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Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Seabees hold a Change of Command ceremony and prepare for deployment with a battalion Field Training Exercise (FTX)!

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Page 1: July 2011 Buzzword
Page 2: July 2011 Buzzword

CO’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! Thismonth’sBuzzword,IstartedtotellyouonceagainwhatanawesomejobyoudidduringtheFieldTrainingExercise,butthenyouknowthatalready.Youmayormaynotknowhowwellyoudidasawhole.YoumayknowthatFIVEsetnumerousFTXrecordssuchas; FastestTimbertowerxxhrs FirstRDSATattheLSAduringRSO&I Bestcamplayout,bestshowersandgalleyatanLSAin recentmemory Mostmotivatedunitdespiteturningoverusedandbroken gearinthefield. FastestandmostSquareFeetofADRonrecord,andwith noaccidents. FastesttimeonrecordforBaileyBridgeset-up. Completed19projects10morethanthe2previousunits andmostaheadofschedulewithgreatquality. Fastest,smoothestMassCasualtyMEDEVACdrillin recenthistory. Thefinalmoveinandsweepwasthebestandfastestin recenttimes, Outstandinglyallcommnetswereupwithin62minutes, anewNCFrecord. Andthesearejustafewofyouraccomplishments,inalonglineofaccomplishments.SoIwon’tspendalotoftimebraggingonyouandyourteams.InsteadIwanttoaddresssomeotherrecentNavywideissuesthatareaffectingus.

DuetocutsintheNavy’sFY-13budget,theNCFwillseeitsfirstforcestructurereductionwithareductionoftwoactiveNMCBsbytheendofFY-13.NCFleadershiphasidentifiedNMCBs7and40asthetwounitsthatwillbedecommissioned.Regardlessofthefinaloutcomeofthesetoughbudget-drivendecisions,theNCFwillremainreadyandeagertohelpsolveoursupportedcom-manders’toughestchallengesonamoment’snotice.

ADM John C. Harvey Jr., Commander, US Fleet Forces Command, recently commented, “Whatever happens with respect to our future

force structure or end strength, no one will ever, repeat ever, doubt the extraordinary combat effectiveness and enduring value of the Navy’s

Seabees!” InadditionmanyarefacingPTSandthenewestEnlistedReten-tionBoards.Itispersonallypainfulformetoseesomanyawesomemenandwomenaffectedbytheseissues.So,Imustencourageyoutostaythecourse,continuetobepositive,nomatterthedirectionorcoursesetbeforeyou.Yourfamilies,friendsandshipmatesarecount-ingonyoutomakeyourlifecount.Intheenditisnotaboutmedals,ribbons,Battle“E”,championshipsorevenpraise.Realleadersareneededeverywhere…insociety,inthemarketplace,inthemilitary,andatHome.I’dliketoleaveyouwithexcerptsfromanarticlethatIbelievesumsititupprettywell.Takenfrom“ALifeThatCounts“ByDr.JohnC.Maxwellhttp://www.giantimpact.com/articles/read/article_a_life_that_counts/

AsIage,Igainperspectiveontheillusionofwealthandstatusasformsoffulfillment.Idon’twantmylifetobemeasuredbydollarsandcents,orthenumberofbooksI’veauthored.Rather,IwanttoberememberedbythelivesthatI’vetouched.Iwantlivealifethatcounts.Witheachdaythatpasses,Ifeelagreatersenseofurgencytomakesuremytimeandenergyareinvestedindevelopingleaders.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 1 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 2

A Life That Counts Is Determined By:1. The Relationships That I FormRelationshipshelpustodefinewhoweareandwhatwecanbecome.Inmyownlife,Icanseehowrelationshipshaveshapedmycharacter,values,andinter-est.Iconsiderrelationshipstobemygreatesttreasuresinlifeandanimmensesourceofjoy.Mostpeoplecantracetheirfailuresorsuccessestopivotalrelationships.That’sbecauseallrelationshipsinvolvetransference.Whenweinteractwithothersweexchangeenergy,emotions,ideas,andvalues.Somerelationshipsreinforceourvaluesandupliftus;whileothersundercutourconvictionsanddrainus.Relationship RulesGet along with yourself Theonerelationshipyouwillhaveuntilyoudieisyourself. Value people Youcannotmakeanotherpersonfeelimportantifyousecretlyfeelthatheorsheisanobody. Make the effort to form relationships Theresultofapersonwhohasneverservedothers?Loneliness. Understand the Reciprocity Rule Overtime,peoplecometosharereciprocal,similarattitudestowardeachother. Follow the Golden Rule Thetimelessprinciple:treatothersthewayyouwanttobetreated.2. The Decisions That I MakeGooddecisionssometimesreapdividendsyearsintothefuture,whilebaddecisionshaveawayofhauntingus…..Myfriend,legendarybasketballcoachJohnWooden,encouragesleadersto,“Makeeverydayyourmasterpiece.”Twoingredientsarenecessaryforeachdaytobeamasterpiece:decisionsanddiscipline.Iliketothinkofdecisionsasgoal-settinganddisciplineasgoal-getting.Decisionsanddisciplinecannotbeseparatedbecauseoneisworthlesswithouttheother.

Good Decisions - Daily Discipline = A Plan without PayoffDaily Discipline - Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward

Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Success3. The Experiences That I EncounterInadditiontorelationshipsanddecisions,ourlivesareshapedbypivotalexperiences.Whethertriumphsortragedies,ourlivesaremoldedbyashortlistofprominentexperiences.….Oftentimes,we’redefinednotsomuchinthemomentofexperienceitselfasinourresponsetotheexperience.Dowequitorre-bound?Doweharborbitternessorchoosetoforgive?Doweblameorimprove?Whateverthecase,theexperiencesinourlivesprofoundlytouchus….Thelifeexperiencesweencounterarebroadandvaried,buthereareafewbriefpointersongainingthemostfromthem. Evaluate experience Experienceisn’tthebestteacher.Evaluatedexperienceisthebestteacher.Learnfrom mistakesandvictoriesalike.Drawuponexperiencestogrowandgainwisdom. Manage the emotional aspects of experience Pivotalmomentscomewithafloodofemotions-attimespositive,andattimesnegative. Teachyourselftocounteractnegativefeelingsandlearntoharnessthemomentumofpositiveemotions. Share them through storytelling Experiencesaremyrichestrepositoriesofteachingmaterial.Makeahabitofsharingthelessonslearnedfromtheexperiences thathaveshapedyourlifeandyourleadership.REVIEWLivingaLifeThatCountsIsDeterminedBy...TheRelationshipsThatIFormTheDecisionsThatIMakeTheExperiencesThatIEncounter

FINALTHOUGHTS Ifyou’renotdoingsomethingwithyourlife,thenitdoesn’tmatterhowlongyoulive.Ifyou’redoingsomethingwithyourlife,thenitdoesn’tmatterhowshortyourlifemaybe.Alifeisnotmeasuredbyyearslived,butbyitsusefulness.Ifyouaregiving,loving,serving,helping,encouraging,andaddingvaluetoothers,thenyou’relivingalifethatcounts! JohnC.Maxwellisaninternationallyrecognizedleadershipexpert,speaker,andauthorwhohassoldover16millionbooks.Hisorganizationshavetrainedmorethan2millionleadersworldwide.Dr.MaxwellisthefounderofEQUIPandINJOYStewardshipServices.EveryyearhespeakstoFortune500companies,internationalgovernmentleaders,andaudiencesasdiverseastheUnitedStatesMilitaryAcademyatWestPoint,theNationalFootballLeague,andambassadorsattheUnitedNations.ANewYorkTimes,WallStreetJournal,andBusinessWeekbest-sellingauthor,MaxwellwasnamedtheWorld’sTopLeadershipGurubyLeadershipgurus.net.Hewasalsooneofonly25authorsandartistsnamedtoAmazon.com’s10thAnniversaryHallofFame.Threeofhisbooks,The21IrrefutableLawsofLeadership,DevelopingtheLeaderWithinYou,andThe21IndispensableQualitiesofaLeaderhaveeachsoldoveramil-lioncopies. Finally,IwouldliketoexpresstoyouwhatanHONORandprivilegeithasbeentoserveyou.Yourenthusiasm,motivation,anddedicationdrovemeeachdaytogetupandtotryandmakeapositivedifference. ThankyoutothegreatLeadersateverylevelofCommand!!!Andthankstoeachofyou. StrengthandHonorwillforeverholdaspecialplaceinmyheartbecauseitisnolongerjustanoldRomanphrase,oraphrasetheUSSpecialforcesuses,itwillforeverremindmeoftheProfessionalmenandwomenwithwhomIservedandwhomarchedintothedesertintotheheartofTalibancountryandbroughteverysinglepersonbackunharmedwhilesucceedingbrilliantly. YourfoundationofStrengthisthetri-podoflifestrongmind(Head),spirit(Heart)andbody(will)andthecouragelivewithHONORisyourCharacterandCaringaboutpeople,families,andteams. Finally,rememberyourAttitudeinlifeisself-fullingsobepositiveandexpectthebestfromyourselfandthosearoundyou.BEAGRIZZLY!!!OORAH!!ANDGODBLESS!!StrengthandHonor,S.T.SandersCommandingOfficer

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Medevac

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 carried a patient to a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to simulate a medical evacuation (MEDE-VAC) at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 20, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011. Operation Bearing Duel is a Field Training Exercise (FTX) that tests the battal-ion’s capability to deploy and conduct operations in a contingency environment. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

Page 4: July 2011 Buzzword

Change of Command

NavalMobileConstructionBattalion(NMCB)5,currentlyhomeportedatNavalBaseVenturaCounty(NBVC),PortHueneme,Calif.hasanewcommanding officer. Commander Peter J. Maculan relieved Commander Scot T. Sanders on June 28, 2011 as the commanding officer of NMCB 5. UnderCommanderSanders’leadership,NMCB5successfullycompletedtwodeploymentstoAfghanistansupportingcombatoperationsfortheFirstMarineExpeditionaryForce(IMEF)andCombined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A). During the two deploy-ments, NMCB 5 executed over 100,000 mandays of construction, providing outstanding support to 41 Forward Operating Bases, Combat Outposts, Fire Bases,andPatrolBasesthroughoutAfghanistan,safely executing over 312 combat ground move-ments and completing more than 100 projects. NMCB5earnedtheBattle“E”andPeltierAwardsastheBestBattalionintheNCF,andtheMarineCorps Engineer Association’s Outstanding Naval Unit for 2009.

NMCB 5 Change of CommandBy MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

CommanderSanderswillreporttoNavalFacilitiesEngineeringCommandHawaiiastheOperations Officer. “No Battalion in the NCF has had more asked of them over the last two years, and no battalion has delivered as much to war fighters asTheProfessionals.Ithastrulybeenanhonorandprivilege to have worked with such a great group of menandwomen.I’vebeenfortunatetohavebeeninsomegreatbattalionsoneverytour,butnonehasbeenasgoodasthisgroup.I’dgoanywherewiththeseguys.” CommanderMaculan,agraduateoftheUniversityofMaryland,receivedhiscommissionthrough Officer Candidate School in 1994. He reportedtoNMCBaftercompletingatouratNa-valFacilitiesEngineeringCommandFarEastinYokosuka Japan, where he provided outstanding engineering support after the earthquake and tsu-nami.“NMCBFIVEhasareputationthroughouttheNavalConstructionForcefortheirprofessional-ism,commitmenttothemission,andtremendousaccomplishments.IamhumbledbytheopportunitytoleadandservewiththeseamazingSeabees.”

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 5 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 6

NMCB 5’s 2011 homeport has been filled with many accomplishments and achievements. During a four week period early in homeport, the battalion conducted three Command Post Exercises(CPX), two on Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, and one at the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) battle force site on Naval Air Station Point Mugu, to help increase deployment readiness. During the CPXs, companies in the battalion practiced setting up a camp, establishing a defense, installingcommunications,andperformingpatrolsandconvoys.Eachcompanywastestedwhileexecutingawidearrayofcombat,constructionandlogisticsscenarios. Thebattalion’sannualhomeportSuperSquadcompetitionconcludedinMarchandwastheclimaxofthree months of squad-based competitions to include various military tactics, physical training, uniform and room inspections, drill competitions, completion of admin requirements (PDHA, ISO Preps, DTS, etc…), safety exams and Seabee history exams. The final event was held on a holiday dedicated to the first Medal of Honor recipients in 1863, known as National Medal of Honor day. NMCB 5 also participated in several Field Training Exercises (FTXs) this homeport to prepare for deployment. A Squad Leader FTX, Chiefs and Officers FTX and Operation bearing Duel 2011, the Battal-ion FTX held in April. During Operation Bearing Duel, each specific company and department was tested throughvarioustrainingscenariosthatSeabeesmaydealwithwhileoperatinginacontingencyenviron-ment.SomescenariosincludedChemicalBiologicalandRadiological(CBR),MassCasualtyandsimulatedattacks. NMCB 5 is currently compromised of over 600 personnel and has earned a reputation for excellence and professionalism during the 63 years of its existence. The unit has earned the Battle “E” or Best of Type award 13 times, the Peltier Award four times, and the Golden Anchor for retention excellence six times. The proud tradition that is represented by its “Can Do” spirit is as much a part of “The Professionals” of FIVE todayasitwaswiththeirpredecessors. NMCB5isscheduledtodeploytoEuropeandAfricaandwillbuildonthetrainingfromhomeportand FTX while executing future missions.

Commander Peter J. Maculan relieves Commander Scot T. Sanders as the Commanding Officer of NMCB 5 during a Change of Command ceremony June 28, 2011 in Port Hueneme, Calif. Photo by CM2(SCW/AW) Carl Gayton.

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 sstand at parade rest during a Change of Command ceremony June 28, 2011 in Port Hueneme, Calif. Photo by CM2(SCW/AW) Carl Gayton.

Page 5: July 2011 Buzzword

Construction Mechanic 2nd Class (SCW) Tydess Revilla (Right), a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Headquarters Company, runs with his father Builder Senior Chief Alec Caligagan during the Annual Port Hueneme Relay for Life Fundraising Event in Oxnard, Calif. May 15, 2011. Relay for Life is 24-hour event which teams take turns walking or running around a path to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Revilla ran for over 40 miles during the event. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

Relay For Life

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Charlie Company

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 10

The 2011 Field Training Exercise (FTX) for NMCB Five was, as the Commanding Officer stated, one ofthebesthehaseverseen.Thebattalionconductedaseries of projects, convoys, patrols, all of which were car-riedouttoexceedthehighestofexpectations. During FTX many battalions hit a point where they “falloffthewagon”,accordingtoCommanderSanders,NMCBFiveneverfelloffoftheproverbialwagon.Fivecontinuedthroughoutthetrainingevolutionshowingtheupmost professionalism, keeping high moral and continu-ingtogiveanoutstandingperformance. SomeoftheevaluatorscommentedonthesuperbabilitiesandperformanceofCharlielines,statingthattheir aggressors were having a difficult, if not impossible, time infiltrating the lines due to the excellent leadership andcommunicationthroughoutCharlieCompany’sde-fense. Tasking for Charlie was through the roof. The companywasfragmentedwithoverfourSWAhuts,afourhole burnout, and a command bunker, all of which were executed with quality work and timeliness. The bunker crew set a record on time and quality of their finished product. InallaspectsCharlieCompanydidaphenomenaljob on the FTX, setting the standard for companies of any battalion in work ethic, moral, and tactical readiness. Thecomraderythatwasbredthroughthehardtimeof being in the field for three weeks will continue through theremainingmonthsofhomeportaswellastheupcom-ingdeployment.Theexercisebuiltthebattalionupnotonlyasateam,butalsoontheindividuallevel,givingFivethetrainingneededtohavesuccessfuldeployment.

Charlie Through The Roof!

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Charlie Company, man the lines April 17, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011.

On May 14-15, the 2011 Relay For Life was heldatthePortHuenemeHighSchool.TheAmeri-can Cancer Society’s Relay started 26 years ago by Dr. Gordy Klatt. He ran and walked around a track in Tacoma, Washington for 24 hours to raise money forcancerresearch.Inthelastdecadestheeventhasgrowntoencompassmorethan3.5millionpeople in over 20 different countries to fundraise and make others aware of the impact of cancer. The event drew 41 teams, 311 participants, and raised $37,780 in funds for the American Cancer Society’s fight against the deadly disease. With 50 participants from NMCB Five, the battal-ion made up over 16 percent of those taking part in the walk. Five also stepped numbers up by raising $7000, $2375 of which was singlehandedly raised by Air Det’s Alex Polivy. TheRelayhadsmallfundraisersthroughoutthe track, including face paintings, luminarias, and a dunk tank provided by the battalion which in itself raised $240 to contribute to the cancer research. The event started with an opening ceremony, thank-ingandcongratulatingtheteamsandthesurvivors.After which was a heart touching walk around the track by the cancer survivors. The rest of the teams spread out around the track to cheer on the brave souls who were fighting the disease.

Equipment Operator 3rd Class (SCW) Alexander Polivy, a Sea-bee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Air Detachment (Air Det), smiles as he holds up NMCB 5’s track sign at the Annual Port Hueneme Relay for Life Fund-raising Event in Oxnard, Calif. May 15, 2011. Polivy raised over 2,500 dollars for the event. NMCB 5 raised over 6,500 dol-lars to support the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For LifeBy BU2(SCW) Sarah Hedge

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 9

Relay For Life

Throughoutthedaytherewasatleastoneperson from each team walking or running around the track to represent their organization. Around 2:00 A.M. it started to rain, which did not deter the walkers from stopping nor slowing down. The walk had many themes, such as 80s, wherepeoplebroughtoutthespandexandbighair,anerdtheme,withwhitetapeontheglassesandall.Therewasalsoadanceoff,whereanyonecould“compete”,withmanytalenteddancerspullingmoves such at the sprinkler. Therelaybroughtmanypeopletogether,friends and strangers alike, to join in the fight against one of the world’s number one killers, cancer.ThereasonfortheRelayistobringthecom-munitytogetherandraiseawarenessaboutCancer,aswellastheresourcesofferedbytheAmericanCancerSociety.Itisalsotocelebrateandhonorthose brave victims of the disease who are taking a standagainstCancer.NMCBFivewasahugepartin honoring those affected and taking their part to find a cure.

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Builder Construction-man (SCW) Anna Carterette, a Charlie Company Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, conducts a patrol at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 23, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011.

Convoy Security Element (CSE) Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, Construction Electrician 3rd Class (SCW) Scott Caha (Left) applies face camouflage to Builder Constructionman Jessicalee Green before a convoy at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 24, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011.

During a mass casualty drill scenario, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter flew into a landing zone (LZ) out-side of camp to simulate a medical evacuation (MEDE-VAC).NMCB5providedsecurityandpreppedpatientsfor transport. “It makes a big difference going through thesescenarios,especiallywiththehelicopter,”saidArmySgt. Michael Ferguson a field medic attached to C Co. 1/168 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB). “A lot oftimeswegettotheaterandhavetotrainpeopleuponthisaircraftanditsprocedures.Anychanceyouhavetotrainonit,youhavetounderstandwhat’sinvolved.” Themainbodyelementofthebattalionrelocatedto multiple FOBs over the course of FTX. Moving the camp took tremendous teamwork from all the companies andStaff.Settingsecurityandmaintainingclearcommu-nications were vital during battalion jump and everyone executedtheirportionofthemissiontirelessly.Aroundthecamp, single strand concertina wire was setup in 70 min-utesanddoublestrandconcertinawirewassetupwithinsix hours after the first arrival of troops to the FOB, the fastestinrecentNMCBrecords.Eachcompanyprovidedanessentialroletoaccomplishthebattalion’soverallmis-sion. Headquarters(HQ)CompanyandStaffprovidedlogisticsandcriticalsupportforboththeCommandOperations Center (COC) and alternate COC. 24-hour watches were manned in the COC to monitor enemy sig-nificant activities and command and control of the entire battalionthroughtheuseofeffectivecommunicationssupported by the Communications (S6) shop. In COC, all operations such as project management, battalion attain-

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 12

A ground guide for Convoy Security Ele-ment (CSE) attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle through an entry control point (ECP) at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 15, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011. Operation Bearing Duel is a Field Train-ing Exercise (FTX) that tests the battalion’s capability to deploy and conduct opera-tions in a contingency environment.

Operation Bearing Duel 2011By MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

FTX

SeabeesattachedtoNavalMobileConstructionBattalion (NMCB) 5 participated in Operation Bearing Duel 2011, a Field Training Exercise (FTX) to pre-parethemforanupcomingdeploymenttoEuropeandAfrica. The exercise took place at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. during the month of April. The 31st Seabee Readiness Group (SRG) evaluated NMCB 5 on all aspectsofbattalionoperationsfromtacticalresponsesto technical construction capabilities. Each specific companyanddepartmentwastestedthroughvarioustrainingscenariosthatSeabeesmayencounterwhileoperatinginacontingencyenvironment. Despite many challenging missions, NMCB 5 executedeachmissionphenomenallyandwithaposi-tiveattitude.Countlesshoursofplanningandtrainingisincorporatedintothebattalion’shomeportschedulein preparation for FTX and deployment. “FTX is a culmination of all the training we do in homeport,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Mario Gonzalez from Headquarters (HQ) Company. “This is the final exam that the 31st SRG evaluatestoensurethatthebattalionisreadytode-ploy.” NMCB 5 started FTX after arriving at Fort Hunt-er Liggett and quickly built a Logistics Support Area (LSA) Stethem. An LSA is a self-sufficient camp used to conduct pre-gaming operations, offer unit-driven training (UDT) as well as projects. This area simulated a secure Forward Operating Bas (FOB). Defense Training Systems provided foreign na-tiveactorsforroleplayedscenariosthathelpgivea

realisticfeeltoNMCB5’strainingexercise.Theactorsall spoke in their native language and interacted with thebattalionthroughembeddedinterpreters.TheuseoftherolepliersdramaticallyincreasedthelevelofrealismtothetrainingscenariosandprovidedvaluabletrainingtotheSeabees. NMCB 5 received praise from the 31st SRG and achieved milestones never accomplished on FTX be-fore such as setting up the RDSAT. The LSA was one ofthebestofrecentbattalionsandreceivedaccoladesforthequalityshowers,galleyandtopnotchlayout.In addition the battalion managed to turnover projects from NMCBs 23 and 4. From the LSA, the battalion moved twice and built two FOBS superbly executing the second jump and establishing 360 degree security around the camp perimeter in less than 30 minutes. Accordingtomanyevaluators,thebattalionsetrecordtimesformanyofthetrainingevolutions. During FTX, NMCB 5 was tested with construc-tion projects, convoys to FOBS and other missions battalionsmayroutinelyperformondeployment.Some of these missions included Airfield Damage Re-pair (ADR), Bailey Bridge construction and Southwest Asia(SWA)hutconstruction.ThebattalionalsodealtwithsimulatedscenariostoincludeChemical,Bio-logical and Radiological (CBR) attacks, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Indirect Fire (IDF) drills. The 31st SRG evaluated and provided feedback on each scenario conducted. Overall 17 construction projects were successfully completed, six more than originallyscheduled.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 11

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traffic flowing in and out of camp and dealt with numerous scenarios at the gate. The camp maintenance crew playedavitalroleinplanningthecamplayoutandmanagingpowerdistributionandshowerfacilities. Charlie Company Seabees were the backbone of main body vertical construction that occurred at FTX. The projects constructed included a command bunker, multiple SWA Huts, and security towers. They also constructed a Bailey Bridge in 16 hours (another record time), and punched out two Detachments in support of Battalion Operations. Charlie Company provided fire security for their sector as well as an active reserve force for interior security operations. Charlie and Alfa companies conducted join patrols several times a day outside the wire to extend the security perimeter and deter enemy from infiltrating the camp. The Air Detachment (Air Det) performed extremely well away from Main Body. Moving FOB’s multiple times, while efficiently breaking down their camp, and re-establishing and maintaining defenses around their area of operations (AO). They provided security for their own camp, constructed projects and carried out missions to include SWA Huts, an ECP bunker and security towers. Air Det also conducted an embark exercise at the end of FTX where all vehicles pallets were prepped and staged to fly out on a notional aircraft. Since this is the same processformovingequipmentandmaterialsfordeployment,itwaspertinentthateverythingwasweighedandmarked correctly to maintain equal distribution on the planes. Finally,theConvoySecurityElement(CSE)playedavitalroleasamobilesecurityforvarioustroopmovements and to project sites. CSE also served as security when the main body and Air Det jumped FOB’s and secured the area prior to move-in. “CSE as a whole did amazing this FTX,” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class (SCW) Emanuel Fletcher, a CSE Seabee. He explained that it is important during a convoy for everyone to know each other’s roles. “If someone goes down, another person will know how to continue the mission and perform their job,” said Fletcher. “FTX was really motivating and I learned a lot from it. I now understand why planning takes a long time because one little simple mistake can cause a whole security team, project or FOB movement to getdelayedorevenlosepersonnel.” InafewmonthsNMCB5willdeploytoEuropeandAfricaandwillusetheirtrainingfromhomeportandFTX and apply it to their next scheduled deployment. “From what I’ve seen, this is the best battalion in the NCF,” said Gonzalez. “The troops are all motivated to get the job done and move on to our next deployment.”

Builder Constructionman Jose Parra, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 listens to a chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) decontamination brief at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 17, 2011 during Operation Bearing Duel 2011.

FTX

ment,troopmovementsandaccountability,unitcallsigns and higher adjacent support (HAS), convoys and patrols were tracked through the Battalion Operations (S3)board.Criticalinformationalsoplayedanimpor-tant role by the Battalion Intelligence (S2) team. The S2 team provided real-time analysis of the enemy after analyzing significant activities, weapons capabilities, etc… in order to develop the most appropriate defen-siveposture. The Supply department operated quickly and efficiently to issue supplies and materials for all opera-tions.Theysuppliedlinecompaniesconcertinawirefor security, lumber and tools for projects, meals ready toeat(MRE)’s,andmanyothersuppliesneededforNMCB 5 to operate in the field. The S6 shop supplied communications gear and performedmaintenanceonallcommunicationsassetsused during FTX. In addition, they setup the Rugge-dized Deployable Satellite Terminal (RD-SAT) in 3 hrs 15 minutes (a battalion RD-SAT record), and had all network communications, six channels, setup in 62 minutes. Themedicalteamprovidedtremendoussupportfor over 135 patients with injuries ranging including dehydration,sprains,gastrointestinalissuesandevenastroke. AlfaCompanyprovidedmobilitysupportevenprior to the start of FTX. A week before the exercise, AlfastartedlinehaulingConstructionEngineeringSupportEquipment(CESE)uptoFortHunterLiggett.CESE such as dozers, dump trucks, rollers, grad-ers, fuel trucks, fork lifts, back hoes, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV’s), front-endloaders,MediumTacticalVehicleReplacement(MTVR) cargo trucks and 400-gallon water bulls were usedtosupportbattalion’smission.Alfa’sEquipmentOperators (EO) and Construction Mechanics (CM) operatedandmanagedCESEaswellastransporta-tionoperations.FightingpositionsweremannedonAlfa lines to protect their sector of fire. Alfa Company executed the fastest ever ADR mission with a time of six hours. Mission tasks included a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) strip that measured 96x96 ft of Airfield Matting (AM-2), and the repair of two 6x35 ft craters. BravoCompanyprovidedinternalsecurityandcamp maintenance. During intruder in camp, “Gun-smoke” drills, Bravo Company’s reaction (REACT) teamsweptthecampsearchingforintruders.TheRE-ACTteamalsoservedassecurityduringEntryControlPoint(ECP)drills.AttheECP,Bravomonitoredall

Headquarters (HQ) Company attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 use M-256 chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) test kit at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. on April 16, 2011 dur-ing Operation Bearing Duel 2011.

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Alfa Company

WE ARE ALFA COMPANY

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 16

ALFA Company has worked tirelessly to ensure FTX operationsranassmoothlyaspossible.Manylateandlonghourswerespenthaulingequipment,supplies,andtroopstoFortHunterLiggett,allsoFIVEcouldprovethetrainingwehave received could be put into full effect. This FTX proved to be one of the toughest in recent years, but our EOs and CMs, as expected,nevertired,neverfaltered,neverfailed. The Equipment Operators made trips daily for more than a week straight. Second-to-none professionalism and taking care of one another as ALFA does resulted in ZERO mishaps, injuries, or accidents leading up to FTX. The troops new to thebattalionweregiventraininglicensesandpairedupwiththeseniortroopstotrainthem.TheyarethefutureofALFACompany, and that future is in good hands. EO2 Decker has gainedtremendousrespectfromhispeersasyardboss.Hehasproven that showing how to operate and how ALFA works is more effective than just doing it and then trying to explain later. Hemaintainedhisprofessionalismevenwhenthingsgothecticaround the yard and was a positive influence to the new EOs. EOCN Godinez, as the collateral custodian for ALFA, main-tained 100% accountability for 152 pieces of CESE collateral, as well as moving equipment and helping to make the missions successful.Allpersonnelinvolvedinconvoysdidaphenom-enal job. Staying vigilant, staying safe and keeping all other troops safe, especially while traveling from FOB to FOB, made for a successful FTX. The Construction Mechanics were making sure that all equipment was ready to make the trips back and forth to FHL. All PMS checks were made and completed before and after the trips. Our field crew, led by CM2 Spencer, was ready at a moment’snotice,withphonesinhandandreadytogoconductrepairsondownedequipmentifneedbe.IfapieceofCESEwent down, our mechanics were there and had it back up and runningtoensuremissionreadinesswasalwaysmaintained.

Alfa Company Seabees teach Paul, a sheep attached to Naval Mobile Construction Bat-talion (NMCB) 5, fire plan skills on April 19, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

Construction Mechanic 2nd Class (SCW) Romel Miguel, an Alfa Company Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construc-tion Battalion (NMCB) 5, mans a .50 cal machine gun on April 23, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

Headquarters Company

With arms wide open, we were welcomed back to Port Hueneme. The lengthy Field Training Exercise (FTX) putatollonmanyofus.Thoughtheevolutionswere“no-tional”, the stress was all too real and often stunk…literally. Afterall,lifeinthewildernesswasn’tmadetobeglamor-ous.Beingsurroundedbyyourpeersforsolongbroughtnewrelationshipsandunderstandingstolife.Whilesomeattitudes may have digressed over FTX, many grew up mentallyandemotionally.Weliveduptoourname“theProfessionals”andsurpassedthereputationthatprecedesus.IhavetogivecredittomypeersintheCommunicationDepartment. Traditionally, we are working on ships’ radars or communications system. On this FTX, we were work-ingalongwithourconstructioncounterpartsbysupportingthemwithcommunicationequipmentsandprovidingtrain-ings to achieve battlion goals and tasking. Then there was the never ending “WOOOO!”s that sounded off throughout the FTX day, and occasionally at night. The “WOO” is a common practice and is a sign of enthusiasm, achievement, and/or domination. As many couldtellthemotivationbegantospreadthroughoutthecamp as echoes of “WOO” broke out in a domino effect. The overall enthusiasm was not brought about just by this

Headquarters Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 setup a Ruggedized Deployable Satellite (RDSAT) on April 8, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

Bringin’ the Heat!By ET3 Sean Roozen

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solefactor.ThecommunicationgroupwasstationedoutoftheAntennaFarm,commonlyreferredtoasthe“AntFarm.” In the past, communication had been the weak link on FTX. This year with all the new and energetic ETs andITs,andguidancefromtheleadership,wechangedtheperception that we are the weakest link. Furthermore, our superstar, ET2 (SCW) Martini, challenged the 31st Regi-ment to “bring the heat.” Comms came locked, cocked, and ready to rock. On multiple occasions, we were chal-lenged with tasks that were new to us or we weren’t trained for; however, we were able to accomplish the tasks in a timely manner. Comms were never down throughout FTX. Byutilizedcommunicationgears,wecommunicatedwithGulfport, Mississippi and Little Creek, Virginia by bounc-ingradiowavesofftheclouds.Wehadexecutedacapa-bility that had never been done before. One of the greatest achievements on this FTX was the Ruggedly Deployable Satellite Terminal (RDSAT). With little to no training, we builtandestablishedcommunicationsviaSatelliteonthevery first attempt in the required time during evaluation, thussmashingtheexpectationsofourevaluators.Muham-mad Ali once said “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” BOOM, Case and point, well said Mr. Ali. Semper Five.

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Now that the FOB was occupied, the 31st Seabee Readiness Group began to turn up the heat onallaspectsofthebattalion.BravoCompanyhitthe ground running –literally! Whether running to securealandingzonefollowingamasscasualtydrillortotheEntryControlPointinordertoprovidesupport because of irate civilians, REACT was kept onthemove.Attentiontodetailandaccountabilitybecameparamountatthispoint,asallpersonnelmustwearfullbattlerattleandM4sontheirpersonatalltimesoutsidetheirsleepingtent.Ascleanuniformsandsleepstartedtobecomescarce,BravoCompanycontinuedtoforgeahead.Followingthesevendaystay at the initial FOB, the command pushed out once again.Afterall,ifwecoulddoitonce,wecoulddoitagain – only faster! Quickly completing all drills and tasking, the duration of the stay at our second FOB

wasonlyfourdays.Motivationneverwavering,allpersonnel “stood to,” manning the lines at 100%, bat-tling back waves of aggressors until the magic green star cluster shone in the air – INDEX! The surprise of Index - the end of all exercises - lifted both the figura-tiveandliteralweighteveryone’sshoulders.Battlerattlewassecuredandshowersandahotmealwereinthe not so distant future! Eventhough‘roughingit’wasgivenawholenew meaning on FTX, and hot water and a warm bed seemed to be a figment of the imagination, Bravo Company kept morale high by supporting the camp and protecting its personnel from threats. Giving one-hundredandtwentypercentdaily,CampMaintenance,REACT,CSE,andtheECPteamupheldBravo’slongreputationasdrivingforceinNMCB5,bringingtheBattalion into 2011 with a bang!

Bravo Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 conduct an Entry Control Point (ECP) drill on April 15, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

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Bravo Company

Bravo Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 run during a reaction force (REACT) team drill on April 21, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

“In the Field, Bravo Will Never Yield”By UTCA Kristina Costabile

It’s 0300 and silence permeates the camp as the night shift personnel are struggling to stay awake. Sud-denly, an ear piercing whistle followed by flashes of light engulf the FOB (forward operating base) - let the games begin!!! FTX, field training exercise, had officially started andBravoCompanywaseagertoputalltheirHomeporttrainingintoaction. The initial push of NMCB 5 departed for FTX on 4 April 11, followed by the remainder of our personnel three days later. The first site occupied was the LSA (Life Sup-port Area), where all training prior to D-Day took place. During our ten day stay at the LSA, Bravo Company’s CampMaintenancecrew,aswellasseveralREACT(CampProtection)troopsdonnedtheirfullbattlerattleand climbed aboard MTV/R’s to be escorted forward by ConvoySecurityElement’s(CSE)MRAPsandMATVs,setting up camp at the FOB to prepare for the arrival of the Main Body three days later. Once they arrived, Bravo Company’s Camp Maintenance (1st Platoon) focused on the build-out and upkeep of the camp while REACT (2nd Platoon) was tasked to protect the camp from intruders. In ordertobewellpreparedforthegradedevolutionsattheFOBs, we filled our days with drills to ensure our pre-parednessforwhatwastofollow. Repetition became the key to success, giving second platoontheabilitytoexecutetheirrequiredactionswith-out hesitation when the time came. Drills included every-thingfromsecuringhelicopterlandingzonestosettingupcordons for Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Vari-oustimedevolutions,includingmortarandCBRdrills,required 100% participation, night or day, to ensure that we accounted for all hands and treated any injuries. When the tell-tale sound of whistling gas mortars was heard

in camp, all hands quickly fell out of their tents and sleeping bags to muster in designated bunker locations for the donning of CBR gear as gas filled the air. After tendaysofhavinglivingthegoodlifeintheLSAwitha galley and showers, D-day had arrived, and time to put your game face on!

Bravo Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 conduct an Entry Control Point (ECP) drill on April 15, 2011 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

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Building The front 8 x 8 ECP bunker took only 18 hours despite the challenges that the 31st threw atthem.BU3(SCW)RosewastheTeamLeaderresponsibleforthefourmanteamthatbuiltthebun-ker. When asked about his thoughts on the project, he said, “ It was challenging to get the job done completely with full gear (Average 40 lb Modi-fied Tactical Vest, 8 lb Kevler combat helmet, 8 lb M16 rifle, and other gear) and countless battlefield scenarios, (which cause work stoppages), but we still managed to finish it safely two full days ahead of schedule.” the 32 x 16 sea hut was built in four days by two of AIRDET’s hammer swingers BU3 Reed and BU3 Reardon. That’s impressive!

Fighting Over 40 primary, alternate and supplemen-tary pits were quickly established and defended by AIRDET’S “FTX Squads.” These Squads manned andimprovedthepits,laiddownprotectivewire,and conducted 8 patrols while at COB Tharp, fendingoffanyonethatposedathreattothecamp.TheReactteamswerecriticaltothesuccessofthemission. Defense of the camp was their number one priority,andexecutionoftheirdutieswassecondnature. When talking to one of the Squad leaders, EO3 Cole, about the lessons learned during the exercise,heexplainedtomethathisSCWStrainingplayedabigfactorinthesuccessofthedefensivelines.Healsosaid“AsaSquadleaderIlearnedthatI knew more than I thought I knew. Knowing what I did know, helped me teach my squad how to effec-tively defend their sectors of fire.” Theweatherwasextremelycoldatnightandhotinthedaywhichpresentedmanychallengeswiththedaytodaycontingentoperations.Asal-ways NMCB FIVE AIRDET pulled through, “lead-ing the way!”

Builder 3rd Class (SCW) Glenn Reardon Pre-fabricates lumber for the truss frame.

Builder Constructionman Adam Walton mans the 50. Cal machine gun pit at (Combat Outpost)

Thorpe.

Air Detachment

NMCB-FIVE AIR-DET By CM2(SCW/AW) Carl Gayton

Apr 4, 2011 NMCB FIVE AIR DET partici-pated in its annual field training exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett. AIR DET remained with main body approximately 10 days training and preparing until it detached and moved to its next location known as COP (Combat Outpost) Thorpe. First, a defensive perimeter(consistingoftriplestrandconcertinawire, barbed wire, HESCO and Jersey Barriers) was set, AIR DET Seabees dug in, excavated and hand dug their rifle and crew-serve weapons positions, calledpits.Theythenproceededtodowhattheyknow best, “build and fight.” Over 100 Seabees stood defensive sentry watches 24 hours a day, providing a 360 degree pro-

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tection for the COP. The Seabees of AIR DET also conductednumerousreconandsecuritypatrols.With defensive operations underway, project crews conductedconstructionoperationstocarryoutthemission of building key facilities which was the primary tasking. Builders conducted pre-fabrication and all construction in the field for a South East Asia hut (Sea-Hut), an ECP bunker and a Timber Tower. All projects were completed in under half the scheduled durations,withhalftherecommendedcrewsizes,providingthreeabovestandardqualityfacilitieswhichtheUSArmyretainedforfutureuse.

Equipment Operator 3rd Class (SCW) Michael Garcia and Equipment Operator Constructionman Keith Wrenn man the lines in the 240-B machine gun pit at COP (Combat Outpost) Thorpe.