Necc news 25 jan 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
accessible website since we must maintain the integrity of copyrighted material.
Friday, January 25, 2013
_________________________________________________________________

Statement from the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the Women in
Service Review
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71610
From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus released the following statement Jan. 24 on the Women in
Service Review. In his statement he speaks about expanded opportunities for women in our
riverine forces.

NMCB 133 Conducts First Mission in Tajikistan
By Lt. Kyle Schlais, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs

Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed to
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in November as part of a Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the
first Seabee mission in Tajikistan.

Blog: MCAST instructors in Cape Verde for APS
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100639/blog-mcast-instructors-cape-verde-aps#ixzz2IuGbulKr
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique Jr. Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
Detachment Europe

A team of U.S. Navy maritime civil affairs security training (MCAST) instructors completed 8
days of training with Cape Verdian marines and coast guardsman aboard the High-Speed Vessel
Swift (HSV 2), Jan. 17.

NMCB 74 Turns Over Camp Covington to Army's 84th Engineer Battalion
By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 turned over control of Camp Covington Jan.
17 to the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) during a change of charge ceremony at the
camp on U.S. Naval Base Guam.

1

NMCB 15 Completes Water Well Training
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Garas, Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 15 Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 15, based in Belton, Mo.,
completed water well training Jan. 14.

UCT-1 divers train for future readiness
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100920/uct-1-divers-train-future-readiness#ixzz2IuFwGimW
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Tenorio Expeditionary Combat Camera

Underwater Construction Team 1 divers, from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story,
Va., conducted semiannual training Jan. 16-17 in Key West, Fla., to hone their specialized skill
set in variety of construction projects in the ocean environment.

RIVRON 3 Disestablishes at Naval Weapon Station Yorktown
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon M. Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support
Element, Norfolk

Sailors, former Riverines, and family members attended a disestablishment ceremony for Naval
Expeditionary Combat Command's Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 at Naval Weapons Station
Yorktown, Jan. 17.

Seabee Battalion Battle 'E' Awards Announced
By Daryl Smith, Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs
Commander First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) recently announced the winners of the
Naval Construction Force Battle "E" award, which recognizes outstanding operational
performance of its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions.

CORIVRON 4 Sailor Receives Copernicus Award
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather M. Paape, Navy Expeditionary Combat
Command Public Affairs

A Sailor assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVRON) 4 was one of 31 recipients of the
2012 Copernicus Award announced by the Armed Forces Communications Electronics
Association (AFCEA) Dec. 28.

The 23rd Master Blaster Pinned
From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs

2

The 23rd master blaster of the Navy was pinned during a ceremony in San Diego, Jan. 18.
During the ceremony, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) John Carr assumed the
title of master blaster from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EWS) Stephen
Treadwell Jones with fellow EOD Sailors, family members, and friends in attendance. The
ceremony was the result of Treadwell's pending retirement.

Return to Top Stories

Statement from the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the Women in
Service Review
From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus released the following statement
Jan. 24 on the Women in Service Review. In his statement he speaks about expanded
opportunities for women in our riverine forces.

"I fully support Secretary Panetta's decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat
Definition and Assignment Rule, which removes barriers preventing women Sailors and Marines
from reaching their potential in certain fields.

"I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up
one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia Class
submarines (SSNs). Three years ago we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in
guided-missile attack (SSGNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and this is a planned
continuation of that effort. Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for
assignment to Virginia Class submarines upon successful completion of the Naval Nuclear
Powered training pipeline. We expect these officers, along with female Supply Corps Officers, to
report to their submarines in FY15. We also plan to include female enlisted Sailors in this
process. The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration and I am proud we have
achieved another important milestone during my tenure as Secretary.

"Along with the changes already being made in the submarine force, rescinding the Direct
Ground Combat and Assignment Rule allows Navy to expand opportunities for women in our
riverine forces and in Navy billets that directly support Marine infantry operations like hospital
corpsman and chaplains.

"The Marine Corps has already opened officer and staff noncommissioned officer billets in
unrestricted mission occupational specialties in ground combat units that were previously closed
to women such as artillery, armor, low altitude air defense and combat engineer battalions. We
will continue to seek female volunteers to train at the Infantry Officer Course to prepare women
to serve in the infantry as part of a comprehensive research plan that will inform the Marine
Corps' implementation plan.

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

3

capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance our warfighting capabilities and the contributions
of every Marine--it's simply the right thing to do.

"As the Marine Corps moves forward with this process, our focus will remain on combat
readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success
for every Marine.

"Women continue to serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore. Drawing from their talent in
additional assignments increases our ability to maintain readiness.

"We will meet the goals and timeline laid out by Secretary Panetta and we will continue to
deploy the finest naval force in the world."

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

"I fully support Secretary Panetta's decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat
Definition and Assignment Rule, which removes barriers preventing women Sailors and Marines
from reaching their potential in certain fields.

"I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up
one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia Class
submarines (SSNs). Three years ago we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in
guided-missile attack (SSGNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and this is a planned
continuation of that effort. Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for
assignment to Virginia Class submarines upon successful completion of the Naval Nuclear
Powered training pipeline. We expect these officers, along with female Supply Corps Officers, to
report to their submarines in FY15. We also plan to include female enlisted Sailors in this
process. The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration and I am proud we have
achieved another important milestone during my tenure as Secretary.

"Along with the changes already being made in the submarine force, rescinding the Direct
Ground Combat and Assignment Rule allows Navy to expand opportunities for women in our
riverine forces and in Navy billets that directly support Marine infantry operations like hospital
corpsman and chaplains.

"The Marine Corps has already opened officer and staff noncommissioned officer billets in
unrestricted mission occupational specialties in ground combat units that were previously closed
to women such as artillery, armor, low altitude air defense and combat engineer battalions. We
will continue to seek female volunteers to train at the Infantry Officer Course to prepare women
to serve in the infantry as part of a comprehensive research plan that will inform the Marine
Corps' implementation plan.

"The Marines are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness and
capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance our warfighting capabilities and the contributions
of every Marine--it's simply the right thing to do.

4

"As the Marine Corps moves forward with this process, our focus will remain on combat
readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success
for every Marine.

"Women continue to serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore. Drawing from their talent in
additional assignments increases our ability to maintain readiness.

"We will meet the goals and timeline laid out by Secretary Panetta and we will continue to
deploy the finest naval force in the world."


NMCB 133 Conducts First Mission in Tajikistan
By Lt. Kyle Schlais, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
(NMCB) 133 deployed to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in November as part of a Global Peace
Operations Initiative (GPOI), the first Seabee mission in Tajikistan.

In support of the Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) and Tajikistan Ministry of Defense
(MOD), the Seabee crew began construction alongside the MOD's construction force, the
Stroibat, on phase one of a $1 million project at the Peace Support Operation Training Center
(PSOTC) at Shamsi Base, funded by GPOI.

To help boost the local economy and establish lasting relationships with contractors and vendors,
the building materials were procured in nearby street vendor markets by Utilitiesman 1st Class
Justin Walker, the Seabee project supervisor, and Air Force contracting officer, 1st Lt. Sunset
Lo. The vendors delivered the materials in a timely manner, enabling the project to move
forward on schedule.

Throughout the first phase, which included the construction of a new roof, English language lab
classroom, kitchen renovations and electrical distribution repairs, the Seabees mentored 10
Stroibat soldiers, teaching them basic construction skills while building strong relationships
through coordination with MOD Stroibat forces and communication with high level Tajikistan
military officers.

"Working with Stroibat has been a great experience," said Builder Constructionman Xavier
Knowlesball. "It has been educational working through language barrier challenges and I am
honored to be a part of the crew."

Construction Electrician Constructionman Hunter Kiser expressed a similar sentiment.

5

"It has been an awesome experience working with the local construction force," said Kiser.
"Their hospitality is amazing and made our visit to Dushanbe easy, allowing us to focus on the
tasking."

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

NMCB 133 is currently deployed as a part of engineering support operations throughout the U.S.
5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.


Blog: MCAST instructors in Cape Verde for APS
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100639/blog-mcast-instructors-cape-verde-aps#ixzz2IuGbulKr
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique Jr. Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
Detachment Europe

MINDELO, Cape Verde – A team of U.S. Navy maritime civil affairs security training
(MCAST) instructors completed 8 days of training with Cape Verdian marines and coast
guardsman aboard the High-Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), Jan. 17.

The MCAST team from Dam Neck, Va., who came to Cape Verde in support of Africa
Partnership Station (APS), taught the Cape Verdians boarding team operations and armed sentry
training. The curriculum featured classroom instruction, takedowns and holds, striking
techniques and field tactical movements. They also simulated boarding procedures on the Cape
Verde Coast Guard patrol boat NP Guardian (P511).

Two MCAST instructors used their fluency in Portuguese to translate and communicate
instructions. Their assistance as interpreters proved valuable in Cape Verde, where English is not
the dominant language.

“It’s a privilege for me to be here and speak my native language,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st
Class Bruno Doamral, who was born and raised in Portugal and immigrated to the U.S. when he
was 20. “I knew the Navy could use me here. This is my first time in Cape Verde, and I love it. I
like the island environment. The people are great, and it’s absolutely incredible.”

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

“If you train these nations…their waters will be secure,” said Doamral.
“They’ll be able to support themselves and can live in peace.”

Chief Master-at-Arms Joe Nunes, a reservist and 21-year veteran of the New York Police
Department, was the other Portuguese speaker who helped facilitate the training.

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

6

extremely professional, and I feel very positive about this country and its outlook. Hopefully
they can take a good portion of this training with them for future use.”

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval
Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and
collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.


NMCB 74 Turns Over Camp Covington to Army's 84th Engineer Battalion
By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 turned over
control of Camp Covington Jan. 17 to the Army's 84th Engineer Battalion (EN BN) during a
change of charge ceremony at the camp on U.S. Naval Base Guam.

In order for the Navy to meet operational missions around the world, the 84th EN BN, from
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, relieved NMCB 74 as the forward-deployed presence in Guam for
contingency and humanitarian response, disaster assistance, theater security cooperation and
construction readiness operations.

Capt. Rodney Moore, commodore of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, was the keynote
speaker for the event and addressed the increased need for joint military operations.

"We are making a bit of history today since this is the first time that Army engineers have taken
over the Seabee mission here on Guam and throughout Oceania," he said. "In recent years, the
U.S. military has faced some of its most challenging combat deployments and made it a common
practice to operate jointly, and now we are putting that into practice here as we work together in
unity to support the fleet's maritime security and response objectives."

NMCB 74 Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Casperson said regardless of the branch of
command, the mission will continue.

"The legacy of contingency and peacetime construction remains the same," he said. "As a
combined effort for all those who build and fight in support of our nation's military."

During NMCB 74's tour on Guam, construction was completed on several projects including a
communication shelter, softball head and medical facility at Camp Covington, a steel range berm
improvement at NBG, and 40 percent of the Polaris Point pure water tanker facility. NMCB 74
Sailors also volunteered for community service projects to include assisting at Special Olympics
of Guam events and community events on Naval Base Guam.

Lt. Col. Aaron Reisinger, 84th EN BN commanding officer, thanked NMCB 74 for support
during the battalion's move and said he is proud to be on Guam to carry on the mission and honor

7

the Seabees contribution.

"To the Seabees of NMCB 74 who supported this transition, thank you," he said. "You are a
tremendous group of professionals who should be extremely proud of both your
accomplishments and reputation."

The 84th EN BN's 250 Soldiers deployed to Guam will ensure a seamless transition of
construction projects during their nine-month tour, including a shelter for pure water storage
tanker truck, Camp Covington Communication Shelter, several parking lots and various projects
at Andersen Air Force Base.

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

NMCB 5 Det. Guam, a 21-person support element will remain on the island to provide logistical
and financial oversight of various projects.

Navy construction battalions have been on Guam since the island's liberation from Japanese
occupation in 1944. Since then, Seabees completed the initial construction on the island's main
thoroughfare, Marine Corps Drive, and helped Guam recover from the devastation of several
typhoons.


NMCB 15 Completes Water Well Training
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Garas, Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion 15 Public Affairs

CAMP SHELBY, Miss (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)
15, based in Belton, Mo., completed water well training Jan. 14.

During the past week, 25 Seabees from NMCB 15's water well team trained to execute the field
portion of the well drill rig, drilling more than 200 feet down into the surface of the earth to
access the water aquifer, completing their training late January.

"In essence what we are doing is pushing air down into the hole like a big water gun," said,
Construction Mechanic 1st Class James Wilson. "It pushes all the debris up to the filter and gets
the water into the pump. This lets us filter debris out of the water and into the pipe, which we can
pump out.

Seabees worked in two teams with three shifts each for 24-hours a day operating the Table of
Allowance, T2W well rig to successfully complete the well which will provide valuable training
to Seabees for their upcoming deployment.

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

8

pre-deployment criteria. Most bases in the Central Command area of operations require some
sort of water source for various use to include drinking, bathing, dust abatement and
construction.

"Everyone is basically taking turns and switching off so we can all get a feel for the job and be
better prepared for it," said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Taylor Herrera, as she explained the
importance of this type of training. "This is going to be very essential, because when we are over
there, we are going to be digging a lot of water wells."

According to Construction Mechanic 1st Class Dustin Cooper, the unit's ability to drill and/or
maintain water wells is a vital asset supporting warfighters on the pending deployment.

"Water is everything, even if it's non-potable," said Cooper. "We use it for everything from
equipment wash down to water for our troops showers and it contributes to morale and welfare."

NMCB 15 is currently mobilized to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, executing
pre-deployment homeport training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is an
expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces that act as combat engineers and support various
units worldwide through national force readiness, humanitarian assistance, and building and
maintaining infrastructure.


UCT-1 divers train for future readiness
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100920/uct-1-divers-train-future-readiness#ixzz2IuFwGimW
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Tenorio Expeditionary Combat Camera

KEY WEST, Fla. - Underwater Construction Team 1 divers, from Joint Expeditionary Base
Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., conducted semiannual training Jan. 16-17 in Key West, Fla., to
hone their specialized skill set in variety of construction projects in the ocean environment.

"This training is conducted every six months," said Lt. Kent Michael Hull, diving medical officer
for UCT-1. "They are running through different drills and scenarios they might encounter on
deployment."

The Seabee underwater construction technicians practiced underwater welding and cutting,
surface-supplied breathing, scuba and emergency medical procedures in preparation for a
scheduled deployment to Rota, Spain, in the summer of 2013.

"This training is about being proficient in everyday diving," said Chief Engineering Aide
Christopher Munch, UCT-1 diver. "It's all about getting comfortable in the water, learning your
limits and what your own capabilities are."

Projects from recent deployments include the construction of boat ramps and floating piers, as
well as the maintenance of shore front facilities.

9

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

Diversity is paramount to the success of UCT-1. Divers must be interchangeable to maintain
ocean construction capabilities and readiness.

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

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

"It's important that everyone on the team knows how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a
dive injury, as well as the proper treatment that goes along with each injury," said Hull.

"This training will benefit our team immensely," said Builder 2nd Class Carlos Hernandez. "Not
only have we built up our proficiency in underwater welding and cutting, we've worked on
emergency procedures in the case of any dive casualty. This ensures we're able to respond and
know how to take care any situation."

UCT-1 provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean
facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations. They also maintain the capability to
support a Fleet Marine Force amphibious assault, subsequent combat service support ashore, and
self-defense for the camp and facilities under construction; and in time of emergency or disaster,
conduct disaster control and recovery operations.


RIVRON 3 Disestablishes at Naval Weapon Station Yorktown
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon M. Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support
Element, Norfolk

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors, former Riverines, and family members attended a
disestablishment ceremony for Naval Expeditionary Combat Command's Riverine Squadron
(RIVRON) 3 at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Jan. 17.

The disestablishment marks the merger of offensive Riverine forces with defensive Maritime
Expeditionary Security Forces to form the Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR), formally
established June 1.

The ceremony featured Capt. Frederick A. Olds, retired Vietnam veteran and former Riverine, as
the guest speaker to highlight the legacy of Riverine capability in the Navy as well as a transfer
of authority between RIVRON 3's Cmdr. William H. Snyder III and CORIVFOR's Cmdr.
Jeremy P. Jurkoic.

10

CORIVFOR's primary mission is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of
military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and
harbors, both inland and on coastal waterways, and when commanded, conduct offensive combat
operations.

The budget-initiated merger moved portions of the force to San Diego as part of the National
Defense Strategy's rebalance to the Pacific, which will bring Riverine capability to the West
coast for the first time since 1974, according to Capt. Eric B. Moss, commander of Coastal
Riverine Group 1, formerly Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1.

"The Riverine forces will do what they've always done, which is continuing to hone their skills
and work in brown water and green water areas," said Moss. "There is no abatement of
requirements. We continue to get missions and are sourced to meet those requirements. We're
doing the same with less."

The merge cuts the former seven active Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF)
squadrons and three active RIVRONs down to three active Coastal Riverine squadrons and four
reserve squadrons.

"This is a reduction in capacity, but not in capability," said Moss. "I would say this is a very
affordable force. We are light, expeditionary, and bring a lot capability in small packages. We
are familiar with disaggregated operations, so immediately we give the combatant commander a
tailor-able and scalable force."

The ceremony was emotional for most of the Riverines, many of which had been with the
squadron since its beginning and will not follow the move to San Diego.

"Change isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just weird looking back on everything I've done and
seeing new changes come in," said Quartermaster 1st Class Andrew McKnight, who served with
RIVRON 3 in Iraq. "They will definitely have the growing pains of two different units merging
forces and figuring out everybody's place, but I think it's a good thing. It's a good day to look
forward."

Commissioned July 6, 2007, RIVRON 3 served two deployments in Iraq, fulfilling a total of 502
combat missions, 268 water security operations and countless U.S./Iraq tactical convoy
operations.


Seabee Battalion Battle 'E' Awards Announced
By Daryl Smith, Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Commander First Naval Construction Division (1NCD)
recently announced the winners of the Naval Construction Force Battle "E" award, which

11

recognizes outstanding operational performance of its Naval Mobile Construction Battalions.

Atlantic Fleet winners are Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 (Active) and
NMCB 27 (Reserve). Winners from the Pacific Fleet are NMCB 4 (Active) and NMCB 25
(Reserve).

While supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, NMCB 11 supported
engineering operations for three supported commands operating in 77 dispersed locations
throughout six regional commands. Based in Gulfport, Miss., the battalion completed more than
70 projects and 46,000 mandays of construction, counter-insurgency operations and training
support to Afghan engineer forces.

"Your efforts improved force protection, enhanced freedom of movement, and improved quality
of life for U.S. and coalition forces, and set the stage for the surge drawdown of U.S. and
coalition forces and the eventual transfer of the mission to the Afghan forces," wrote Rear Adm.
Mark Handley, Commander 1NCD.

Headquartered in Brunswick, Maine, NMCB 27 was commended for accomplishments in
preparation for and during its deployment to U.S. Southern Command.

"The 'Skibees' have clearly demonstrated that you are deserving of selection as 'Best of Type,'
and I congratulate you on a job well done," Rear Adm. Handley wrote.

Its unit level training included two command post exercises, embark training exercises, a
communications exercise and a field training exercise involving 376 battalion personnel. They
completed more than 31,000 mandays of training and 19,000 mandays of homeport and
contingency construction. They deployed an 85-person Air Detachment to Guantanamo Bay and
completed projects there as well as El Salvador and Peru.

"Throughout a challenging year, NMCB 4 has consistently and unequivocally proven their
commitment to excellence and an uncompromising 'can-do' attitude," wrote Rear Adm. Handley.

During its fourth consecutive CENTCOM deployment, NMCB 4 worked at 72 sites across all six
regional commands in Afghanistan. It provided mobility support by establishing and improving
low-water crossing sites, emplacing bridges and building roads. The battalion completed 72
projects consisting of more than 42,000 mandays of tasking. Returning to homeport in Port
Hueneme, Calif., it executed a solid homeport training plan for preparation for the next
deployment to Europe and Africa.

NMCB 25 ramped up its training schedule to account for a six-month acceleration of its
deployment timeline. Headquartered at Fort McCoy, Wis., the battalion completed 20,000
mandays of construction support and training and attained more than 790 new technical skills.
They maintained 100-percent accountability in their supply outlets.

"Through commitment and focus on personnel programs you have been successful in
dramatically improving metrics in all program areas and setting the mark for foundation

12

training," Rear Adm. Handley wrote.

"My congratulations to the Seabees of NMCB 4, NMCB 11, NMCB 25 and NMCB 27. Your
efforts in helping our supported commanders achieve their desired effects were truly
inspirational and exemplified the Seabee can-do motto."


CORIVRON 4 Sailor Receives Copernicus Award
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather M. Paape, Navy Expeditionary Combat
Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron
(CORIVRON) 4 was one of 31 recipients of the 2012 Copernicus Award announced by the
Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Dec. 28.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin J. Bruner was selected for the award which recognizes
individual contributions in the field of naval warfare information systems and information
warfare in the form of doctrinal, financial, organizational or other dimensions of information
systems.

AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) present the Copernicus Award to civilians and
servicemembers of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who demonstrate exceptional
initiative, leadership and insight within the selectee's area of expertise.

"I feel honored to be recognized for the award," said Bruner. "All services and federal employees
send hundreds of nominations every year, and to be one of the few selectees really brings a sense
of accomplishment."

During the merger of Riverine Squadron 1 and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4 into
CORIVRON 4, Bruner combined two communications departments and supervised a department
that supported more than 500 personnel. Applying his technical acumen, Bruner directly
contributed to the first successful deployment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
Enterprise Tactical Command and Control system in a real-world mission. The system provided
Internet protocol services to the NECC Adaptive Force Commander Operations Center, which
utilized the services to coordinate support of 2,060 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, four naval
vessels, 20 aircraft, two landing craft units and 237 pieces of civil engineering support
equipment. This coordination led to water removal, lighting, debris removal, diving operations
and construction services during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Bruner also devoted more than 300 man-hours to overseeing system operability, performance
testing, and maintenance and operations procedures as well as several other C4ISR tasks.

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

13

Command Master Chief Daryl Green. "Bruner performed above standards and was a critical
Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(C4ISR) asset during the merger by developing communication capabilities on what we call
'green gear'. I look forward to seeing more remarkable work from him and hope to see him
advance to chief petty officer."

Brunner will be presented his award from the AFCEA and USNI during a ceremony May 14 at
the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Va.

The Copernicus Award was established in 1997 for Sailors in C4ISR capability, information
systems and information warfare related jobs. Those nominated for the award are reviewed by a
board of judges based upon superior performance, exceptional initiative, leadership and insight
within the nominee's area of expertise.

"My advice to anyone who wants to win the award would be to simply be passionate about what
you do," said Bruner. "It is not just about how well you can do your job, but how you can better
your command, your community and the Navy as a whole."

CORIVRON 4 is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, an enduring force providing
capability across the full range of military operations in the maritime strategy to include forward
presence, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, sea control and
power projection and deterrence.


14

Necc news 25 jan for web

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Necc news 25 jan for web

Similar to Necc news 25 jan for web (20)

More from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

More from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (20)

Necc news 25 jan for web