participatedinatwo-weeklong squad leader’s field Training Exercise (FTX) thathelpedteachsmallunitleadershipandcombatskills at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. NMCB 5 squad leaders learned navigation, patrolskillsandotheressentialSeabeeCombatWarfare (SCW) knowledge during the two-week squad FTX course. One week is spent in a class-room setting and one week is spent in the field. “The curriculum is updated to today’s war,” said Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/EXW/SW) Simon Fresquez. The last time CM1 Fresquez went on squad FTX was seven years ago and said that the course has been revised. “This makes train-ing more valuable to the students. They can take this knowledge with them on their next deploy-ment.”

Students, in full battle gear, went on patrols on rug-ged terrain, hills and braved cold weather. NMCB 5 squadleadersalsodemonstratedknowledgeonlandnavigation, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and how to establish a base. Teamwork was necessary to accomplish each mission. “I loved our squad,” said Yeoman 1st Class (AW) Amy Nevens, the administrative leading petty officer at NMCB 5. “We really bonded well togeth-er. I feel I learned so much and did not develop any bad habits.” The class was split into different squads with twotothreeinstructorswhotaughtandadvisedeach squad on techniques for success. “The instructors are knowledgeable,” said Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Kevin Swanson, an air detachment (AIRDET) Seabee attached to NMCB 5. “They keep you motivated because they are there with you from beginning to end.”

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Squad Leader’s FTX

NMCB 5 squad leaders slept in one-man tents. The weather conditions these Seabees trained in were less than favorable. “Despite the cold, rainy weather, I am very glad that I was able to go on Squad FTX,” said YN1 Nevens. “It truly was a great learn-ing experience.” Small-unit leadership is one of the most important assets within a battalion. Without squad leaders, it would be very difficult for the battalion to function efficiently. The role of Seabees on deployment is changing. Seabees deployed to a contingency environment may have to build bases from the ground up while conducting security patrols and convoys. “I’m a squad leader,” said CM1 Fresquez. “I can take this knowledge back to my squad and ensure that they are properly trained.” Small unit leadership and tactical skills gained during the FTX were immediately put to use, as squad leaders returned to the battal-ion and commenced the 2nd Annual NMCB 5 Vietnam Six Memorial Super-Squad Competition. Over an 11-week period, squads compete at the platoon and company level in various tactical, administrative, and military professional events, with the goal of achieving Super-Squad status. In March, each company will select the top squad to compete in the battalion finals to determine the elite NMCB 5 Super-Squad. In the end, the competition is the ultimate challenge for each squadtodevelopsmallunitleadersandshowcasetheirleadershipabilities.

Builder 1st Class Christopher Nightengale, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, uses a radio to communicate to the command operations center (COC) during a patrol at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. January 13, 2011. NMCB 5 squad leaders participated in a two-week long squad leader’s field training exercise (FTX) that helped teach small unit leadership and combat skills. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

Chiefs and Officer’s FTX

The chiefs and officers of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 successfully completed their Field Training Exercise (C&O FTX) at Camp Pendleton on Jan. 21, after completing a week of practi-cal exercises to refresh tactical skills, improve teamwork, and build camaraderie. “This exercise was a great start to the military training block for the battalion.” said Lt. Cmdr. Phil La-vallee, NMCB 5’s executive officer. “Our leadership was able to build solid foundations in tactics, decision making and command and control to prepare for upcoming training evolutions and ultimately for deploy-ment.” Instructors from the 31st Seabee Readiness Group taught the classroom portion during the week prior to the FTX, and assessed the battalion’s performance during the field portion. Throughout the two-week period, constructive feedback was provided and recommendations were made regarding skills that require improvement and attention. Some of the training topics covered were the basic fundamentals that allow Seabees to execute their mission successfully, including: land navigation, convoys, communications, crew serve weapons system operation, call for fire, and command and control for the combat operations cen-ter. One of the main benefits gained from developing land navigation and convoy skills is that those skills

Chiefs and Officer’s attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 work on a terrain model during a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Chiefs and Officer’s FTXBy Ltjg. Ji Fredriksen

enable Seabees to prepare for the unexpected while planning the mission intended. Additionally, map reading assists in planning patrol and convoy routes, locating defensive positions based on terrain associa-tion, and gathering information to determine advan-tage points to provide better security for the unit. “A heavy emphasis was placed on writing or-dersandtheplanningprocesstoassistNMCB5lead-ership to accurately communicate their intent to the troops they lead,” said Lt. Darren Jacques, Officer in Charge of this evolution. “The training was intended toenhanceNMCB5’sreadinesstoincludeupcomingCommand Post Exercises (CPX’s), and I feel like we developed some skills that will help us on our next deployment.” NMCB 5 leadership was split into four squads to execute various events. Computer simulations were used to exercise command and control for close

air support, artillery call for fire, convoy opera-tions, and command post and combat operations center. Communication flow was reinforced as the vital element to informing the chain of command of the situation. While training during these exer-cises, the battalion’s Tactical Standard Operating Procedures (TACSOP) were exercised to ensure leadership understood the guidance to follow dur-ing peacetime training evolutions and contingency operations. Overall, the two-week training evolution was a successful exercise to build teamwork while im-proving skills required to lead the battalion. This was a great first step in building command and control relationships. In the end, “The Profession-als” are better prepared to lead Seabees in accom-plishing any missions thrown their way.

Chief Builder(SCW) Kenneth Hodel, a Sea-bee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, uses a lensatic com-pass during a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Camp Pend-leton, Calif.

Chiefs and Officer’s attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 work on a terrain model during a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Camp Pend-leton, Calif.

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Utilitiesman 2nd Class Juan Gonzalez, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, dons chemi-cal, biological and radiological (CBR) gear in a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011. NMCB 5 conducts multiple CPXs during homeport to help increase deployment readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Com-munication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

CPX

Preparing for FTXStory and photos by MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

SeabeesattachedtoNavalMobileConstructionBat-talion (NMCB) 5 conducted three Command Post Exercises (CPXs) over a four-week period at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC). Two were conducted in Port Hueneme and one was held at Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) battle force site at Naval Air Station Point Mugu to help increase deployment readiness. “CPX provides training and readiness for a construction battalion,” said Ensign Christopher Hoggan, who is in charge of planning NMCB 5 CPXs. “Each homeport cycle, every constructionbattalionisevaluatedtodetermineitsreadinessthrough a Field Training Exercise (FTX). A CPX is a one day evolution which trains the battalion for FTX.” During a CPX companies practice setting up a camp, establishing a defense, installing battalion communications and perform patrols and convoys. The battalion companies are tested through different scenarios that the battalion may encounter on de-ployment. The scenarios escalate to the point of even being attacked. “Junior troops gain the knowledge and confidence to handle multiple situations,” said Equipment Operator First Class (SCW/EXW) Christopher Wyeth, NMCB 5’s air detachment (AIRDET) 2nd platoon right guide and assistant platoon commander.Some of the skills Seabees are tested on include command and control, chemical biological and radiological (CBR), rules of engagement and escalation of force (EOF). “Companies are also ordered to perform reconnais-sance and security patrols,” said ENS Hoggan. “Con-struction projects, such as planning to build a bridge and advanced runway repair (ADR). Companies are also evaluated on their ability to communicate within their company and to their higher authority.” Typically a Battalion performs 4 CPXs before the FTX. This helps the battalion to learn from its mistakes and improve its effectiveness. “If we are called upon to perform at a moment’s no-tice,” said ENS Hoggan. “Our Seabees will be better able to execute their jobs.” Communicationisalsoanessentialpartintrainingand in the field. During CPX, Seabees communicate from the lines and patrols to the command posts (CPs) and relay messages to the command operations center (COC) and higher.

Headquarters Company

With the Field Training Exercise (FTX) right around the corner, The Professionals put on their game faces and suited up for training exercises right here in homeport during Command Post Exercise (CPX). While majority of HQ are participating in the exercises within their assigned ratings as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), some members of Supply Department and Chaplain’s office participated as a Red Cell and a White Cell counter forces to offer feedback on the company’s performances during hotwashes between scenarios. LSSN Redmond, one of the Red Cell aggressors, dressed as a local to test reactions of the Seabees in NMCB 5 during hostile encounters. “I like it when people take it seriously,” says LSSN Redmond, “We fight like we train, why not comply with that now?” The Communication Department (S6 shop) had their hands full during the exercise. The ET’s (Electronics Technicians) and IT’s (Information Systems Technicians) are vigorously pursuing to achieve communications excellence. Despite their minimal man power, the S6 shop manages thousands of equip-ments by repairing malfunctioning gear or configuring voice and data communications for the battalion. “Our role in CPX is to establish voice and data networks, bringing operational readiness to 110%” says ET2(SCW) Martini. Due to the short length and resources of CPX not everyone in Headquarters will be doing their primary role as they have done on deployment. YNSN(SCW) Pollema from Administra-tive Department explained that YNs work as support and as communications operators in the COC and ACOC. During these shifts, they are responsible for effectively monitoring and relaying information within the battalion and to higher headquarters. While many Seabees are simulating exercises that will prove to be useful during FTX, Corpsmans of NMCB 5 demonstrate their ability to react in stressful environment as well. HM3(FMF) Green as-sisted in handling mass casualties and triage as well as basic injuries during the scenarios. Even under stressful situation, HM3 Chambliss notes that “It’s pretty easy because we know what we are doing!” People found it necessary to train the tactics and generally agreed that classes alone are not enough to retain the principles they were taught. Fight like we train, train like we fight. Hoorah Five!

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 participate in a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.

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Fight Like We Train, Train Like We Fight

By ET3 Sean Roozen

“[Our Seabees] receive the proper training for all the reporting that needs to be completed,” said EO1 Wyeth. “This includes situational reports (SITREP), nine lines for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and size, activity, location, uniform, time and equip-ment reports (SALUTE).” These skills can be extremely useful when deployed to a con-tingency environment. Training will always be necessary for a Seabee battalion in homeport. Through events such as CPX, NMCB 5 is increasing readiness and improving the performance of its Seabees in preparation for deployment. The Point Mugu CPX was different than the previous CPX’s at NBVC’s Dozer Field. Seabees used air soft rifles to suppress aggressors at Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) battle force site. JIEDDO consists of several buildings in a semi-realistic deployment setting to include simulated market place and local populations’ homes. “I enjoy watching the development of the battalion and the troops as we move through the different stages of training,” said EO1 Wyeth. “The lessons learned through-out the evolutions and the way we react to the different scenarios inspire me to continue small unit leadership and troop development.” “Training is fun and exciting,” said ENS Hoggan. “Our Seabees have a good time with the scenarios and are definitely learning about themselves and each other’s capabili-ties. Training is always a work in progress and we are constantly improving.”

CPX

Lt. Nathan Deunk, the convoy security element (CSE) commander of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, aggresses Alfa company lines during a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.

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Bravo Company

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 don chemical, biological and radio-logical (CBR) gear in a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.

On to the Next!By UT3(SCW) Chanel Hewitt

After completing a successful deployment to Afghanistan, NMCB 5 enjoyed a much needed Christ-mas stand down. Upon return, Bravo Company hit the ground running with an ambitious training schedule, as well as a new comprehensive outlook on how day to day operations are handled. Small unit leadership is being utilized more. Dur-ing unit driven training, each member is afforded the opportunity to teach the classes regardless of rank. The goal is to start building effective leadership and com-munication skills at an early level. The same principle is being applied to physical training. A conscious effort is being made to move away from traditional PT and make it more dynamic with new workout routines and several company fitness leaders. To better prepare for FTX, NMCB 5 is complet-ing a series of CPX’s. With CPX 3 scheduled this week, Bravo incorporated lessons learned from CPX 1 and 2 to maximize the potential output for CPX 3. Bravo is responsible for erecting the tents, supplying the camp with generator power, constructing and manning the ECP, as well as providing REACT support. Bravo Com-pany also had training at the platoon and squad level,

to cover topics crucial to our success as a company and moreover as a command. Convoy Security Element, commonly referred to as CSE is 3rd Platoon of Bravo Company. Their goal is to build a cohesive and functioning unit that is combat ready and mission driven. As such, CSE is pushing small unit leadership and train-ing together as a platoon. Currently CSE is in the middle of their urban skills training. In full battle rattle, they are learning the fundamentals of shoot-ing while moving, clearing rooms of enemy person-nel, and making transitions from primary weapon to secondary weapon. As BUC Conway puts it, “We are aggressively focusing on small team tactics and tactical readiness. We want to build the mindset of anytime, anyplace.” In addition to everything else, Bravo Compa-ny is also participating in the Super Squad Competi-tion. Bravo completed a drill and personnel inspec-tion; up next is the erecting of the OE-254 antenna. The prevailing squad will go on to compete against the top squad of each respective company in March during Phase II of Super Squad.

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Alfa Company

Construction Mechanic Constructionman Nathaniel Roening, an Alfa Company Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, stands watch in a pit during a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.

Alfa Pride! Roll On!By CMCN Michelle Poloway

To say that we at Alfa Company have been keeping ourselves busy thus far during homeport is an understatement. From the B.E.E.P. to Super Squad, from classes to projects, from line hauling operations in support of anyone and everyone to battalion-wide exercises, the Alfa Dawgs continue to lead the pack with their professionalism, positive attitudes and a second-to-none “CAN DO” spirit. The B.E.E.P. (Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program) came just a few short weeks after their return from a much needed and WELL-deserved stand down for the Christmas holiday. In their typical hit-the-ground-running fashion, Alfa Company took their assignments, went to work, and worked their magic. At the CM shop, CM1 Peart ensured that all equipment and tools were properly checked and fully functional. At the Alfa Yard, three inspection teams worked tirelessly to ensure every piece of CESE was ready for ac-tion with all collateral equipment intact. After testing Alfa Company’s mettle on their second contingency deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, two major projects awaited us on our return to the home front. EO1 Hall is leading the way on the Point Mugu fitness trail project, and EO1 Chubb has the helm for the South Mugu road project. Both project crews are working diligently every single day, and both jobs are tracking to finish on or ahead of schedule. But, it’s not just our First Class Petty Officers and project supervisors earning their keep. Alfa’s junior troops, their up and coming hard chargers, their future leaders are getting some much needed and very valuable hands-on experience with these projects. Small unit leadership is something you can always find as one of Alfa’s top priorities. Whether it’s improvement on processes that need it, or just keeping a good thing going, NMCB-5 Alfa Company remains at the forefront of developing the NCF’s best and brightest. CPX evolutions are an ideal arena for all types of Alfa training. CM1 Gongas, along with several other First and Second Class Petty Officers, was there to ensure all Alfa troops fully and properly understood fire plans and Rules of Engagement. EO1 Jones, EO1 Adams, and CM1 Keltner supervised the patrol planning and execution. It is their guidance and instruction passed on to those junior troops learning their trade that continues the proud traditions of the Seabees. It is the young Alfa troops digging trenches and turning wrenches that take the knowledge and guidance passed on that really make the money. It is their efforts that keep the Green Machine that is Alfa Company run-ning. If the Alfa Dawgs aren’t in battalion spaces learning SCWs topics, studying for exams, or otherwise training, we have multiple fire teams, and most times entire squads, at the yard or in the shop to make sure that everyone is on the same page and remain mission focused and battle ready! The phrase ‘no rest for the weary’ often comes to mind when looking at the sheer magnitude of what Alfa Company has accomplished with the obstacles they’ve faced. The next phrase that comes to mind is ‘if it was easy, everyone would do it’. Alfa Company lives and breathes the Seabee mantra “The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer”. We are Alfa Company. We are NMCB-5. We are The Professionals! ALFA PRIDE! ROLL ON!

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Air Detachment

Caption here.

Professsional practice takes “The Professionals” to the next step of perfection.

By CM2(SCW) Carl Gayton

Seabees from NMCB 5 attended a two-week course learning key points of cranes, basic crane parts, types of mountings and the pros and cons of hydraulic and lattice boom cranes. The class was a combination of Equipment Operators and Construc-tion Mechanics from NMCB 5’s main body and Air Det, which followed an entire week of a pre-requi-site crane safety course. “This class has been the best class that I have ever been in,” stated EO2 (SCW) Padraig Martin. EO2 Ivory Mc Minns said “The class was challeng-ing, yet informative.” I found that the instructors were professional and well versed in their knowl-edge of cranes, crane operations and the results of safety violations while operating cranes. The first

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week is mainly a crane familiarization with the lattice boom and hydraulic boom crane, while the second week is comprised of application of skills through various obstacle courses. There were many challenges through-out the course, the wind played a big part of the crane operations. According to the instructors from NCTC Port Hueneme, approximately 100 students go through the course each year. Each student learns the im-portance of safety and the necessary skills it takes to be a successful crane operator. NMCB 5’s Alfa types had nothing but great things to say concerning thecourseandalsosaidthattheknowledgeinthecoursewillberememberedandsharedwiththeirprofessional peers.

NCTC instructors from Port Hueneme observe CM2 Shope maneuver the crane and its load through the obstacle course. The course is based on a civilian crane course that is timed and usually performed by sea-soned crane operators.

Charlie Company

Commander Scot T. Sanders, the commanding officer of NMCB5 speaks to Seabees after the completion of NMCB 5’s 2010 Super Squad competition.

Charlie Company Makes Outstanding Progress on Readiness Training

By BU2(SCW) Sarah Hedge “We are a combat ready team of professionals committed to a higher calling, loyal to one another, the best company- and every Seabee believes it.” This is the company vision for Charlie, steadfastly supported by several statistics and the motivated mentality of Charlie company members. The company is now over 60% complete with Supersquad qualifications, including Seabee Combat Warfare, communications, physical fitness, and overall readiness. With exception of personnel enrolled in classes, all members are participating in Supersquad events and preparing for upcoming training exercises, to improve the readiness of Charlie company and NMCB Five as a whole. According to Charlie’s Company Commander, LT Nicholas Mueller, the progress of Charlie this homeport is more than words can express. “Charlie has done really well this homeport with taking care of each other, making the right decisions in as well as outside of work. We are making great progress with training and we are headed in the right direction to be a combat ready unit,” he stated. LT Mueller is very proud of the small unit leaders for stepping up to greater positions within Char-lie. He is very excited about the competitive spirit of the Seabees in the company and the way they plan on implementing that attitude in future Supersquad competitions. He smiled and said that we’re going to have fun when competing against other squads. The spirit of NMCB Five’s Charlie Company proves yet again that Charlie is the backbone of battalion. The incentives for winning the battalion wide games include extra time off work, a NAM for every member of the winning squad, and several other perks that help to motivate the Seabees of Five to go above and beyond and show our strength and honor while maintaining a Professional attitude. HOORAH CHARLIE!!!

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