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Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in the News is a service of the NECC Public Affairs

Office and is used to provide senior leadership and interested NECC personnel around the Fleet

with news about the Navy‟s expeditionary forces. Please do not repost the Clips to any publicly

accessible website since we must maintain the integrity of copyrighted material.

Friday, January 11, 2013

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Seabees Build Force Protection Facility http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71200

By Builder 1st Class (SCW) Michael Munninger, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 Bravo

Company completed a security gate for Naval Base San Diego, Dec. 12.

Seabees Lend Helphing Hand http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71199

By Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/EXW) Joshue Marker, Construction Battalion

Maintenance Unit 303 Public Affairs

KITSAP, Washington (NNS) -- A group of 12 Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance

Unit 303 Detachment Bangor worked side-by-side with volunteers from AmeriCorps in Kitsap

County to split firewood Dec. 12 for families in need.

Seabees Perform Construction Operations at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras http://www.navy.mil/submit/display

By Lt. j.g. Teresa Bustamante, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 Public Affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 27 continue construction operations at Soto Cano Air Base, the Republic of Honduras

supporting construction operations for the base and U.S. Special Operations Command South

while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet.

Seabee Battalion Provides Food Donations to Assist Military Members,

Families http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71266

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 11 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

11 donated 10 large boxes of food items to the Seabee Pantry aboard Naval Construction

Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport this holiday season.

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND

IN THE NEWS

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Seabees Complete Construction Project with Peruvian Joint Forces

Command http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71153

By Lt. Kevin Keenaghan, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 Public Affairs

HUAYTARA, Peru (NNS) -- Three Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

27 departed the town of Huaytara, Peru, Dec. 13 following the successful completion of a four-

month subject matter expert exchange with military engineers from the Peruvian Joint Forces

Command.

EOD Trains Stennis Sailors with Unique Qualifications http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71365

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Schumacher, USS John C. Stennis Public

Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Personnel assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 are training non-EOD Sailors in special operations tactics aboard the

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Golden Gate bridges strategic Afghan crossing http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100063/golden-gate-bridges-strategic-afghan-

crossing#ixzz2HbJAB8lo

Story by Staff Sgt. Derek M. Smith411th Engineer Brigade

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – As NATO forces work toward bridging the gap from

military operations to a self-sufficient Afghanistan, Army, Navy and Marine engineers of Joint

Task Force Empire took the mission literally as they conducted Operation Golden Gate near

Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan, through the months of November and December.

Regional Combat Team 7 secured the floodplain site as the 12th Georgian Battalion and Afghan

National Security Forces conducted security on the east side of the river. Naval Mobile

Construction Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor and the 12th Georgian Battalion secured the

immediate project site.

A Seabee Christmas http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100042/seabee-christmas#ixzz2HbJTRNF0

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Taylor Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1

ROTA, Spain - The holiday season is always a hard time to be away from family and loved ones,

but for the deployed Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, this season

was just a little easier thanks to the folks of Operation Gratitude.

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NMCB 133 Detail Bravo honors fallen with a Christmas Eve 'Run to

Remember' http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99824/nmcb-133-detail-bravo-honors-fallen-with-christmas-eve-

run-remember#ixzz2HbJjLi7q

Courtesy Story by Naval Mobile Constructions Battalion 133

KUWAIT – With temperatures in the high 40‟s, the troops of Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 133‟s Detail Bravo got together for a 2.5 mile Run to Remember sponsored by

members of the Army Support Group – Kuwait Dec. 24.

Spotlight on diversity: Seabee exhibits strong devotion to duty hhttp://www.dvidshub.net/news/99809/spotlight-diversity-seabee-exhibits-strong-devotion-

duty#ixzz2HbJyKLUt

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11

GULFPORT, Miss. – Construction Electrician 3rd Class Olorunshola Olukera, assigned to Naval

Mobile Construction Battalion 11, isn‟t going home for the holidays this year. He continues

striving for personal and professional excellence since an October visit to see his family in

Nigeria, his first such visit in more than five years.

NMCB 133 celebrates holidays, over the hump at MWR party http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99772/nmcb-133-celebrates-holidays-over-hump-mwr-

party#ixzz2HbK1J41B

By Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, also known

as Task Force Anchor, celebrated the holidays and the midpoint of their deployment with a party

hosted by the battalion's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation division Dec. 23.

Two Seabees receive ‘Badge of Merit’ in Afghanistan

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99677/two-seabees-receive-badge-merit-

afghanistan#ixzz2HgMKnvs7

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Verbis Naval Mobile Construction Batallion 133

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – A formation of Seabees stood at attention as two members

from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor, received Purple Hearts

during an award ceremony Dec 13.

Return to Top Stories

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Seabees Build Force Protection Facility http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71200

By Builder 1st Class (SCW) Michael Munninger, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 Bravo

Company completed a security gate for Naval Base San Diego, Dec. 12.

The gate is expected to be operational in early 2013. The project consists of a guardhouse for use

by Naval Base Auxiliary Security Force personnel. The design is the new standard for Navy

Region Southwest.

"Having a guard house with all these high tech security systems makes you feel safe when

standing gate guard. Plus, having a restroom right here at the gate will make life a lot easier for

all personnel" said Utilitiesman 2nd Class (SCW) Tyson Curtis, a member of CBMU 303 and its

Auxiliary Security Force.

CBMU 303 Bravo Company uses construction projects in the region to focus on enhancing

Seabee rating skills. "On the job training is paramount; passing the skills of a journeyman to an

apprentice is an important part of what we do," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Jordan Parker. This

particular project encompasses a wide array of skills from electrical to finish-work.

For more news from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, visit

www.navy.mil/local/cbmu303/.

Return to Top Stories

Seabees Lend Helphing Hand http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71199

By Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/EXW) Joshue Marker, Construction Battalion

Maintenance Unit 303 Public Affairs

KITSAP, Washington (NNS) -- A group of 12 Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance

Unit 303 Detachment Bangor worked side-by-side with volunteers from AmeriCorps in Kitsap

County to split firewood Dec. 12 for families in need.

The First Class Petty Officers Association used the opportunity to mentor the Second Class Petty

Officers Association in teamwork and the importance of community service as they applied their

legendary "Can Do" attitude towards support for the community.

The Seabees dispatched to two sites on the greater peninsula area, and cut seven cords of wood.

The worked helped raise awareness of the struggles of those in the community and brought

military and civilian neighbors together in a show of compassion.

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"Having this opportunity to help others gives you a warm feeling inside," said Construction

Mechanic 2nd Class Greg Bottom.

Senior Chief John Scroggs, officer in charge of the Seabees said he couldn't be more pleased

with the work of his Sailors. "We like to take advantage of any opportunity to give back to the

community that supports us," he said.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or

www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, visit

www.navy.mil/local/cbmu303/.

Return to Top Stories

Seabees Perform Construction Operations at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras http://www.navy.mil/submit/display

By Lt. j.g. Teresa Bustamante, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 Public Affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 27 continue construction operations at Soto Cano Air Base, the Republic of Honduras

supporting construction operations for the base and U.S. Special Operations Command South

while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet.

Located in Honduras, Soto Cano Air Base is home to U.S. Southern Command's Joint Task

Force Bravo.

Established in 1983, JTF-B is one example of the longstanding partnership between the United

States and Honduran governments and the enduring commitment by the U.S. military in Central

America. JTF-B's multifaceted outreach is highlighted in the command's mission statement:

"Joint Task Force-Bravo, as guests of our Honduran host-nation partners and the senior

representative for USSOUTHCOM at Soto Cano Air Base, conducts and supports joint

operations, actions, and activities throughout the joint operations area maintaining a forward

presence in order to enhance regional security, stability, and cooperation."

The Seabee Detachment is tasked with approximately six rehabilitation projects to improve both

the quality of life for service members and the serviceability of the base. Excited to take on this

new challenge, the team has started work on several projects: a 20 foot by 12 foot concrete pad,

the construction of wall partitions at the Special Forces compound and the construction of a steel

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pole barn.

The team's work is already being noticed by the Soldiers and Airmen stationed here and is

fueling additional work requests. The Seabees said they are used to being in demand after

working at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and welcome the challenge of new work in a

different location.

In addition to working here, the team will forward-deploy to a U.S.-Honduran training site to

make interior building renovations, repair a base electric grid, install a new roof, and take care of

plumbing for the troops currently occupying that space.

The Seabees are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27, Chicopee, Mass.,

who were recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in

support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet multinational partnership and

humanitarian assistance missions.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit

www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

Return to Top Stories

Seabee Battalion Provides Food Donations to Assist Military Members,

Families http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71266

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 11 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

11 donated 10 large boxes of food items to the Seabee Pantry aboard Naval Construction

Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport this holiday season.

NMCB-11 Chaplain Lt. Brian E. Myers, from New London, Ohio, initiated the drive.

"After Thanksgiving, I noticed that the Seabee Pantry's supply had run low, and with the major

holidays approaching, I knew something needed to be done," said Myers. "There was no doubt in

my mind that the men and women of NMCB-11 would rise to the occasion and donate for a

worthy cause."

Myers, with the help of Builder Constructionman Timothy C. Rogers, originally from Bohemia,

N.Y., also assigned to NMCB-11, distributed donation boxes to all of the companies and

departments throughout the battalion and encouraged everyone to donate non-perishable food

items.

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Within the first two weeks of December, the battalion had accumulated about 500 pounds of

donations including items such as canned foods, boxes of cereal, condiments, snack foods, and

many other food items.

Located in NCBC's Base Chapel, the Seabee Pantry provides help to military members and their

dependants to include active duty, Reservists, and retirees.

One NMCB-11 Seabee, who has utilized the Seabee Pantry, Construction Mechanic 2nd Class

Jason M. Montgomery, is thankful that it has been available to him and his family of six.

"It has helped us through tough financial times on more than one occasion," stated the Lisbon, an

Iowa native. "I strongly recommend it to newly married junior troops and anyone struggling

financially. There is no shame in getting help when you need it."

The Seabee Pantry is dependent on donations like those from NMCB-11 to continue to provide

food to service members, retirees and dependants. Individuals, organizations, and other groups

are encouraged to donate as well.

"I was surprised myself how many people weren't aware of this," said Religious Program

Specialist 3rd Class Jamie C. Hamm, originally from Baltimore, Md., and assigned to NCBC

since June 2011.

According to Hamm, the Seabee Pantry receives three or more patrons daily, and that number is

expected to increase into the New Year as budgets become stretched thin due to holiday travel

and gift purchases.

The Seabee Pantry is open for patrons as well as donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday

through Friday. Call (228) 871-2454 for details.

NMCB-11 is currently in the midst of a homeport cycle following an eight-month deployment to

Afghanistan and is preparing for its next deployment, set to begin near the end of the summer

next year.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb11

Return to Top Stories

Seabees Complete Construction Project with Peruvian Joint Forces

Command http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71153

By Lt. Kevin Keenaghan, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 Public Affairs

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HUAYTARA, Peru (NNS) -- Three Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

27 departed the town of Huaytara, Peru, Dec. 13 following the successful completion of a four-

month subject matter expert exchange with military engineers from the Peruvian Joint Forces

Command.

The Seabees and Peruvian engineers constructed a 2,200 square foot auditorium as part of a joint

exercise overseen by the U.S. Military Advisory and Assistance Group (MAAG) Peru and

funded by the U.S. Southern Command Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative. Constructed

from brick, masonry block, and reinforced concrete, and finished with drywall, drop ceilings,

carpeting, and lush landscaping features, the auditorium will be mainly utilized by the local

school but is also capable of serving as an earthquake shelter for Huaytara's residents.

Chief Builder Glenn Kohles, Construction Electrician 1st Class Daniel Johnson, and Builder 2nd

Class Jorge Gaitan were already veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom prior to being recalled to

active duty in July to support U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet missions in

South and Central America. With a combined total of four deployments to Iraq and three

deployments to Haiti, the Seabee team was no stranger to challenging construction projects in

contingency environments. The peacetime operations in Huaytara afforded them a welcomed

opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities at deliberate planning and quality control.

"During nineteen years of service, I have done tours of duty in both Haiti and Iraq. Doing

contingency construction is a big difference from what we did here," said Kohles. "During

contingency construction, you build quickly and safely. Here in Huaytara, we taught the

Peruvians that you can still build quickly and safely but with a high level of quality."

Lt. Cmdr. Richard Reyes, foreign affairs officer and the Humanitarian Assistance Program

(HAP) and Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) manager at the U.S. MAAG Peru,

discussed the quality of work performed during the construction exercise.

"Having dealt with numerous civic action construction projects in Peru as the HAP and HCA

manager in the MAAG, I am extremely impressed with the construction quality of this

auditorium and the professionalism demonstrated by these Seabees. The 'Bees delivered a project

that surpasses any HCA construction I've seen in Peru in an austere environment and at the same

time prepared the Peruvian engineers for their coming deployment to Haiti," said Reyes.

"I can't say enough about what these Seabees accomplished, not only with the construction

project in Huaytara, but more importantly with building relationships with the local community

and our Peruvian military counterparts. It's amazing what three very motivated Seabees can do."

The same sentiment was echoed by Rear Adm. George W. Ballance, director of Theater

Engagement at the United States Southern Command, who visited the site Dec. 6.

"The project offered the unique opportunity to train Peruvian engineers preparing to deploy in

support of a United Nations peacekeeping mission while providing an outstanding facility to the

great townspeople of Huaytara," said Ballance.

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Despite an aggressive schedule and the inevitable logistical hurdles that come from running a

construction project 9,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Kohles and his team

found time during their off-hours for a significant number of volunteer community relations

projects. Earlier in the mission, the team repaired and renovated Huaytara's town fountain in

preparation for the town's anniversary celebration. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, they repaired

a damaged gate at the local hospital. Johnson spent several evenings upgrading electrical services

and repairing faulty wiring for the town's residents. Finally, the team constructed a volleyball

court for the town's children near the new auditorium, leaving a lasting memory of the team and

its experiences in Peru.

"Starting at the personal level, these Navy Seabees have woven themselves into the community

of Huaytara and have significantly strengthened the relationship between the US and Peru," said

Michael Fitzpatrick, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of the United States in Lima, Peru.

The Seabees participated in an inauguration ceremony for the auditorium, Dec. 12, during which

custody of the building was formally transferred to the town of Huaytara. It represented a mutual

celebration of the hard work and dedication shown by all of those who contributed to the success

of the construction project.

As part of the ceremony, the team was treated to a traditional dance by the town's children on the

newly constructed stage in the auditorium. Following the ceremony, the sight of Huaytara's

students enjoying their new volleyball court left the Seabees with a well-earned sense of pride at

their contributions to the town.

"During our last night here, we had families running out to thank us for all we did for the town of

Huaytara," said Kohles. "This has been a great deployment and I know we made a great name for

all branches of military here in Peru."

USNAVO/C4F employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to

maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional

security in the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility.

Return to Top Stories

EOD Trains Stennis Sailors with Unique Qualifications http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71365

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Schumacher, USS John C. Stennis Public

Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Personnel assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 are training non-EOD Sailors in special operations tactics aboard the

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Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Once a week, Sailors selected by their division meet in the hangar bay for hands-on training for

the naval special warfare basic roper qualification.

"I want to offer something new for the hard working Sailors trying to better themselves and

experience something unique they can tell their friends and family about," said Explosive

Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Aaron Rickel, from Ketchikan, Alaska. "I want this to

prove that doing more than what's expected of you and being professional will pay off."

Rickel began teaching the course with the assistance of other EOD technicians and plans to

continue providing training until every division aboard the ship gets an opportunity to attend.

"It was an amazing experience," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lindsay Frizzel, from

Westchester, N.Y. "I'm glad I had the chance to try something like this underway."

Rickel begins his training by teaching Sailors to rappel using a harness. With this method,

another Sailor, called a belay, uses his own body weight as a counterbalance to the descending

Sailor.

"[Rickel] was very patient with everybody and worked with each of us individually until we

were comfortable enough to continue the training," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Daniel

Borboa, from Sierra Vista, Ariz. "I had a blast going through the training."

After Rickel is confident a Sailor is able to descend proficiently and safely, the Sailor will be

offered training in more advanced methods, including fast-roping.

The final step in the naval special warfare basic roper training and qualification is to perform all

of the techniques from a helicopter in mid-flight and, once qualified, the Sailor will be eligible to

participate in any non-operational rappelling or fast-roping exercises.

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG), consisting of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9,

Destroyer Squadron 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) are forward

deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility to strengthen regional partnerships, sustain

maritime security, and support combatant commander requirements for assets in the area.

Return to Top Stories

Golden Gate bridges strategic Afghan crossing http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100063/golden-gate-bridges-strategic-afghan-

crossing#ixzz2HbJAB8lo

Story by Staff Sgt. Derek M. Smith411th Engineer Brigade

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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – As NATO forces work toward bridging the gap from

military operations to a self-sufficient Afghanistan, Army, Navy and Marine engineers of Joint

Task Force Empire took the mission literally as they conducted Operation Golden Gate near

Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan, through the months of November and December.

Golden Gate was a Regional Command-Southwest combined-joint engineering mission to

construct a bridge complex spanning the Helmand River in southwest Afghanistan. The

operation design was to improve mobility at the Sabit Qadam Flood Plain Crossing across the

Helmand River. This strategic crossing links the Sangin, Musa Qa‟lah and Now Zad districts

close to Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam (Jackson).

The mission carried strong strategic importance for coalition and Afghan National Security

Forces, as well as the local Afghan population. It also carried historical and inherent natural

challenges. The waterways are highly unpredictable, as the shoals (intermediate land masses) and

surrounding areas typically flood from January through May.

“The research, concept development and engineering design surrounding the crossing of the

Helmand River was enormously difficult, especially conducting this phase of the operation from

a combat zone with minimal resources,” explained Maj. Michael J. Hults, P.E.,RC-SW/W

coordination cell officer in charge and Operation Golden Gate mission commander. “The

Helmand is considered a braided river due to the network of adjacent channels, shoals, sandbars

and rapids. Braided rivers are known for having erratic hydrologic activity and a dynamic

topography which makes predicting either component extremely difficult. Further, any added

man-made feature will ultimately have effects that cannot be readily forecasted."

“Our specific scenario leads to a crossing point that is furthermore a floodplain during the

months of March through May when the Kajaki Reservoir swells from the melting of the

surrounding mountain‟s snowpack,” Hults continued. “The river levels can fluctuate by as much

as eight feet during these flood periods. How do you construct a year-round expeditionary

crossing point for both military and civilian traffic through, over or on top of a floodplain that is

highly unpredictable, all the while trying not to negatively impact the local populace? Also, add

to this scarce and subpar construction materials, a small budget and the fact that it will be

constructed in a combat zone. Now, that‟s a challenge!”

Hults said the solution began digitally by developing a virtual river model through software that

uses empirical data and complex algorithms to predict the hydraulic events and subsequent

outcomes.

“The way it was actually solved here was to have the RC-SW/W coordination cell design around

agreed upon assumptions, available materials, time constraints and the various constructing

unit‟s assets and abilities,” said Hults. “Further, the cell identified and evaluated different risk

factors and developed engineering solutions that could be implemented to mitigate the potential

negative outcomes to a point where the risk was acceptable.”

“Another challenge to this mission was the highly kinetic project site and the diminished battle

space owner personnel. The [Marines] experienced a huge drawdown of infantry personnel

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during the recent surge recovery,” Hults recalled as he described the many security aspects

involved in a project of this scale. “It took a combined joint effort to keep the constructing units

safe and secure. Even with the numerous entities coming together, the battle space owner still

felt the pinch of thinning personnel resources due to the requirements of this mission.”

Coordinating with the local contractors for material delivery was another hurdle to overcome.

The project required crushed stone for soil stabilization and 60 concrete box culverts for

hydraulic pressure relief along the elevated causeway. The contractors were hired, but required

security and, were susceptible to delays due to route clearance requirements along the roads to

the site. Additionally, military dump trucks delivered approximately 1,700 tons of riprap from

Camp Leatherneck to the project site.

“Riprap is large broken concrete or boulders used to shield shorelines, abutments and levees to

prevent scouring and erosion from flowing water,” Hults elaborated. “The riprap available at

Leatherneck was plentiful and consisted of large chunks of concrete from an old air strip.

Without the proper amount and type of riprap emplaced on the bridge complex, the structure

would have surely failed during the first flood season. “

The flood season caused major problems with past projects at the site. Two previous bridging

operations were beat back by the elevated water levels of the flood plain. Originally, a 12-bay

medium girder bridge was constructed in the area for seasonal crossing in August 2010. These

bridges can cover a 31-meter gap. A constructed earthen shoal ramp decreased the original gap to

25 meters. The high river level forced the removal of the MGB the following January. A second

attempt constructed another earthen shoal ramp, decreasing the gap to 28 meters and emplaced

an MGB in October 2011. The high river level again forced an emergency bridge removal in

March 2012. The repeated earthwork had caused the river to scour the shoal and increased the

gap width to 50 meters.

“Each time this earthwork was introduced into the river, it drastically changed the topography.

During the flood season after the 2010 MGB emplacement, the river cut through both earthen

piers,” Hults explained. Riprap was added to the west side earthen pier in preparation for the

following crossing season. “This caused the raging river to redirect the flow until it not only

erased the east side pier, it scoured approximately 20m of the hard pack shoal, therefore

increasing the main river channel width."

The Marine 8th Engineer Support Battalion conducted a recon of the site in June 2012 and

determined an MGB could no longer span the gap. Additionally, the shoal was too severely

scoured to emplace another earthen ramp. Combined recon teams revisited the site in July,

August and September. A final survey in December was used to develop the “as-built” drawings.

The final solution consisted of two 17-bay Acrow bridges with a 300-meter interconnecting

elevated causeway system. After providing a full design package, JTF Empire was tasked with

the development and overseeing the construction of the project.

Regional Combat Team 7 secured the floodplain site as the 12th Georgian Battalion and Afghan

National Security Forces conducted security on the east side of the river. Naval Mobile

Construction Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor and the 12th Georgian Battalion secured the

13

immediate project site. The 507th Engineer Battalion, TF Warhammer, provided route clearance

patrols in the area as constant aerial over watch was maintained.

Through the efforts of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Afghan awareness of the project was

increased with meetings with district governors and various ANSF officials as well as

informative engagements with the local populace about project status and benefits. Afghan

National Army escorts coordinated with the Marines to ensure delivery of building supplies for

the project.

TF Anchor took the onsite lead on the bridge complex construction. The Seabees modified the

existing pier by both increasing the elevation and width. They constructed levee systems and

bridge abutments and formed the elevated causeway with crushed stone and local fill. Finally,

they compacted, shaped and graded the bridge complex. Box culverts were installed within the

elevated causeway. Riprap hauled by the ANA 2nd Battalion, 215th Brigade engineers was

emplaced along the levees, bridge abutments, causeway and around the culverts.

Engineers worked 24 hours a day for 50 days straight on rotating 12-hour shifts under

increasingly harsh winter conditions, a steady diet of heater meals, long convoys to and from the

site, and a daunting task ahead. The engineers of Golden Gate faced the challenge.

“The morale was the lowest in the beginning of the project when the extensiveness of the

construction seemed insurmountable,” Hults recalled. “Once the Seabees started to extensively

change the landscape of the floodplain through their relentless efforts, morale continually

improved until culminating with mission completion."

“Morale was very high,” agreed Sgt. 1st Class Jason Armano, 411th Engineer Brigade chief

bridging non-commissioned officer. “They were eager to get the job done. They worked 12 hour

shifts. The night crew had it the hardest. The temperature at night was below freezing making it

difficult to work in. Construction went as smoothly as any construction project goes. It had its

issues and hurdles that any construction project needs to overcome, but the Army, Marines and

Seabees worked through it to get the mission accomplished.”

Members of JTF Empire, TF Warhammer and the 132nd Multirole Bridge Company installed the

first Acrow bridge Nov. 22-24, on the Sangin side of the Helmand River. The bridge was 170

feet long and 14 feet wide with the capability to span a 150 foot gap. It will support normal one-

way traffic. The river can rise 10 feet before causing the need to remove the bridge. A second,

similar bridge was then installed Dec. 7-13, at the Musa Qa‟lah side of the river. The river level

can rise 9 feet before the bridge would need to be removed.

“This was our first really big bridge build in country,” Sgt. Matthew Coleman, squad leader, 2nd

Platoon, 132nd MRBC. “What really made the difference were the soldiers out there doing the

work. They were the ones who made it happen. They worked hard. They didn‟t complain. They

were out there ready to go. We came together as a team.”

The ANA 215th Brigade soldiers provided project site security including vehicular checkpoints,

ferry station checkpoints, local contractor site security and interpreter support. The ANA

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leadership provided the local populace project-related information keeping a constant

communication line open, further garnering strong support. Afghan Uniformed Police assisted

with ferry checkpoints, security support and traffic control.

A contingency of Seabees will remain on Sabit Qadam to monitor the bridge complex and

provide maintenance and emergency repair support, as they transition the mission to the 215th

ANA engineers. Members of JTF Empire will continue to regularly visit the site to verify bridge

integrity and provide maintenance support. During the flood season (January-April), data will be

collected to provide RC-SW recommendations for any site upgrades.

The mission‟s result is greatly improved freedom of movement for coalition members, ANSF

and the surrounding Afghan population which had become dependent on lengthy alternate routes

or a limited and costly ferry system.

“The local population had to use a crude ferry system to get their vehicles, livestock and

themselves across the area,” explained Armano. “The ferries only operated during daylight

hours. Now with the levee system and the two bridges installed they can cross the area freely.”

“A more accessible and quicker crossing point will save logistic, engineer and security convoys

valuable time, especially when bases are few and far between and the distances required to travel

grows. It will benefit the military base demilitarization process. ” added Hults. “The locals travel

back and forth across the river to bring their livestock and goods to the different bazaars. Prior to

the bridge, the locals relied on a ferry system as a paid service. The ferry process was also slow

and unreliable. “

The meticulously planned and cooperatively executed mission has its biggest challenge waiting

at the end of winter with the quickly approaching flood season. The engineers are steadfast in

their confidence of the new crossing, as well as its lasting effect.

“The mission was incredibly successful as witnessed by the construction of an impressive bridge

complex within time and budget and, the extremely positive atmospherics of the local

population. From the standpoint of the local populace, ANSF, coalition forces and the

engineering community, this was a huge success,” stated Hults. “For the first time since we

operated in the Helmand province, It brings year-round freedom of movement while, providing a

quality of life improvement for the locals. It strengthens security, commerce and prosperity for

the local population.”

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15

A Seabee Christmas http://www.dvidshub.net/news/100042/seabee-christmas#ixzz2HbJTRNF0

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Taylor Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1

ROTA, Spain - The holiday season is always a hard time to be away from family and loved ones,

but for the deployed Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, this season

was just a little easier thanks to the folks of Operation Gratitude.

According to their mission statement, “Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on

faces by sending care packages addressed to individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines

deployed in harm‟s way, to their children left behind, and to veterans, wounded warriors and first

responders. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment

items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.”

The idea for having packages sent to the battalion came form Personnel Specialist (PS) 2

Kenneth Gates. While at a previous command PS2 Gates had received a package from the

organization and it greatly impacted his morale. So it seemed fitting to him to order packages for

everyone deployed over the Christmas season.

Packages began arriving a few days after Christmas, and troops began lining up outside the

postal office to see if theirs had arrived yet. Happy recipients could be seen walking around with

boxes marked with the Operation Gratitude‟s logo, people peering into one another‟s boxes to

see what everyone had gotten. It was like a widespread Christmas morning that extended over

the course of a few days. The packages took most by surprise and uplifted spirits within the

command.

“It was cool to receive an unexpected gift. It really brightened my spirit, and all of the candy has

begun to make me fat”, Steelworker Second Class Bryan Long shared.

PS2 Gates said, “I hope this event helps someone to remember this for their future, and I hope

they will do something like this for their peers. I am just thankful there are groups out there

willing to take time out during their holidays to remember the troops by sending in packages and

packing boxes to be sent out.”

All in all the experience is one they troops of NMCB 1 will not soon forget. It‟s given them a

small break from the mission at hand and is all due to the thoughtfulness and time of a group of

people willing to put action to their concern for the troops.

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16

NMCB 133 Detail Bravo honors fallen with a Christmas Eve 'Run to

Remember'

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99824/nmcb-133-detail-bravo-honors-fallen-with-christmas-eve-

run-remember#ixzz2HbJjLi7q

Courtesy Story by Naval Mobile Constructions Battalion 133

KUWAIT – With temperatures in the high 40‟s, the troops of Naval Mobile Construction

Battalion 133‟s Detail Bravo got together for a 2.5 mile Run to Remember sponsored by

members of the Army Support Group – Kuwait Dec. 24.

The Run to Remember gave the detail a chance to honor their fallen brothers and sisters of the

armed forces this holiday season. The group of runners, that included service members from the

Army, Marine Corps and Navy, started the ceremony by introducing themselves. Following a

blessing for the health and safety of the runners by the chaplain of the ASG-KU Resiliency

Center, the runners took a moment of silence to honor the fallen before starting the motivational

formation run.

Throughout the run, Detail Bravo maintained the group‟s motivation by leading the cadences and

setting the pace. The group ran two laps around the perimeter of the Life Support Area singing

loud and proud.

Detail Bravo‟s senior enlisted adviser Senior Chief Equipment Operator James Brock was at the

front of the formation representing the Seabees and gave all an opportunity to reflect on the

importance of the camaraderie they share.

NMCB 133 is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of responsibility to support

engineering operations.

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Spotlight on diversity: Seabee exhibits strong devotion to duty hhttp://www.dvidshub.net/news/99809/spotlight-diversity-seabee-exhibits-strong-devotion-

duty#ixzz2HbJyKLUt

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11

17

GULFPORT, Miss. – Construction Electrician 3rd Class Olorunshola Olukera, assigned to Naval

Mobile Construction Battalion 11, isn‟t going home for the holidays this year. He continues

striving for personal and professional excellence since an October visit to see his family in

Nigeria, his first such visit in more than five years.

Originally from Lagos , Nigeria, Olukera took three weeks of leave in October and paid his

family a surprise visit.

“My dad barely recognized me when I walked in, and my mom was crying,” said the soft spoken

33-year-old.

“I had to break my promise to visit my family during our homeport in 2011. They were able to

understand that the circumstances were beyond my control,” said Olukera. His devotion to duty

took precedence in 2011 as NMCB-11 was in heavy preparation for its 2012 deployment to

Afghanistan.

Olukera came to the United States in 2007 to continue his education.

“I always had this dream of continuing my education abroad,” stated Olukara who also

considered moving to London. “I weighed the options, and I chose to come to the United States.

I‟ve been loving it so far.”

Olukera completed a three-year electronics program at the head of his class at a Nigerian

technical college then took the opportunity to continue his education in the U.S. with a move to

Bowie, Md. and an enrollment at Capital College.

When a Navy recruiter told the student about the education benefits available to sailors, Olukera

decided that an enlistment in the Navy would be the right move.

“Thank god for the United States Navy because it has really shaped my life,” exclaimed Olukera.

After completing Construction Electrician A-school, Olukera took orders to NMCB-11 in

Gulfport, Miss., with whom he has deployed to Guam and Afghanistan.

While deployed to Guam, Olukera took some college classes, and he has plans to take more in

the spring.

Olukera believes that “whatever is worth doing is worth doing well,” and because of this

philosophy he has decided to limit his enrollment in school so that he may focus on his Navy

career.

With less than four years of service, Olukera has advanced to the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class

in a very competitive Seabee community. He has also earned the Seabee Combat Warfare

Specialist qualification, his primary warfare qualification.

“This is the best job I‟ve ever had,” stated Olukera. “I don‟t want to be an average sailor in the

18

Navy. I want to be the best that I can be, and I also want to continue being an “A” student.”

This desire for excellence and a strong faith in God guide Olukera‟s decisions.

“I don‟t do things because of money. That‟s not the purpose. I only do things because I know it

is right to do it and because I know I could use it to help people.”

Olukera earned his U.S. citizenship in 2009, and, though his family doesn‟t fully understand

everything that the U.S. Navy is all about, they know how much it means to him and support his

decision.

“You know, it‟s pretty tough coming [to the U.S.] by yourself; starting from zero. But you know,

life is a risk,” stated Olukera.

Olukera would like to be able to visit his family every year, but responsibilities to the Navy and

personal budget constraints put limits on how often he is able to make that trip.

NMCB-11 is currently in the midst of a homeport cycle following an eight-month deployment to

Afghanistan and is preparing for its next deployment, set to begin near the end of the summer

next year.

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NMCB 133 celebrates holidays, over the hump at MWR party http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99772/nmcb-133-celebrates-holidays-over-hump-mwr-

party#ixzz2HbK1J41B

By Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, also known

as Task Force Anchor, celebrated the holidays and the midpoint of their deployment with a party

hosted by the battalion's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation division Dec. 23.

Kicking off the festivities was a bench press competition and company Olympics, followed by

the judging for best decorated office and best gingerbread house.

Lunch was sandwiched between, Santa's arrival with his command element, Mrs. Claus and an

elf, and his gift giving and awards.

Santa was played by Lt. Cmdr. Craig Clutts, the battalion's executive officer, Mrs. Claus by

Yeoman First Class Patricia Clemons, and the elf by Master Chief Construction Utilitiesman

Clinton George.

Following remarks from Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nicolas Yamodis, Santa passed out gifts to

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random Sailors, before calling forth from his bag of presents an awards binder with a gift for one

lucky Seabee.

Yamodis then promoted Equipment Operator Third Class Kareshia McGriff to Petty Officer

Second Class through the command advancement program.

Surprised and clearly emotional, McGriff could only utter one word. "Awesome," she whispered.

Chief Warrant Officer Sidney Hunt was then presented with his Seabee Combat Warfare Officer

insignia.

The crowd then broke to congratulate McGriff and Hunt, and enjoy some holiday food, music

and conversation. The command then regrouped for the competition awards presentations,

calling the winners from the different events forward to receive plaques and various other gifts.

In the bench press competition, Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Billy Hoy took first place in

the 200 pound male class with a combined three-lift total of 1060 pounds; Construction

Mechanic 3rd Class Tara Strieby took the150 pound female class with a total of 125 pounds; and

Construction Electrician Constructionman Chad Spaulding topped the 150 pound male class with

470 pounds.

In the company Olympics, Headquarters took top honors as Team Suppliers finished the five

station course in 17 minutes and 10 seconds. In all, the course consisted of 33 tire flips, 13

sledgehammer tire slams, a 13 yard humvee pull, 33 pull ups, 33 squats, a 33 yard sand bag

"spelling bee", an M-9 and M-16 disassembly and assembly, and a litter carry between the

stations that totaled 133 yards.

The winner of the office decoration was Gunnery Sergeant Eric Pentek and the armory Gunner‟s

Mates, who wrapped every item in his office in festive holiday wrapping paper.

Echo Company took the gingerbread house competition with a detailed rendition of Camp

Krutke.

With all the festivities complete, the Seabees finished the day of relaxation with individual

activities including a bonfire, volleyball and basketball games, and a holiday movie marathon.

NMCB 133 is currently deployed to support engineering operations of Joint Task Force Empire

in Afghanistan and the U.S. Central Command area of operations

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20

Two Seabees receive ‘Badge of Merit’ in Afghanistan

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/99677/two-seabees-receive-badge-merit-

afghanistan#ixzz2HgMKnvs7

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Verbis Naval Mobile Construction Batallion 133

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – A formation of Seabees stood at attention as two members

from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor, received Purple Hearts

during an award ceremony Dec 13.

Standing proudly in front of the stars and stripes, Builder Third Class Daniel Blount and

Equipment Operator Third Class Steven Thelusma received the award from Brig. Gen. David L.

Weeks, commanding general of the 411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire.

Both recipients suffered injuries when their convoy was struck with an improvised explosive

device while conducting missions outside of the wire.

Blount, a native of Macon, Ga., who is serving his second deployment to Afghanistan,

experienced the attack while his MRAP was traveling at low speed through rough terrain.

“It‟s difficult to explain but it felt like a long blink,” Blount said. “The explosion knocked the

gunner out of his turret and right onto me. I literally caught him. My first reaction was to check

on his condition and then immediately attend to my shipmates. I think we‟re fortunate.”

“Afterward the Skipper telephoned my wife,” added Blount. “He let her know that I was going to

make it through this. That‟s really when it all sunk in.”

Thelusma, a native of Roslindale, Mass., who is also serving his second deployment to

Afghanistan, was operating an armored tractor trailer when his vehicle was struck.

“All I can say is that I sincerely feel honored to receive this award. There‟s nothing we could

have done to prevent (the attack),” said Thelusma. “But I do think that training played an

important role in the way we responded and pushed through a dangerous situation.”

The two Seabees are expected to recover and complete their deployment in Afghanistan.

21

“This is such a prestigious award,” said Blount. “So few have it and I feel humbled. I don‟t take

this for granted.”

Once called the „Badge of Merit,‟ the Purple Heart is the military‟s oldest award dating back to

George Washington.

Homeported in Gulfport, Miss., NMCB 133 is deployed to Afghanistan and the U.S. Central

Command area of operations to assist coalition forces and provide engineering support to the

Afghan government.

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