Necc in the_news_22_march13 for web

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND
IN THE NEWS

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, March 22, 2013

Navy divers remembered
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103663/navy-divers-remembered#ixzz2O5SDSEU4
By Lt. Nathan Potter Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 held a memorial service for two navy divers aboard
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, March 14.

Task Force Anchor’s Aweigh
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103768/task-force-anchors-aweigh#ixzz2O5VV7L3B
By Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers NMCB 133

U.S Navy Seabees in Afghanistan transferred authority for the country‟s Navy engineering
operations mission during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck March 19.

EODMU 2 holds change of command
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103661/eodmu-2-holds-change-command#ixzz2O5Rxunwp
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Randy Savarese Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 held a change of command and
retirement ceremony March 15 on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit, Joint Expeditionary Base
Little Creek-Fort Story. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Charles B. Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory
W. Hubbard as Commanding Officer of EODMU 2.

NMCB-11 Seabee Receives Navy's Annual Stethem Award
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72816
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 11

A Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Seabee was awarded the Steelworker 2nd
Class Robert D. Stethem Award during a ceremony in Crystal City, Va., March 9.

Commander rewards top PFA performers, promotes Navy culture of fitness
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103460/commander-rewards-top-pfa-performers-promotes-navy-
culture-fitness#ixzz2O5TzI8x9
By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

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

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certificates by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, on March 12th in recognition of
outstanding physical achievement and exceptional dedication during the first cycle of the 2013
U.S. Navy official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).

Navy Conducts Boot Study for Expeditionary Forces
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103729/navy-conducts-boot-study-expeditionary-
forces#ixzz2O5Vnxvwm
By MC2 Steven Hoskins Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) sailors are participating in a boot study to help
determine an official desert boot to be worn with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type II
and III.

Guam Seabees Celebrate 71st Birthday
By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

Service members from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines gathered in an explosion of
enthusiasm and pride to celebrate the Seabee's 71st birthday during this year's Seabee Ball at the
Hotel Nikko Guam in Tumon March 16.

NMCB-11 honors female veterans at Armed Forces Retirement Home
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103381/nmcb-11-honors-female-veterans-armed-forces-
retirement-home#ixzz2O5UszSHT
By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 honored female veterans
with a visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) where they had lunch with female
veterans and presented a plaque to be displayed in the home.

Navy divers remembered
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103663/navy-divers-remembered#ixzz2O5SDSEU4
Story by Lt. Nathan Potter Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 held a memorial service
for two navy divers aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story, March 14.

The ceremony honored two navy divers who died while conducting dive operations at Aberdeen
Proving Grounds in Maryland last month.

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

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Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo. Reyher and Harris died
while diving at Aberdeen Proving Ground‟s Underwater Explosion Test Facility also known as
the Super Pond, Feb. 26.

Cmdr. Michael Runkle, commanding officer, MDSU 2, spoke of the challenges Navy Divers
face and offered words of comfort to the crowd of more than 400 service members, civilians,
families and friends.

"We come together to honor ND1 James Reyher and ND2 Ryan Harris, two extraordinary men
who made the ultimate sacrifice serving as Navy divers," said Runkle. "These heroes and those
like them understand and accepted dangers, not for fame or fortune, but for their friends, for their
families, and for their country."

The memorial included remembrances and sea stories of Reyher and Harris from fellow Navy
Divers and concluded with the playing of taps.

An investigation to determine the cause of the accident is currently ongoing and is being
conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2.

MDSU 2 is an expeditionary mobile diving unit homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base, Little
Creek-Ft. Story in Virginia Beach, Va. and has successfully conducted salvage operations to
support TWA Flight 800, Swiss Air Flight 111, the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and
the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor.

Return to Top Stories

Task Force Anchor’s Aweigh
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103768/task-force-anchors-aweigh#ixzz2O5VV7L3B
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers NMCB 133

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - U.S Navy Seabees in Afghanistan transferred authority
for the country‟s Navy engineering operations mission during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck
March 19.

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

“We would like to with fair winds and following seas to the Runnin‟ Roos as they begin their
journey home,” said U.S. Army Col. Nicholas Katers, commander, 555th Engineer Brigade,
Joint Task Force Triple Nickel. “What you have done in the last six months rivals the great
accomplishments of the past. You have made your impact felt across the theater.”

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During their deployment, NMCB 133 supported engineering operations throughout the region,
directly supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and supporting the U.S. 5th
Fleet with construction operations in Tajikistan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The battalion, while operating in six different countries, completed more than 70 projects. Its
horizontal construction efforts alone resulted in moving one million cubic meters of earth by
pushing more than 18 kilometers of force protection berms and anti-vehicular ditches, clearing
fields of fire for roughly 130 acres, re-grading a three kilometer strategic connector road on the
side of a steep mountain and constructing a 325 meter causeway. The battalion provided
engineering expertise and construction effects in five of the six regional commands for
Afghanistan‟s International Security Assistance Force.

Throughout its tenure as Task Force Anchor, the battalion conducted two named operation
freedom of movement builds, Afghan National Army Engineer development, 17 life, health and
safety improvement projects that were instrumental to improving the quality of life and force
protection infrastructure for more than 12,000 Marines and soldiers, five coalition forces water
well drills, and twice completed a convoy movement of 1,300 km, the farthest Afghanistan
ground movement in the history of the naval construction force.

“I couldn‟t be prouder of what we have accomplished,” Cmdr. Nicolas Yamodis, NMCB 133
commanding officer told his Seabees. “You are an indelible piece of history.”

Cmdr. Anthony Spindler, NMCB 15 commanding officer, Task Force True Grit, said the task
force name was an obvious one for the vast and difficult missions ahead.

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

With NMCB 15‟s assumption of the Afghanistan engineering mission, NMCB 133 will shift its
focus to homeport training in preparation for their next deployment.


EODMU 2 holds change of command
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103661/eodmu-2-holds-change-command#ixzz2O5Rxunwp
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Randy Savarese Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 held a
change of command and retirement ceremony March 15 on the waterfront of Harbormaster Unit,
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Charles B.
Eckhart relieved Cmdr. Gregory W. Hubbard as Commanding Officer of EODMU 2.

"I believe my sailors are some of the hardest working people in the Navy and I can never praise
them enough for being the consummate professionals they have proven time and time again to
be," said Hubbard. "Our technicians expose themselves to dangerous situations in some of the

4

harshest environments to save service members lives and they and their families should be
recognized for their selfless dedication to others."

Hubbard assumed command of EODMU 2 in June 2011. During his tour at EODMU 2, Hubbard
deployed units to South America, Europe, Africa and throughout the Middle East in support of
both Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

"Being forward deployed with my sailors in the Middle East was especially rewarding for me.
We made a strategic impact but most importantly we saved lives and that's what it's all about,”
said Hubbard.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95B), was the
guest speaker for the ceremony and spoke to the crowd of over 100 service members, civilians,
families and friends.

Morneau first thanked Hubbard for his 20 years of service and spoke about EODMU 2
leadership past and present saying, “they stand on the front lines and use all their guile and
authority to face down the enemies of freedom of this country.”

Morneau then addressed the command and said that while EODMU 2 is a small unit, the men
and women have made a tremendous impact saving thousands of lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Mobile Unit 2 sailors have always, always been out in the front line,” said Morneau. “Wherever
there are sailors, special operations forces or anyone in harm‟s way on the battlefield, you‟ll find
Navy EOD technicians. You‟ll find the men and women of EOD Mobile Unit 2.”

Hubbard is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in May of
1993. After changing command with Eckhart, Hubbard officially retired from the Navy.

"My command tour with EODMU 2 is the pinnacle of my career and something I will always
remember," said Hubbard. "It's not easy leaving a group of Sailors this talented but I know they
are in good hands with CDR Eckhart."

Eckhart enlisted in the Navy in 1992 and earned his commission in 1997 under the Seaman to
Admiral Program while serving aboard tank landing ship USS La Moure County (LST-1194) as
a Boatswains Mate 2nd Class.

“The opportunity to serve a command as commanding officer is an honor and to serve in that
capacity at EODMU 2 is a dream,” said Eckhart. “Navy EOD is the ultimate team sport and I
look forward to being on the roster at EODMU 2.”

EODMU 2 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal capability as required for the
location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive
ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons.
U.S. Navy EOD is the world‟s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and

5

conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.


NMCB-11 Seabee Receives Navy's Annual Stethem Award
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 11

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- A Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Seabee was
awarded the Steelworker 2nd Class Robert D. Stethem Award during a ceremony in Crystal City,
Va., March 9.

Builder 1st Class (SCW) Nicholas R. Mileham, a native of Oakfield, N.Y., was selected for the
award based on his exceptional meritorious service in connection with combat operations against
the enemy while serving as a member of the Construction Management Training Team (CMTT),
the first of its kind, for NMCB-11 from February to August 2012, during a U.S. Central
Command (CENTCOM) deployment in Afghanistan.

"Winning the award has been kind of humbling," said Mileham. "It makes a person wonder how
they would have acted in the same situation as SW2 Robert Stethem found himself in."

Stethem was killed by terrorists on board TWA flight 847 while returning from an underwater
construction team project in Greece in 1985. He was posthumously awarded the bronze star
medal and advanced to Steelworker 2nd Class. One recipient is chosen each year for the award
which recognizes outstanding individual moral courage in support of the traditions of the
Seabees while in the course of actual operations.

As a CMTT member, Mileham trained 22 civil affairs Marines, local Afghan contractors and
crews, and a quality control inspector with the government of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan (GIRoA) in construction methods and management of six infrastructure projects
valued at more than $1.6 million.

He also led more than 19 foot patrols and served as vehicle commander and team navigator on
72 mobile convoys to assess remote construction sites.

Among the projects Mileham was instrumental in successful completion of, were two schools, a
sports complex, a health clinic, a bridge connecting two small villages, and the Nawa District
Agriculture Training Center.

After the Taliban destroyed two schools in the Nawa District, Mileham was a key player in
surveying this as well as the replacement of a U.S. Military bridge, both considered to be future
stabilization and quick-impact projects for local construction.

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Mileham also assisted in the quality assurance of the Nawa-Lash, a critical road connecting the
Nawa district to Lash Kar Gah district.

Mileham's actions in the days following a suicide bomber attack and multiple improvised
explosive devise strikes in the Nawa District, built trust with the civilian population and
enhanced security and overall health and well-being of the local people when he participated in
six security shuras and assisted in the training and installation of two operational solar powered
reverse osmosis water purification and power generators for the local health clinic.

When he completed his work in the Nawa District Mileham, he instructed 120 members of the
Afghan National Army's (ANA) Engineering Kandak, the first of its kind, in construction safety,
quality control, tools and their uses, framing and security fencing. Mileham also mentored them
in managing their manpower, material, equipment and tools.

The assistance Mileham provided to the ANA was done as a member in the multinational
training team on Camp Black Horse in Kabul, Afghanistan, during a time of high tensions
between locals, ANA trainees, and multinational military trainers, and he greatly impacted
current and future Kandak's ability to complete expeditionary construction and survivability
projects in a combat environment.

"Looking back at the CMTT mission and the ANA training missions from deployment, I hope
the impact that I made was a lasting one," reflected Mileham. "Teaching the people of
Afghanistan, and the ANA to be self-sufficient hopefully improved their quality of life at least a
little, and I hope training the contractors and the Quality Control Inspector helped build trust
between the people of Afghanistan and the legitimate GIRoA government."

Mileham has made six deployments to date during his 11-year Navy career: two to Okinawa,
Japan; two to Iraq; Detail San Diego, and Afghanistan. Before being assigned to NMCB-11
Mileham was a member of NMCB-133, and Navy Recruiting District Pittsburgh.

NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and
humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.


Commander rewards top PFA performers, promotes Navy culture of fitness
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103460/commander-rewards-top-pfa-performers-promotes-navy-
culture-fitness#ixzz2O5TzI8x9
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

GULFPORT, Miss. – Ten sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11,
were awarded certificates by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, on March 12th in

7

recognition of outstanding physical achievement and exceptional dedication during the first cycle
of the 2013 U.S. Navy official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).

The certificates were presented in front of the entire battalion during morning quarters to the top
female and top male PFA performer in each company.

Awarded were: Ensign Caroline A. Perruci, from Marietta, Ohio; Builder 1st Class Duran
Garcia, from Sundown, Texas; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jenesia A. Ordonia, from Girardeau,
Mo.; Construction Mechanic 1st Class David A. Sitone, from Kismet, N.Y.; Builder 2nd Class
Megan E. Dunton, from Columbus, Ohio; Builder 2nd Class Belinda T. Walker, from Chicago;
Builder 3rd Class Remie Acosta, from Lawrence, Mass.; Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Layne
W. Duras, from Hillsboro, Ore.; Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Jeffrey A. Mitchell, from
Chicago; and Builder 3rd Class Anna L. Parcher, from Jamestown, Pa.

This ceremony came one week after Aguayo treated 23 Seabees to lunch, fulfilling a promise
made when she challenged her battalion to beat her run time on the recent one and a half -mile
Physical Readiness Test (PRT) portion of the PFA.

“I challenged my Seabees to beat my run time to incentivize them to push themselves and set the
example for others to follow,” said Aguayo.

The time to beat was nine minutes, 46 seconds, and 30 of the battalion‟s roughly 580 men and
women met Aguayo‟s challenge although some of them were not available to attend the lunch.

With a run time of 8:42, Builder Constructionman Apprentice Andrew T. Door, originally from
Billings, Mont., laid claim to having the fastest run time in the battalion. Door was followed
closely by Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Jeffrey A. Mitchell, from Chicago, and Steelworker
Constructionman Joshua A. Sallee, from Paris, Ky., with run times of 8:46 and 8:47 respectively.

During the lunch, Aguayo encouraged her Seabees to mentor and motivate others who might
have difficulty meeting the Navy‟s PFA standards stating that, “often it just takes someone who
cares with a little extra motivation to get folks on the right track.”

Aguayo‟s challenge serves as an example of the level of importance the Commanding Officer
places on the physical readiness of her battalion.

“There is no denying it; Physical Fitness is essential to our mission readiness,” asserted Aguayo,
who cites the physical demands placed on Seabees during NMCB-11‟s recent deployment to
Afghanistan in 2012 as an example.

“Our Seabees endured extreme temperatures, physical labor with the additional weight of all our
protective gear, and missions that often lasted more than 18 hours straight with minimal breaks.
These environmental demands required our Seabees to be in top physical shape with the
endurance to withstand such pressures on the body.

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

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work,” concluded Aguayo.

According to Chief Builder Daniel Sherman, NMCB-11‟s Command Fitness Leader (CFL), 19
percent of the Seabees in the battalion improved their overall PFA score enough in cycle-1 of
2013 to move into the next higher category as compared to the previous cycle‟s PFA results.

Additionally, the battalion‟s PFA failure rate improved from 10 percent in the previous cycle to
four percent in this most recent cycle. Sherman, a native of Pittsburgh, attributed multiple
reasons for the improvements including “a well-structured Fitness Enhancement Program which
focuses on properly counseling members on dietary issues and ways to improve personal
fitness.”

“A targeted approach to weight reduction through quality training routines has paid huge
dividends,” said Sherman.

Another program he credited is Ship Shape which, according to the Navy and Marine Corps
Public Health Center official website (http://www.med.navy.mil/), provides active-duty
personnel with basic information regarding nutrition, stress management, exercise and behavior
modification techniques to lower and maintain an acceptable body weight within Navy
Standards.

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

“The ACFLs do a phenomenal job structuring the company-level work out routines, motivating
personnel and ensuring that they put forth maximum effort each session. They are critical in
assisting me with carrying out the commanding officer‟s intent when it comes to physical
readiness.

“They are the ones that are implementing our unique fitness approach down to the deck plate
level and are largely responsible for our command success,” stated Sherman.

Sherman also mentioned implementation of the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series
(NOFFS) as a key to success in physical readiness. Perhaps the most fundamental key to the
physical readiness of any command is in this statement Sherman made:

“In order to achieve overall success there has to be a true culture of fitness implemented and
practiced on a daily basis. Leaders at all levels have a unique responsibility to encourage
physical fitness among members and to push them to do their absolute best in this critical area of
readiness.”

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

“Monthly mock PFA's result in fewer official failures,“ claimed Yeoman 1st Class Maria A.
Manchion, an ACFL in the command, in reference to the practice of testing individuals once per
month to assess physical readiness as opposed to waiting until the semi-annual official PFA
cycle. “NMCB-11's PT program is very aggressive, and it benefits all of us.” Manchion is

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originally from Parkersburg, W.V.

CFLs, ACFLs, and leaders at all levels within the command continue to maintain the intensity
and daily practice of physical readiness by carrying out the commander‟s intent and a proven
approach toward consistent improvement and physical fitness.

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


Navy Conducts Boot Study for Expeditionary Forces
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103729/navy-conducts-boot-study-expeditionary-
forces#ixzz2O5Vnxvwm
Story by MC2 Steven Hoskins Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) sailors are
participating in a boot study to help determine an official desert boot to be worn with the Navy
Working Uniform (NWU) Type II and III.

The purpose of the boot study, which started March 1, is to identify the requirements for boots
used by Navy Expeditionary Forces and to certify a family of desert boots.

Sailors participating in the study conducted by Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility
(NCTRF) were issued different styles of boots manufactured by Bates, Belleville and Rocky,
which they will wear and evaluate for six months.

"The purpose of the boot study is to define the salient characteristics of the tan and brown desert
boot worn by the Navy Expeditionary Forces," said James Martin, NCTRF footwear and insignia
product manager. "Footwear is an essential component of the Type II and Type III NWU. The
desert combat boot is authorized as per the NAVADMIN 259/11, but the description
requirements are too vague."

Along with NECC, Naval Beach Group (NBG) units are also participating in the survey.
Between the two commands, there will be 200 sailors evaluating two styles of safety-toe boots
and 200 sailors evaluating three styles of non-safety-toe boots.

Testing sailors were issued a user's guide for wear of the brown boots with detailed instructions
on how to evaluate the boots, properly wear them and care for the boots. Included in the guide is
a wear schedule for each boot with dates to switch to the next boot.

Sailors have begun voicing opinions about participating in the brown boot study, but no
decisions will be final for official changes to NAVADMIN 259/11 before each study is
complete.

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"So far, I only have good things to say about my first boot," said Chief Navy Counselor James
Snowden, assigned to NECC. "The last thing you want to happen is to be out in the field with a
boot that does not wear properly or causes blisters."

NECC sailors are excited to have the opportunity to voice their opinion on a uniform item,
especially one that will be worn daily.

"I think it is a great idea to compare multiple boots and brands to see which one provides the best
comfort," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Tony Rowe, assigned to NECC. "NECC was a
good choice. We have versatile commands, like the Coastal Riverine Force, wearing the boots in
and out of water. Some of us work in an office environment, while Seabees will wear them in
dirt, mud and water, which will allow the study to get a broader opinion of all the different types
of boots."

NECC units participating in the boot study are: Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit Two, Coastal Riverine Squadron Two,
Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One,
Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 and Naval
Construction Group Two.

At the end of the six-month test period, NECC and NBG participants will fill out evaluation
forms and submit their opinions and comments about the boots.

Results from the survey will be provided to Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC),
Expeditionary Programs Office (NEPO) before the end of calendar year 2013 to make the
official changes to NAVADMIN 259/11.


Guam Seabees Celebrate 71st Birthday
By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

TUMON, Guam (NNS) -- Service members from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines
gathered in an explosion of enthusiasm and pride to celebrate the Seabee's 71st birthday during
this year's Seabee Ball at the Hotel Nikko Guam in Tumon March 16.

The event paid homage to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB), or Seabees, Civil
Engineer Corps and Naval Facilities Engineering Command's (NAVFAC) rich histories with the
theme, "Preserving our past, forging our future."

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

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

"Preserving your history is important because the history of an organization is what forms the
culture," he said. "It's what forms the reputation. It's the legacy of all those who have gone
before."

Capt. John Heckmann, NAVFAC Marianas commanding officer, echoed Payne's remarks and
added that the celebration of the Navy's history connects today's Seabees and Sailors with their
past.

"Having anniversaries like this give us a sense of belonging and a connection to our
predecessors, and those predecessors are very important to us," he said. "Because that's a legacy
we want to continue as we go into the future."

Heckmann also highlighted that the event was not exclusive to the Navy, but also included other
branches in their celebration. Recently, the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) took
control of Camp Covington on U.S. Naval Base Guam and became the first Army battalion to be
stationed at the camp.

"We have a large contingent of Army engineers here," he said. "I'm very happy to see that joint
atmosphere of military engineers coming together tonight to help us celebrate."

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

"I think it's a really good experience for us to unwind with the Navy since we've been working so
hard with them," she said. "It's kind of nice to decompress from all the work load we have going
on."

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Derek Ellis said he
appreciated his first Seabee Ball.

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

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

"We worked very hard throughout the year, so having this opportunity to stop and pause all our
work events, and just go out and celebrate the legacy and the traditions that we have is very
important to us," he said. "Happy birthday all the Seabees, happy birthday to all the civil
engineer corps officers and finally, happy birthday to all the NAVFAC professionals out there,
we've earned an evening to celebrate."


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NMCB-11 honors female veterans at Armed Forces Retirement Home
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103381/nmcb-11-honors-female-veterans-armed-forces-
retirement-home#ixzz2O5UszSHT
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael

GULFPORT, Miss. – Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11
honored female veterans with a visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) where they
had lunch with female veterans and presented a plaque to be displayed in the home.

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

Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commanding officer of NMCB-11 attended and spoke directly to the
veterans on behalf her battalion.

“What an honor and a privilege it is for those of us currently on active duty to be able to be here
with you today and enjoy this wonderful lunch with you. In the 20 years that I‟ve been in the
Navy I‟ve seen tremendous progress for women in the military, and I can only imagine, from
your observation when you first came in, what you‟ve seen to date,” said Aguayo.

Both groups, veterans and active duty members, appeared humbled as they shared stories with
one another, realizing their common bond.

“We have come such a long way, and you all started it for us. Thank you sincerely from the
deepest part of our hearts we are in a debt of gratitude to you for what you did so that the rest of
us can do what we do,” added Aguayo.

Navy veteran Marion Ritchie, who had recently celebrated her 96th birthday, accepted a plaque
on behalf of the female veterans in the Gulfport AFRH.

The plaque read, “Thank you for paving the way for us. From the Women of NMCB 11; March
7, 2013."

Women‟s Wellness Council leader, Yeoman 1st Class Maria A. Manchion, originally from
Parkersburg, W.V., organized the visit.

“Sitting in that room with all that history and experience was very emotional for all of us as
women on active duty. It gave me new insight and appreciation of the things they experienced
and what they went through as females in a male dominated military.”

It seems that the appreciation was mutual.

“The ladies at our table kept telling us we made them look good and to keep it up. We kept
telling them we wouldn't be here without them,” added Manchion.

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The common sentiment expressed by sailors immediately following the visit was that of a
heightened sense of responsibility to continue the progress forged by the veterans in regard to
women serving in the military.

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


14

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