SUMMER 2008

ALSO INSIDE:

2007 Stethem, 

Combs, Shields, 

Peltier and Perry 

Awards

Transition: 

Warfront to 

Homefront

Admiral Moreell’s 

Seabee Heritage

Seabee Betty 

Drive Dedication

Africa Focus on

we BUiLD oWe FiGHT
SEABEE Magazine TeaM

Virginia bueno

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

DIRECTOR

george L. Markfelder

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

Kurt Riggs

MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS (SW)

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

naVaL FaCiLiTieS engineeRing COMManD

Daryl C. Smith

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

FiRST naVaL COnSTRUCTiOn DiViSiOn

WWW.SEABEE.NAVY.MIL

Liz Dunn

EDITORIAL COPY AND CONTENT MANAGEMENT

Laure Morsli

EDITORIAL COPY AND CONTENT COORDINATION 

Luisa Palting

GRAPHIC DESIGN, LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

Kurt nguyen

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

QneXiS, inC.

STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

WWW.QNEXIS.COM

naVaL FaCiLiTieS engineeRing COMManD

greg Shear

REAR ADMIRAL, CEC, USN 

COMMANDER AND CHIEF OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

Mike Holdcraft

FORCM (SCW), USN

FORCE MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

OF THE SEABEES

FiRST naVaL COnSTRUCTiOn DiViSiOn

Richard e. Cellon

REAR ADMIRAL, CEC, USN

COMMANDER

albert garcia iii

REAR ADMIRAL, CEC, USNR

DEPUTY COMMANDER

Wade C. Howk 

CMDCM (SCW), USN

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

Calvin O. Foster

CMDCM (SCW), USNR

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

The Secretary of the Navy has determined this publication 

is necessary in the transaction of business required by 

law of the Department of the Navy. To learn more about 

the Civil Engineer Corps and the Naval Facilities 

Engineering Command, visit www.navfac.navy.mil.

PUBLISHED BY

FEATURESDEPARTMENTSGLOBAL WAR 

ON TERROR

NMCB 15, 30th NCR

New Bridge in Al Anbar ....................... 8

NMCB 1, 15

Anaconda Weapons Range ................ 9

Joint Task Force in Iraq ....................... 9

22nd NCR

Combined Medical Exercise ............. 10

NMCB 1, 30th NCR

Seabee-made Medical Table ............ 10

OTHER FEATURES

1NCD’s Command Post of the Future .. 15

Seabees Celebrate 66 Years of Honor, 

Courage and Commitment .................... 16

ON THE COVER

UT Jaypee Deguzman, nMCb 74, 

drives nails into a picnic table for 

escola Primeira Oque del Rei in 

Sao Tome and Principe in March, 

while boys from the school look 

on. The school project was included in africa Partnership Station 

(aPS), part of the U.S. navy’s 

global Fleet Station, providing 

a platform with the capacity and 

persistent presence to support 

sustained, focused training and 

collaboration on a regional scale 

to maritime partners in West and 

Central africa. 

Photo by LT Sylvester Adamah, 

NAVFAC Washington

14

3

3 Focus on Africa 

africa partnership Station links 

Seabees to u.S. maritime 

strategy for security at sea

14 Seabee Betty 

Naval Base Guam Seabees recognize 

local ‘hero’ for strengthening bonds 

between military and community
SUMMER08

SUMMER2008 1

BATTALION UPDATES

NMCB 5, UCT 2

Balikatan 2008 .................................... 25

NMCB 5

Sasebo Ordnance Facility ................. 26

Alfa Company Mechanics .................. 26

San Clemente Bridge ........................ 27

Partnership with ROK Navy ................ 28

NMCBS 74, 14

Guantanamo Detachment .................. 27

COMMAND NEWS

NMCB 40 Mass Reenlistment ................ 23

New Seabee FORCM ............................. 23

Transfer of Authority

 22nd, 30th NCRs ................................... 24

 NMCBs 15,17 ..................................... 24

TRAINING

NMCB 3

DESEX ............................................... 29

NMCB 11

Division 101, RTC Great Lakes .......... 30

UCT 1 

Tactical Exercise................................. 31

NMCB 4

Chief and Officer FTX ......................... 31

CBMU 202

NAS Jax Combat Care Course .......... 32

UCT 1

USNS Grapple Diving Exercise ......... 33

NMCB 17

USN Training Video ............................ 33

NEWSBREAK

................................................................ 34

FINAL WORD

FORCM (SCW) Jim Fairbanks shares his 

thoughts on today’s Seabees – changing 

lives and making a positive difference – as 

he transitions to his next duty station as 

CMDCM, CBC Gulfport 

18

11 20

11 Warrior

Transition 

program addresses 

physical, emotional 

and spiritual needs 

of deployed service 

members returning 

home

20 Awards & 

Commendations 

2007 Stethem, Combs, 

Shields, peltier, perry 

and other awards are 

presented

18 History 

In a March 1962 reprint from Proceedings

magazine, adM Ben Moreell recounts the 

origins of the Seabees
MILITARY RECIPIENTS

Units or organizations with Seabees assigned are authorized no-cost distributions 

of SEABEE Magazine (ISSN 1546-8429). Send requests by mail on official letterhead 

signed by the commanding officer or officer in charge, citing number of unit personnel 

to the magazine’s postal address.

PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you are interested in receiving a personal copy of SEABEE Magazine mailed 

directly to you or obtaining a yearly subscription, you may do so online, by telephone or mail.

Online: Point your web browser to http://bookstore.gpo.gov and enter the search 

term SEABEE. This brings you to the page where you can enter your subscription 

via a secure credit card transaction.

Mail: Send your request and address to – Superintendent of Documents, 

P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.

Phone: Call (202) 512-1800 and ask for the publications order desk.

Current subscription prices are $25 per year or $7 per issue FPO/APO/domestic 

and $36 per year or $9.80 per issue to foreign destinations.

Paid-subscriber address changes or corrections may be sent via instructions 

above.

POSTMASTER

Send address corrections to the magazine address shown at right.

EDITORIAL

SEABEE Magazine is scheduled quarterly (except for combined or other special 

issues) by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Public Affairs Office 

from the historic Washington Navy Yard, “the Quarterdeck of the Navy.” Our readership consists of Active and Reserve Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officers 

and their families, as well as veterans, retirees and the general public. Letters and electronic mail are welcome on all Seabee-related topics and, if published, are subject to 

editing for length and clarity. Written and photographic submissions that show Active 

and Reserve Seabees are strongly encouraged. We prefer to receive all written and 

photographic submissions by e-mail to seabeemagazine@navy.mil. Film or digital 

images should include captions and be unmodified; digital files should measure 

at least 300dpi at 5x7 inches. All submissions must include the author’s full name, 

rank/rate, postal address, duty contact telephone number(s) and e-mail address. 

Submissions by regular postal mail are strongly discouraged due to security precautions that may damage fragile contents. If necessary, send all postal mail to:

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND

Attn: SEABEE Magazine (Code PA)

1322 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Suite 1000

Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5065

Contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Department of Defense, 

the Navy, NAVFAC, CEC or the U.S. Navy Seabees. Inclusions of or references to 

any product or service in editorial content does not constitute endorsement by the 

U.S. Navy, NAVFAC, the CEC or the Seabees. All trademarks, service marks or other 

symbols, names, images or logos are and remain the sole property of their respective 

owners. Military address corrections, story and photo submissions, and requests for 

writer’s guidelines may be sent to the magazine’s postal or e-mail address. 

B R I C K S & M O R T A R

 Seabee Magazine

M A G A Z I N E

U NI T E D S TAT E S NAV Y

We buildowe fight

This issue’s cover feature focuses on the emerging 

strategic importance of Africa – the second largest 

and second most populous continent, after Asia. 

Surrounded by five bodies of water, this continent 

serves as the centerpiece for Africa Partnership 

Station and a key component in the maritime strategy of the 

U.S. armed forces. As you will see, our Builder Warriors play 

an important role in this strategy to protect our way of life, 

recognizing that peace and stability on the continent impacts 

not only Africans, but the interests of the U.S. and international 

community as well. 

As promised in the Spring issue, we have complete coverage on these prestigious awards – Stethem, Combs, Shields, 

Peltier and Perry. While each recipient – individual or battalion 

– is unique, they all have one quality in common. In carrying 

on the traditions founded by those for which the awards are 

named, each recipient is being honored for outstanding contributions in perpetuating the legacy of the Seabees.

The Warrior Transition Program is helping many Seabees 

ease back onto the homefront after having served their country 

far from families and friends. Toward the beginning of our publication schedule for this issue, NMCB 3 had just left Naval Base 

Ventura County for Iraq and Afghanistan, while the 30th NCR 

had recently returned to NAS Point Mugu after a 12-month 

deployment. Several arrival and departure photos of these ‘Bees 

are featured with this article. 

We also welcome FORCM (SCW) Mike Holdcraft to 

Washington, D.C., from his previous assignment as command master chief of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment. 

We also wish “fair winds and following seas” to FORCM 

Jim Fairbanks who is now CMDCM, CBC Gulfport, 

Miss. His inspiring words are featured in this issue’s 

Final Word.

Congratulations to MC2 Chad Runge and MC2 Demetrius 

Kennon, NMCB 1, frequent contributors to Seabee Magazine, 

for their recent 2007 Chief of Navy Information Awards. 

NMCBs 3 and 4 were also both awarded for their command 

publications.

Finally, all the writers, photographers and their commands who contribute to Seabee Magazine may take pride that 

their efforts have not gone unnoticed as well. Seabee won the 

Award of Distinction (Silver Award) in this year’s 14th Annual 

Communicator Awards competition from a field of more than 

9,000 competitors. Well done, Seabee contributors!

 Sincerely,

 

 George L. Markfelder

 Team Leader, Seabee Magazine

Seapower will be a unifying force for building a better tomorrow. 

– A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, unified maritime strategy of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard
SUMMER2008 3

(Continued on next page)

Since their inception in 1942, Seabees have a long and proud history of being a primary engineer 

force which can rapidly respond to a variety of humanitarian missions, ranging from civic action 

projects meant to improve the lives of allies and friends to military-to-military engineer engagements 

which increase understanding and build partner capacity. 

Seabees are forward deployed around the world today providing engineering and construction 

support across the full range of military operations from general engineering support in Operation 

Iraqi Freedom to promoting regional stability through engineer civil action projects in Africa, 

Europe, South America and the Pacific Theater. 

Seabee engineering capabilities support the goals of the unified maritime strategy of the 

U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard – A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower. An historical first, this strategy stresses an approach that integrates seapower with other elements of national 

power, as well as those of our friends and allies.

Africa Partnership Station (APS) is an integral part of this U.S. maritime strategy. The six-month APS 

mission has trained West African navies to fight drug smuggling and maritime security threats in a 

region which supplies nearly a fifth of U.S. oil imports, rivaling the Middle East. The Seabees are a 

critical component to the success of APS.

Africa Focus on

The improved navy Lighterage 

System (inLS) embarked 

on the HSV 2 Swift, left, and 

USnS 2nd LT John Bobo

(T-aK 300), assembled off 

the coast of Monrovia, Liberia.

Photo by MC2 Elizabeth Merriam

“WHETHER SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR, SUPPORTING THE MARITIME STRATEGY THROUGH BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER NATIONS, 

OR PROVIDING DISASTER RELIEF TO PEOPLE IN NEED, THE POSITIVE IMPACT THE 

SEABEES ARE MAKING AROUND THE WORLD HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.” 

– RADM Richard E. Cellon, Commander, First Naval Construction Division 
4 Seabee Magazine

Despite rolling seas and exhausting heat, Seabees from 

Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 2 completed 

a landmark application of forward-deployed assets, demonstrating a sea-basing capability for the U.S. Navy and Marine 

Corps team. While participating in the Africa Partnership 

Station (APS) deployment with Sailors and Marines from more 

than nine commands, the “Can Do” spirit culminated on March 

24, seven miles off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia. 

All of the many moving parts came together in the seamless 

transfer of a Marine Corps humanitarian assistance convoy team 

to the HSV 2 Swift across the Improved Navy Lighterage System 

(INLS) Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF).

After eight months of planning, analysis and training, the 

ACB 2 Bravo Company Seabees completed construction in the 

rolling African coastal swells in 24 hours. The Naval Support 

Element, comprised of Navy Beach Group 2, ACB 2, Assault 

Craft Unit 2 and Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 1, embarked 

the Maritime Prepositioned Ships (MPS) Squadron 1 vessels 

USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat (T-AK 3016) and USNS 2nd LT John 

Bobo (T-AK 3008)in Dakar, Senegal.

“This is a dangerous environment. You need to have 

the same game plan from the lowest level to the top,” said 

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Clive Porter, RRDF rig captain, 

ACB 2. “It takes a lot of communication. This system is faster 

Humanitarian Assistance Transfers Across INLS to Support Africa Partnership Station 

By LCDR Dan Cook, ACB 2

The first-ever Africa Partnership Station 

(APS) is a U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica-led initiative, executed by a 

multinational staff and training teams 

from various U.S. Navy, Marine Corps 

and Coast Guard commands. Part of the Global Fleet 

Station concept, APS seeks to support regionally sustained, focused training and multinational/interagency 

collaboration. During the 2007-2008 deployment, APS 

platforms USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Annapolis (SSN 

760) and High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift visited several 

nations in West and Central Africa, including the Gulf of 

Guinea, through the spring. 

Throughout the deployment, Seabees served a vital 

role in APS sharing engineering knowledge and best practices, providing humanitarian relief, and helping build 

confidence and trust between the U.S. and African nations 

– exemplifying the mission of the Navy Expeditionary 

Combat Command.

With the commissioning of the Unified Combatant 

Commander AFRICOM, APS demonstrates commitment 

on the part of the United States to the continent of Africa. 

And the ‘Bees plan to be there every step of the way.

(Continued from previous page)
SUMMER2008 5

and safer to put together [compared to the legacy system].”

The INLS is a redesign of a floating dock system originally 

used during World War II. Composed of interchangeable modules, the system pieces lock together to create ferries, causeway 

piers or the RRDF to transport cargo and equipment from ship 

to shore. These craft and systems, designed and delivered by the 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command’s (NAVFAC’s) Sealift 

Support Office, is a technologically sophisticated, extremely powerful and versatile asset.

In addition to the INLS RRDF, ACB 2 operated causeway ferries and warping tugs. These craft were used as the prime movers 

in RRDF construction and as sea-basing connectors.

Africa Focus on

(above) as part of the navy’s West africa Training Cruise 

(WaTC) 0, an aPS-related initiative, the USnS 2nd LT John Bobo 

(T-aK 300) moors to the inLS discharge facility off the coast of 

Monrovia, Liberia.

Photo by MC2 Elizabeth Merriam

(inset) Sn Robert buchwald prepares to lock inLS RRDF modules using hydraulically actuated side connectors. This newly 

designed system has eliminated labor-intensive and dangerous 

practices with technologically sophisticated structural systems. 

Photo by LCDR Dan Cook
6 Seabee Magazine

Five Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) technicians 

returned to Port Hueneme, Calif., Feb. 24, after making final 

adjustments to the prime power plant they installed at Camp 

Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa, to meet the camp’s increasing 

energy demands. 

The plant, which began producing power the first week in 

February, is the largest expeditionary power plant MUSE has 

installed since the Vietnam era.

“The mission has been a successful example of the expeditionary capabilities that MUSE has developed to meet current 

operational requirements,” said LCDR Anthony Dapp, operations officer, Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center 

(NFELC). “Historically, the majority of MUSE missions have 

involved cold iron support for the haze gray Navy. The recent 

focus on expeditionary deployment of MUSE equipment has 

required the program to engineer modifications to its equipment to meet new mission requirements.”

The plant, capable of powering nearly 4,000 residential 

Mobile Utilities Experts Complete Expeditionary Power Plant

By Linda Wadley, Public Affairs Officer, NFELC

‘Can Do Crew’ Begins School Renovation 

Work in Ethiopia

By MC3 John Hulle, NMCB 74 Public Affairs

S

eabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 

(NMCB) 74 began work renovating a secondary school 

in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, in March.

The first part of the project included installing a tile floor, 

painting the structure, upgrading the electrical system and 

installing new data lines for internet connections in the computer lab. After the computer lab is complete, the crew plans 

on focusing their attention on the auditorium.

“The upgrades will have a tremendous impact on not only 

the students but the community as well, since the auditorium 

is also used for civic functions and community meetings,” said 

Construction Electrician 1st Class John Davis, mission commander of the self-proclaimed Dire Dawa ‘Can Do Crew.’

“After getting settled in we were introduced to local leaders and elders,” Davis added. “We worked closely with the civil 

affairs team and local leaders to discuss needs and issues to 

enhance the quality of life here in Dire Dawa.”

Before beginning work on the school, the ‘Can Do Crew’ 

repaired 14 water distribution points throughout Dire Dawa. 

“There are very few houses in Dire Dawa that have running water,” said Davis. “If there were no water points there is 

no telling how far people would have to walk to get water.”

Builder 3rd Class Daniel 

Cindric said he didn’t 

expect that he would be so 

welcomed. 

“I have noticed the 

entire community wants to 

be involved in all aspects of 

our work,” he said. 

bU3 Timothy Walton, left, and 

bU3 Daniel Cindric, nMCb 74, 

lay blocks for a water box in 

Dire Dawa, ethiopia, earlier 

this year. 

Photo by MC3 John Hulle

bU Jose andino (center) and 

UT Juan aviles (right), nMCb 74, 

enjoy a coffee ceremony prepared 

by the local community. Seabees 

from nMCb 74 replaced 14 water 

distribution areas during February 

and March in Dire Dawa, ethiopia. 

Photo by MC3 John Hulle
SUMMER2008 7

NMCBs 74, 40 Build Community Spirit 

Through Ghana Medical Clinic

Source articles from LT Gareth Montgomery, NMCB 74 Det. APS, 

and MC2 Michael Campbell, APS Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions 

(NMCBs) 74 and 40 worked together on Africa 

Partnership Station’s (APS’s) premier Ghana project, 

the Ghana Medical Clinic, in Tema, earlier this year. 

“It’s a good feeling to be able to work on a project that’s 

going to benefit the local population in Tema,” said LT Joe 

Clements, NMCB 40. “The Seabee motto, ‘With compassion 

for others, we build, we fight...,’ fits well with what we are doing 

here. We are building with compassion for others, while fighting the global war on terrorism.”

The Seabees from NMCB 40 extended their normal sixmonth deployment to augment NMCB 74 personnel assigned 

to Det. APS. Together they completed a 2,000-square-foot 

medical facility containing two medical wards, two treatment 

rooms, five bathrooms, a laboratory, a dispensary, an office 

and a covered waiting area. The facility treats the local civilian 

population, as well as Ghanaian military personnel. 

Additionally, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for 

People Everywhere), a private voluntary organization with an 

emphasis on advancing health through humanitarian assistance and education worldwide, will donate equipment for the 

Ghanaian doctors to use in the facility. 

APS has delivered more than $1 million in donations on 

behalf of Project HOPE in Ghana. 

“The partnership between Project HOPE and APS to provide equipment for the clinic constructed by the Seabees and 

Ghanaian engineers is a great collaboration that enhances each 

organization’s efforts on behalf of the Ghanaian people,” said 

LCDR Chuck Bell, a civil affairs planner from Maritime Civil 

Affairs Squadron 2 and the APS non-governmental organization activities coordinator. 

“The project means a lot to us and we, the people of Ghana, 

appreciate what [has been] done,” said Corporal Richard 

Akuffo, 49th Engineering Battalion, Ghana. “The clinic will help 

a lot; it will help our children and our children’s children. So, 

we say thank you to the Seabees for building unity between our 

countries so our friendship can last forever.”

Members of nMCbs 40 and 74, ghanaian service members and 

volunteers from Project HOPe unload donated medical supplies at 

the Manhean Medical Clinic in ghana as part of aPS. 

Photo by MC2 Michael Campbell 

homes, constitutes a 50 percent increase in the Joint Task 

Force-Horn of Africa power generation capacity and meets all 

current and near-future needs, explained Dapp. In total, six 

1,200-kilowatt power plants and two 5-mega volt amp substations will be tied into the camp power grid. 

CE1 Wilbert Davis, a technician with the MUSE division, performs 

an operational check on a 1,200 kW-generator at Camp Lemonier, 

Djibouti, Africa. NFELC’s MUSE Department, Port Hueneme, Calif., 

built the $5 million power station in 15 months with help from the 

Public Works Department and NMCBs 5, 40 and 133. 

Photo by CECS Doug Heiner

7

Africa Focus on
 Seabee Magazine

S

teelworkers from Naval Mobile 

Construction Battalion (NMCB) 

15 and engineers of 814th MultiRole Bridge Company, also known 

as bridgers, constructed the second floating span of a Mabey Johnson Float Bridge 

in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq on Jan. 25. 

With the continued emphasis on reducing 

coalition force impact to the local Iraqi 

population, the 30th Naval Construction 

Regiment (NCR) (Forward) coordinated 

the emplacement of the new bridge as a 

replacement to the Tactical Assault Float 

Bridge that has been deployed at this site 

for nearly a year. 

“This bridge satisfies three objectives 

vital to Multi-National Force-West,” said 

LT Wade Horton, II Marine Expeditionary 

Force (Forward) area construction engineer. “It maintains a critical line of communication, reduces maintenance requirements from daily to monthly, and allows 

for tactical redeployment of extremely 

limited assault float bridging.”

Seabee steelworkers contributed vital 

welding expertise necessary to prepare the 

floating pontoons. 

“The steelworkers from NMCB 15 

welded distribution beams and winch 

trays to the pontoons. The beams distribute the weight of the bridge and 

vehicular traffic across the pontoons, and 

the winch trays secure the anchorage system to the pontoons,” said LTJG Daniel 

Sommerville, 30th NCR (Fwd) engineering officer. 

Once the two floating spans and two 

landing spans were completed, ramps 

were constructed at each approach. The 

final product, completed Feb. 3, is a 

single-lane bridge capable of sustained 

operations with minimal maintenance 

required from coalition forces. 

“This is one more opportunity for 

engineers in Al Anbar to make a difference for the coalition forces, for 

the Iraqi Security Forces and, most 

importantly, for the Iraqi people,” said 

LCDR David McAlister, operations officer, 30th NCR (Fwd). “Ensuring mobility 

across Al Anbar will not only allow Iraqi 

security forces to continue their progression toward self-reliance, but ensures the 

local Iraqi economy is free to prosper 

and moves the Iraqis that much closer to 

a normal life.”

 Seabee Magazine

GWOTupdate

Seabees and Army Engineers Work in Partnership on New Bridge

By LCDR David McAlister and LTJG Daniel Sommerville, 30th NCR (Fwd) Public Affairs

Seabees from NMCB 15 and engineers 

of 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company 

construct the second floating span of a 

Mabey Johnson Float Bridge in the Al Anbar 

Province of Iraq in late January. 

Photo by LT Wade Horton

30 NMCB 15 th NCR
SUMMER2008 

GLOBAL WAR on TERROR

Task Force Sierra Seabees 

Commended for Improving 

Weapons Range 

By MC2 Demetrius Kennon, NMCB 1 Public Affairs

Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction 

Battalions (NMCBs) 1 and 15, Task Force 

Sierra Det. 1 completed construction improvements for a weapons range on board Logistics 

Support Area (LSA) Anaconda in Iraq on 

March 10.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Burt Fields, commander, LSA Anaconda, presented a certificate 

of appreciation to the Seabees and Soldiers who 

worked on the project.

The range is used to train and qualify 

service members on sniper and handgun shooting. 

Because of the Seabees’ work, service members 

are now able to train on enemy engagement techniques in a newly restored shoot house.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Burt Fields, commander, LSA Anaconda, thanks the 

Seabees of NMCBs 1 and 15 Task Force Sierra Det. 1, for their efforts in construction 

improvements for a weapons range in Iraq in March. 

Photo by MC2 Demetrius Kennon

The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, Task Force Sierra Main Body (TFS MB) Det. led the way for 

a joint task force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, beginning in February.

Formed with personnel from both NMCBs 1 and 15, TFS MB was tasked with base maintenance, engineering and 

construction on a multitude of established bases and forward operating bases (FOBs). 

Operations on one FOB included an expedited timetable for a 100-man tent camp, two 30 feet by 100 feet Southwest Asia 

huts, planning and team rooms, and expeditionary berthing. TFS MB provided all planning, design and utility layout for the FOB 

additions. 

“From requirement tasking to Seabees on the ground, TFS MB executed the requirement in 25 days,” said Chief Steelworker 

(SCW) Treasa Link, operations chief. 

“The quality of leadership and the experience of the crew members motivated us,” Builder 3rd Class Brian Kuester said. “With 

what we were already trained to do, we didn’t have to ask many questions on minor issues, [and] we knew to make certain choices 

to inform the leadership of what we were doing.”

EA2 Scott Snyder, 

NMCB 15, Task 

Force Sierra Main 

Body, surveys the 

land at a prospective 

FOB in Iraq, 

Feb. 21. 

Photo by 

MC2 Demetrius Kennon

Seabees Prove Essential to Joint Task Force in Iraq

By LT David McCoy, NMCB 1

NMCB 1 NMCB 15
SWCN Jacob Bullock (left), NMCB 1, and UT2 Patrick Long (right), 

30th NCR, pose with the father of a young Iraqi boy to present the 

special Spica table they made for his son’s medical treatment. 

U.S. Navy photo

10 Seabee Magazine

22nd NCR

Steelworker Constructionman Jacob Bullock, NMCB 1, 

and Utilitiesman 2nd Class Patrick Long, 30th Naval 

Construction Regiment (NCR) (Forward), stationed in 

Ramadi, Iraq, paused from their busy schedules to accommodate an unusual request from LCDR Jon Forsberg, an orthopedic surgeon attached to the Ramadi Surgical Team. 

In January, an Iraqi boy named Mohommad was injured 

while playing around a civilian construction project. He 

accidentally overturned a wheelbarrow full of dry 50-kilogram cement bags which crushed the 5-year-old’s femur. His 

father and older brother splinted it as best they could and 

then sought help from the American military, which is where 

Dr. Forsberg came in.

“The splint Mohommad’s father and brother made for him 

was actually [...] good,” Forsberg stated. “However, given the 

seriousness of this type of fracture, we wanted to provide the 

lightest, strongest cast possible.” 

This involved placing a kind of body cast – known as a Spica 

cast – which is where the two motivated Seabees pitched in.

With “Can Do” spirit, SWCN Bullock and UT2 Long took 

time out of their hectic day at the Ramadi construction materials yard to cut and weld a special Spica table to properly position Mohommad for the cast. 

 “We watched the surgical team put Mohommad to sleep 

and [we actually saw] our table being used,” Bullock said. “It 

took a bit of time because the cast was so big, but [everything] 

turned out great, according to the surgeon.”

Making a Difference in Iraq, One Village at a Time

By CDR Gabriel Lee, MC, and MCC (SCW) Jeffrey Pierce, 

22nd NCR Public Affairs 

“With compassion for others, we build, we 

fight, for peace with freedom” is the longstanding motto for the Navy’s construction battalions. 

The concept of compassion and peace has never held more truth, as when 

the regimental surgeon for the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) 

participated in a combined medical exercise on March 22. 

In a joint effort with a Marine Corps security team from 3rd Battalion, 

5th Marines, medical staff and further augmentation, the convoy set out for 

the village of Ameriyah located in the Ferris region of Iraq. Its objective 

was to provide medical assistance to the local system and additional health 

services to the village. 

“It was a privilege to be asked and an honor to provide my pediatric 

skills to the children of the area,” said CDR (Dr.) Gabriel Lee, 22nd NCR’s 

regimental surgeon. 

Dr. Lee was actively engaged in providing primary care to more than 30 

children who visited his makeshift clinic.

Working alongside an Iraqi pediatrician, Dr. Bramin, Lee was also educated on the specific issues unique to children in a war-torn area. 

“These children need care, but I am just one of a few individuals who 

can help – we need more,” Bramin said. He appreciated the assistance 

provided by Lee, and was genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to work 

with a fellow pediatrician.

“I hope that I can continue to participate throughout our [22nd NCR] 

deployment,” Lee said. “I came into the Navy knowing that I would help 

the military by providing the best care to our military families, but now 

I feel I’m contributing much more for the Seabees and the Navy in this 

operational setting.”

CDR Gabriel Lee, MC, 22nd NCR’s regimental surgeon, presents a blanket to one of the many Iraqi children from the village of Ameriyah in Iraq to whom he provided medical care 

at a makeshift clinic. 

Photo by EO2 (SCW) Timothy Walters

Seabees Use Welding Skills 

to Help Mend Broken Bone 

By LT Anthony O’Daniel, NMCB 1 Public Affairs 

NMCB 1

30th NCR
SUMMER2008 11

 BACK THERE &

2008 11

(Top) Seabees attached to nMCb 3 line up on the grinder at 

naval base Ventura County Port Hueneme, Calif., as they prepare 

to turn in their gear prior to deploying to iraq, april 4. 

Photo by MC1 Carmichael Yepez

(Left) CaPT Kate gregory, commodore, 30th nCR, is the first to 

welcome the regiment’s gold Team back to naval base Ventura 

County, Calif. More than 50 Seabees from the gold Team’s main 

body returned to eager family members after replacing the 

blue Team in Fallujah on Sept. 11, 007, marking the end of 

the regiment’s year-long deployment. 

Photo by MCSA Ernesto Hernandez Fonte 
12 Seabee Magazine

NMCB 3 Seabees turn in their gear 

at Naval Base Ventura County Port 

Hueneme, Calif., prior to their departure 

to Iraq in April. 

Photo by MC1 Carmichael Yepez

DEPARTURES

LT Wade Horton, engineering officer, 

watches his son walk for the first time 

during the homecoming of the 30th NCR’s 

Gold Team at NAS Point Mugu, Calif., on 

March 18. 

Photo by MCSA Ernesto Hernandez Fonte 

ARRIVALS
SUMMER2008 13

The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction 

Battalion (NMCB) 1’s advanced party is 

one of the latest groups to participate in 

the Warrior Transition Program (WTP) 

at Camp Moreell, Kuwait, April 2, after a 

successful deployment to several locations 

across Iraq and Afghanistan.

“During our six-month deployment, mobility 

was a constant theme,” said NMCB 1’s Commanding 

Officer CDR Dean Tufts. “In December, my Seabees 

in the Pacific redeployed to Iraq and Afghanistan 

to fully align all of [NMCB 1] in U.S. Central 

Command. Operating out of seven main camps, we 

displaced to 43 different forward operating bases in 

support of our numerous supported commanders.”

As the ‘Bees continue back to their Gulfport, 

Miss., homeport, they will complete a three-day 

program to ensure the success of their next mission: 

maintaining healthy lifestyles and relationships as 

they reunite with family and loved ones.

The First Naval Construction Division established the WTP in 2006 to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each deployed service 

member. This Seabee WTP model would later be 

used by the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center 

(ECRC) to help all Navy Individual Augmentees 

(IAs) redeploying from the CENTCOM area of 

operations. In the course of three days, service members rotate through discussion groups and training 

run by the battalion chaplain, safety officer, medical 

officer and staff members from their homeport Fleet 

and Family Support Center. 

“For some, returning their lives back to the 

way they were prior to their deployment is a difficult transition to make,” said NMCB 1’s Command 

Chaplain LT Sharon Wheaton. “For six months, 

they’ve become accustomed to paying attention to 

every small detail of their mission, and may have very 

little tolerance for even the smallest mistake.

“Of course, this isn’t a healthy trait in maintaining personal relationships,” Wheaton added. “In the 

Warrior Transition Program, we assist these service 

members by easing them away from these practices, 

defusing short tempers and preparing them for 

many of the issues they may encounter in their reintroduction to their relationships.”

While a wide variety of topics is covered in the 

program, each holds critical value to the returning 

service members.

“For those of us with a family waiting back 

home, this course couldn’t be more important,” 

said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Charles Vaughn, 

who will soon reunite with his wife and five-year-old 

daughter. “The worst thing I can imagine is if my 

return home would cause problems with my family. 

It should be a happy time for everyone.”

Another part of the curriculum is drug and 

alcohol training. 

Most of the troops are grateful for the training 

they receive during the three days, believing that 

they will be able to put their newly acquired knowledge immediately to use.

“I think we can all take something valuable away from this curriculum,” said 

ENS Teruo Toyama. “Most of us know how to drive 

already, but it’s been six months since we were last 

on the road. The program just reminds us of things 

we need to do to keep ourselves safe for our return 

home.”

However, one of the most crucial facets of the 

WTP cannot be found in the curriculum.

“After going seven days a week at full throttle for 

the past seven months, these three days provide us 

an opportunity to de-stress and just get some muchneeded rest in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere,” 

said LCDR Anant Patel, NMCB 1’s executive officer. 

“Bringing everyone together once again, warrior 

transition also allows fellow shipmates who haven’t 

seen each other in months to catch up on old times 

and share experiences.”

Transition Course Helps Bring Warriors Home

By MC2 Chad Runge, NMCB 1 Public Affairs

BACK THERE &

T

“...warrior transition also 

allows fellow shipmates who 

haven’t seen each other in 

months to catch up on old 

times and share experiences.”

LCDR Anant Patel, Executive Officer, NMCB 1

Editor’s Note: NMCB 1 returned home to CBC Gulfport, Miss., in April.
14 Seabee Magazine

Arenaming ceremony was held March 14 to unveil Seabee Betty Drive, the main 

street transiting Camp Covington on Naval Base Guam, in honor of the late 

Vicenta Chargualaf Peredo, affectionately known as “Seabee Betty.”

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Seabees, officers, family and friends 

were on hand to recognize and honor the many acts of kindness Peredo provided to 

deployed Seabees.

“Seabee Betty was, and still is, representative of the best of Guam, in her positive 

spirit and extension of hospitality, warmth, friendship and kindness,” said RADM William 

French, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, and U.S. Defense Representative to the 

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Federated States of Micronesia. 

Seabees from NMCB 5 were in formation at the ceremony, and provided perspective 

on the importance of more than five decades of Seabee Betty’s contributions to members 

of the Naval Construction Force. 

“Being deployed to Guam without Seabee Betty is just not the same. We all miss 

her, and she always made us feel at home and made deployments here special,” said 

Construction Mechanic 1st Class Cleveland Peart, who met Betty during multiple Guam 

deployments early in his career.

Born in 1934 in the village of Yona, Seabee Betty began her relationship 

with service members deployed to Guam through her work at a naval base social 

establishment. Her support quickly extended outside the base, as she reached 

out to those far from home and invited them to become part of her extended 

local family. She hosted fiestas for each Seabee battalion and the hundreds of 

parties attended by thousands of ’Bees over the years resulted in strengthening 

bonds between military members and the local community.

“For those of us who have served, we appreciate what a simple afternoon 

spent among friends and away from the stresses of work can do for morale, 

well-being and unit cohesion,” said Seabee Force Master Chief (SCW) James 

Fairbanks, in a letter to Seabee Betty’s family. “Betty in her own way provided this for 

countless young men and women through the years, and earned a place in the lore and 

history of Navy Seabees, never to be forgotten. From all the Seabees and indeed the United 

States Navy, we thank her from the bottom of our hearts.” 

Among the distinguished guests on hand at the ceremony were “Seabee Debbie” 

Peredo, daughter of Seabee Betty, and her husband, “Seabee Joe” Lujan, who have taken 

up the mantle of hosting Seabees in order to perpetuate the spirit and goodwill established 

by Seabee Betty.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, new street signs were unveiled, red balloons were 

released in memory of Seabee Betty and all in attendance stood to sing “The Song of the 

Seabees” in unison.

“This is such a great day,” remarked Peredo. “I know that Mom’s looking down on all 

of us with a great big smile.”

Debbie Peredo, daughter of the late Vicenta 

Chargualaf Peredo, affectionately known on 

guam as “Seabee betty,” displays a new 

street sign in honor of her mother during 

a ceremony at Camp Covington on naval 

base guam. Seated next to Debbie Peredo 

is RaDM Michael giorgione, commander, 

naVFaC Pacific. Seabee betty opened 

her home and her heart to thousands of 

Seabees deployed to guam for more than 

five decades. 

Photo by LCDR Kyra Hawn, 

NAVFAC Marianas Public Affairs

Guam Honors 

 Seabee Betty with

 Street Dedication

By LCDR Kyra Hawn, Public Affairs Officer, NAVFAC Marianas

“[Seabee] Betty...earned a place in the lore and 

history of Navy Seabees, never to be forgotten.”

 FORCM (SCW) James Fairbanks
SUMMER2008 15

Naval Construction Force (NCF) units added a state-of-the-art command post to 

their inventory with the deployment in late February of 20 Modular Command Post 

Systems (MCPS). Full implementation and training on the lightweight, mobile tactical units will be completed by mid-2008.

“This is the first time for the full outfitting of the NCF,” said Dennis Rice, Naval Facilities 

Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) Tactical Communications/IT manager. “NFELC, along 

with the First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), have been testing these systems for NCF use 

over the past several years.”

Comprised of a full suite of video presentation software and hardware, framework to display 

the system, LAN cable-equipped tables, chairs and transport cases, the MCPS enhances the units’ 

command and control capabilities. The MCPS can accommodate up to eight computers connected to three screens. The output from a video switcher allows for any or all screens to display 

what is coming out of multiple computers or digital devices. The system can also be set up by 

trained operators in the field in approximately 30 minutes.

 “1NCD is moving closer to improve the electronic capabilities of the command and control 

COCs across all echelons of the NCF,” said George Steffen, deputy training officer, 1NCD. “The 

program end-state is to have an adaptive, decision-centered visualization environment for the 

future commander.” 

Dennis Rice (standing), nFeLC Tactical Communications/ iT manager, demonstrates the use of the 

Modular Command Post Systems during a meeting with participating nCF unit representatives. 

Photo by James P. Cencer, NFELC Public Affairs

15

1NCD Moves Closer 

to Command Post

of the Future

By Linda Wadley, Public Affairs Officer, NFELC
16 Seabee Magazine

MCPOn named Honorary Seabee

By MCCS (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Master Chief Petty 

Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

The highest ranking active duty enlisted man in the Navy is now an honorary 

Seabee. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy 

(MCPON) (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. was designated an Honorary ‘Bee by RADM Greg Shear, 

commander, NAVFAC, and chief of civil engineers, and Seabee Force Master Chief (FORCM) 

(SCW) James Fairbanks during the Seabees’ 66th

birthday celebration in the Washington, D.C. 

area, March 8. 

Seabees and personnel assigned to the 

Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) and Navy Facilities 

Engineering Command (NAVFAC) attended the 

celebration, highlighted by remarks from guest 

speaker Campa. In addition to the Seabee birthday, attendees also celebrated NAVFAC’s 166th

anniversary and the CEC’s 141th anniversary. 

During his remarks, Campa mentioned the 

Seabee legacy and how it was established in World 

War II. 

“Today’s Seabees continue that legacy of 

service. It’s alive and well and that’s what we 

celebrate here tonight, a tradition of selfless service, sacrifice and commitment to the values and 

principles that have kept the Seabee community 

strong, united and full of purpose for 66 years,” 

said Campa. 

Prior to Campa’s remarks, the Seabees honored Retired Master Chief Constructionman 

(SCW) Joseph DeFranco with the 2008 

Distinguished Service Award for his work in 

support of the Seabee Memorial Scholarship 

Association.

(at left) MCPOn (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. (left) receives 

the Silver Bee from RaDM greg Shear (right), commander, 

naVFaC, and chief of civil engineers, at the Washington D.C. 

area CeC/naVFaC/Seabee anniversary ball on March . 

FORCM Master Chief James Fairbanks holds the certificate 

presented to the MCPOn making him an honorary member 

of the Seabees.

Photo by MC1(EXW) Jennifer Villalovos

(Right) ea Robert Wetzel (background) nMCb 1, Task 

Force Sierra Main body, folds an american flag after flying 

it over iraq on March 5, the 66th anniversary of the Seabees. 

Wetzel presented the flag to his one-year-old son after he 

arrived home from deployment. 

Photo by MC2 Demetrius Kennon

(Far right) RaDM greg Shear, commander, naVFaC, and 

chief of civil engineers, eOCa Kenny Lay and CaPT (Ret.) 

bob Thomas cut the birthday cake for the 66th Seabee and 

141st CeC anniversary ball in San Diego, Calif., March 15. 

in keeping with naval tradition, the oldest and the youngest 

Seabee at the ball came forward to cut the cake with RaDM 

Shear. More than 450 navy personnel and families commemorated the Seabee and CeC birthdays. 

Photo by MC3 Brian Morales

Members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, Task Force Sierra Main Body (TFS MB), part of a joint task force in Iraq, 

reflected on their time in the Naval Construction Force on March 5, 2008, 

by celebrating the 66th anniversary of the Seabees.

“It’s about tradition, pride. We celebrate to show our troops what we 

do and why we’re here,” said Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) Helen 

Daniel, TFS MB Alfa Company's leading chief petty officer. 

To honor the day, one Seabee reenlisted, another wore his Seabee 

Combat Warfare (SCW) designation for the first time and another flew 

an American flag over Iraq to take home to his one-year-old son – three 

acts of loyalty.

“Seabees make things safer and better for the Soldiers, Marines, 

Airmen and Sailors who are out there fighting on the front lines,” said 

Seabees Reflect on 66 Years of Tradition

By MC2 Demetrius Kennon, NMCB 1 Public Affairs
SUMMER2008 17

Chief Storekeeper (SCW/AW) Patrick Atwara, TFS MB Supply leading 

chief petty officer, who recently earned his SCW designation and is on his 

first tour with the Seabees. 

“It means we’re here, boots on the ground. We’re building, and if we 

have to defend it, then we’ll defend it because it’s ours,” said Daniel, who 

reenlisted with the Seabees for four years. “We take great pride in that.”

The need for a responsive, capable construction force to build 

advance bases in a war zone was evident almost seven decades ago and is 

essential to the modern war fighter. Seabees today are identified by their 

hard hats, camouflage uniforms, Seabee patch on their left breast pocket, 

and their “Can Do” attitudes. The 1940s promotional posters which portrayed the Seabees enjoying their jobs during those difficult times only 

affirm that the tradition has endured.

West Coast Seabees Celebrate birthday

By MC3 Brian Morales, ACB 1 Public Affairs

Seabees assigned to Naval Beach Group 1, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) 

Southwest, Amphibious Construction Battalion 

1, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 

303, Naval Special Warfare Group 1 Logistics 

Support Unit and various other San Diego local 

area commands celebrated the 66th Seabee and 

141st Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) anniversaries 

on March 15.

More than 450 people attended the event 

to catch up with old friends stationed in the 

Southwest region and celebrate a common history among several diverse communities.

Among those in attendance was Pearl Harbor 

survivor CAPT (Ret.) Bob Thomas. As the oldest Seabee at the event, Thomas came forward 

to cut the birthday cake along with the youngest 

Seabee, Equipment Operator Constructionman 

Apprentice Kenny Lay.

“With compassion for others, we build and we 

fight, for peace with freedom,” said guest speaker 

RADM Greg Shear, commander, NAVFAC, and 

chief of civil engineers, as he opened his speech 

with a motivating quote from ADM Ben Moreell. 

He added, “When I take this uniform off and I’m 

no longer in the service, and someone asks me, 

What did you do? I won’t talk about anything 

other than being one of the Seabees because 

that’s what makes me the most proud.”

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the San Diego area Seabee of the Year, 

Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW/FMF) Eric Miller, 

Naval Special Warfare Group 1.
1 Seabee Magazine

The idea of a uniformed construction force originated at Great Lakes during World War I and served as a basis for war planning between the two world 

wars. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, civilian contractors and their employees 

could not be used effectively in combat areas. A civilian bearing arms would be 

considered a guerrilla, liable to summary execution if captured. Furthermore, 

the capture of civilian contractor employees at Wake, Guam, and Cavite [during 

WWII] demonstrated that few could protect themselves when under fire. Since 

most construction workers are physically rugged and mentally toughened, it was 

believed that they could be given military training in a relatively short time so they 

could be used effectively in combat.

Seabee Heritage 101

By ADM Ben Moreell

(background) 

Seabees and Marines 

attend easter services 

atop Mount Suribachi, 

iwo Jima, on april 1, 145. 

Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Institute

(inset left) CeCS (SCW) alex bautista 

(left) and LTJg andrew Hayes, naVFaC 

Far east Public Works Department atsugi, 

visit a memorial dedicated to those who died at 

the battle of iwo Jima during World War ii. 

Photo by NAVFAC Far East Public Affairs

1

Editor’s Note: 

The following contains excerpts from “The Seabees in World 

War II,” by Admiral Ben Moreell, in his 20th anniversary article 

in the March 1962 issue of Proceedings magazine. It is 

reprinted with the permission of the U.S. Naval Institute. 

Copyright © 1962 U.S. Naval Institute/www.usni.org.

aDM ben Moreell

U.S. Navy photo, c. 1946

iwo Jima Then and now
SUMMER2008 1

What kind of men were they?

According to the Seabees themselves, “A Seabee is a soldier in a sailor’s 

uniform, with Marine training, doing civilian work at WPA [Works 

Progress Administration] wages.” The Seabees were typical American 

craftsmen. Almost every trade and profession was represented in the ranks 

of the Seabees. 

The enlisted Seabees were older than their colleagues in the other 

branches of the Navy and in the Marine Corps. Their average age was 

about 33, while the men in the general service of the Navy and the Marines 

were 10 years or more younger. There was considerable unofficial flexibility in the Seabee age limit. 

Where did they serve?

It is difficult to find any active combat zone where there were no Seabees. 

They participated in every amphibious operation in the Pacific. They were 

in North Africa, in Sicily, and at Salerno [Italy]. They handled the artificial 

harbor, landing barges, causeways and fueling facilities at Omaha Beach 

in Normandy.

What kinds of work did they do?

In addition to the regular Construction Battalions building the advance 

bases toward Japan, specialized types of battalions, units and detachments 

were organized as new needs developed.

Largest among these were the “Seabee Special” battalions used primarily for stevedore duty. Their job was the hazardous loading and unloading of ships in war zones where there were usually no docking facilities.

The Construction Battalion Maintenance Units (CBMUs), about 

one-fourth the size of a regular battalion, took over the maintenance of 

the work built by the regular battalions. There were other groups ranging 

from six to 500 men designated as “Seabee detachments.” 

What made the Seabees ‘tick?’

By far, most of the Seabees were volunteers. The Seabees had high morale 

because they knew their jobs and they knew what the war was about. They 

were anxious to “get it over with” and get home. They were doing what 

they wanted to do voluntarily. 

What did the ‘top brass’ under whom they served, and others with whom they

were associated, think of them?

General MacArthur, in conferring the Presidential Citation on the 40th

Seabees, said in part, “After working all day and fighting all night, small 

parties of the Construction Battalion personnel still found time during 

their few hours of leisure off-duty to rout out small bands of the enemy, 

locate and report pill-boxes, and otherwise carry the offensive to the 

enemy’s position. The cheerful and uncomplaining attitude of these engineers and the outstanding esprit de corps was noticeable to all associated 

with the unit and created an immediate resurgence of the offensive spirit 

in weary troops.”

During a call made on General MacArthur at his headquarters in 

Brisbane, Australia, in February 1944, he quipped, “The only trouble with 

your Seabees is that I do not have enough of them.”

Those were the Seabees – who could indeed do the impossible.

On December 28, 1941, the Bureau of Yards and Docks (present-day 

NAVFAC) requested authorization to organize three Construction 

Battalions, each consisting of 1,073 men and 32 officers. Each battalion 

was to be self-sufficient for carrying out any construction work assigned 

to it. Construction Battalions soon became known as CBs, and this 

soon turned into Seabees. 

according to the Seabees, the difficult they did immediately, the 

impossible took a little longer, but they always got the job done. 

(Pictured at top) Seabees build a windmill washer for battalion 

laundry. 

(above) Undeterred by minor distractions, these builder 

Warriors discuss plans and details for seaplane runway ramps.

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute
0 Seabee Magazine

STEELWORKER 2ND CLASS ROBERT D. STETHEM AWARD 

BUC James Hix, NMCB 74

By MC2 Gregory N. Juday, NMCB 74 Public Affairs

Chief Builder James Hix has been selected as the 2007 Stethem 

Award recipient for his outstanding moral courage and unprecedented achievements while serving as NMCB 74 mission commander and operations chief in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, during Operation 

Iraqi Freedom from October 2006 to April 2007, The Stethem 

Award is presented by the Seabee Historical Foundation.

“Chief Hix is an extremely talented operations chief and 

is highly motivated. Troops are drawn toward his leadership,” 

said Senior Chief Builder Anthony Chance, safety officer, 

NMCB 74. “He is an awesome tactician, taking on the most 

dangerous missions in downtown Ar Ramadi...with no communication with the battalion and not the best of scenarios, making 

sure all the Seabees under his command made it home safely 

to their families.”

His courageous performance as mission commander was 

crucial in the completion of four highly visible and extremely 

dangerous construction missions, many times performed under direct hostile fire, greatly improving the battle space commander’s ability to stabilize downtown Ar Ramadi. Serving as 

operations chief, he bravely led his Seabees into high-risk combat 

environments, completing 50 contingency projects and providing 

U.S. and host nation forces with critical upgrades to operational 

facilities.

Named for Steelworker 2nd Class (DV) Robert Dean Stethem, the award 

recognizes outstanding individual moral courage in support of the 

traditions of the Seabees while in the course of actual operations. Petty 

Officer Stethem was a victim of the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 

June 1985, after being singled out from passengers as a U.S. Navy 

Sailor and killed when terrorist demands were not met. He was returning home with fellow members of UCT 1 after completing a routine 

assignment in Greece. 

Seabees from 

NMCBs 4, 14 

and 74 Receive 

2007 Stethem, 

Combs and 

Shields awards

RADM Greg Shear, Commander, 

Naval Facilities Engineering 

Command (NAVFAC) and Chief of 

Civil Engineers announced the 

recipients of the 2007 Stethem, 

Combs and Shields awards. 

These annual awards are presented 

to recognize individual contributions 

to the traditions and legacies of the 

Seabees.

bUC James Hix (pictured at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, africa), nMCb 74, 

received the 007 Stethem award for inspirational leadership while serving 

as mission commander in iraq. Hix is currently operations chief for nMCb 

74’s Det. Horn of africa which is conducting humanitarian missions. 

Photo by MC3 John Hulle

aWaRdS & COMMeNdatIONS
SUMMER2008 1

CONSTRUCTION MECHANIC 3RD CLASS MARVIN G. SHIELDS AWARD

Builder 1st Class (SCW) 

Courtland T. Sawyer, NMCB 4

By MC2 (SCW/SW/AW) Ronald Gutridge, NMCB 4

The recipient of the 2007 Shields Award is Builder 1st Class 

Courtland Sawyer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 

4. This award is presented by the Society of American Military 

Engineers (SAME) to an individual who best exhibits inspirational 

leadership and high standards of excellence instrumental to the 

success of the battalion in a year’s time. 

While serving as Air Det. convoy security platoon commander, 

convoy security element assistant convoy commander and Charlie 

Company platoon commander, Sawyer’s outstanding versatility 

and achievements were remarkable. He completed 122 combat 

convoy missions, escorting personnel and equipment while performing more than 12,000 miles of convoy operations in and 

around the Al Anbar Province. Sawyer time and again demonstrated his impressive leadership as he successfully led his convoy 

out of a well-coordinated machine gun ambush and two separate 

IED attacks, one of which damaged his vehicle. 

A highly respected leader and mentor, his complete dedication 

to duty, high standards and attention to detail allowed his troops to 

excel in every aspect of their challenging mission. By his actions, 

Petty Officer Sawyer has distinguished himself as a true leader in 

the direct support of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) 

during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This award is presented for outstanding technical and leadership ability, 

and is given in honor of Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin Shields, 

a 26-year-old Seabee serving in Vietnam with NMCB 11 in 1965. Shields’ 

unit, along with Army Special Forces and South Vietnam Defense personnel, 

came under attack by 2,000 Viet Cong and, although greatly outnumbered, 

withstood intense close-range combat for almost three hours. Shields and an 

Army lieutenant volunteered to man a rocket launcher, destroying an enemy 

machine gun position. Despite repeatedly being hit, Shields fought on until 

he was mortally wounded; he died the following day while being evacuated 

by helicopter. For these heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the 

Medal of Honor -- becoming the first (and so far only) Seabee to win the 

nation’s highest award, and also the first Navy man to be so decorated for 

action in Vietnam.

REAR ADMIRAL LEWIS B. COMBS AWARD 

Builder 3rd Class (Ret.) Pete Herrick, NMCB 14

By CDR Gary Rouse, Commanding Officer, NMCB 14

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 salutes Builder 3rd

Class (Ret.) Pete Herrick as the recipient of the 2007 Combs Award. 

This award is presented by the Seabee Historical Foundation, and 

is given to an individual who displays the highest level of fortitude, 

courage and character in support of the traditions and legacies of 

the Seabees.

Just two months before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the 

United States, Herrick joined the Navy Reserve as a Seabee; in 

March 2004, his unit was called to active duty and sent to Iraq. 

After a “routine” escort mission, his unit suffered a mortar attack 

which killed five and wounded 33, including Herrick. His body was 

riddled with shrapnel, one large fragment leaving him paralyzed 

from the neck down. 

Petty Officer Herrick was taken to Baghdad for emergency 

medical care and eventually to Tampa, Fla.’s James Haley 

Veterans Administration Hospital, where he spent 10 months. 

Through it all, he maintained and displayed a positive attitude and 

a strong faith. 

Now medically retired, Herrick spends a great deal of his time 

as a motivational speaker, positively promoting the Seabees and 

serving as the unofficial spokesperson for the Spinal Cord Injury 

Unit at the Haley VA Hospital. He spends countless hours working 

with veterans who have life-changing injuries, using his positive 

attitude and motivation to continue to dedicate his life to helping 

his fellow Americans.

This award is named in honor of RADM Lewis B. Combs and is presented to 

an individual who has made the most outstanding contribution in perpetuating the legacy of the Seabees and the Civil Engineer Corps (CEC). Combs 

served as chief deputy to Admiral Ben Moreell, founder of the Seabees, and 

helped create the “fighter builders” and the CEC. He was active with the 

Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association from its inception in 1970, first as 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and later as Chairman Emeritus, until 

his death at age 101. 

aWaRdS & COMMeNdatIONS

bU1 (SCW) Courtland T. Sawyer (left), recipient of the 007 Shields 

award, discusses the tactical procedures of Convoy Security element, 

Team , with RaDM Richard e. Cellon, commander, 1nCD, at al 

Taqaddum, iraq, earlier this year. 

Photo by MC2 (SCW/SW/AW) Ronald Gutridge

bU3 (Ret.) Pete Herrick receives the 007 Combs award from RaDM greg 

Shear, commander, naVFaC, and chief of civil engineers, while Herrick’s 

wife, Diana, looks on. Shear presented the award to Herrick at the Seabee 

ball in Washington, D.C., in March 00. 

Photo by MC1 (EXW) Jennifer Villalovos, MCPON Public Affairs
 Seabee Magazine

aWaRdS & COMMeNdatIONS

RaDM Richard e. Cellon (right), commander, 1nCD, presents 

CDR Tony edmonds, nMCb 3 commanding officer, with the 007 

battle ‘e’ award during a ceremony at naval base Ventura County 

Port Hueneme, Calif., March 1. 

Photo by MCSN Ernesto Hernandez Fonte

BATTLE “E” AND PELTIER AWARDS

“Better than Best” NMCB 3 

Recognized as Top Active Duty 

Seabee Battalion in the Navy

By MC1 Carmichael Yepez, NMCB 3 Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 

(NMCB) 3 were recognized as the best active duty 

Seabee battalion in the Navy during a presentation ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, 

Calif., March 21.

RADM Richard E. Cellon, commander, First Naval 

Construction Division (1NCD), who presented the 2007 

Battle ‘E’ and Society of American Military Engineers’ 

(SAME) Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier Award, said he 

was proud of the Seabees of NMCB 3 for their recent 

accomplishment.

“I am honored to present these awards,” Cellon said. 

“Not only are you the best battalion in the Pacific, but as 

the Peltier Award winner, you are the best active duty battalion in the Naval Construction Force.”

The men and women of NMCB 3 distinguished 

themselves in many aspects of performance while 

executing a rigorous Pacific deployment and expertly 

establishing a short-focused detail to Afghanistan in 

direct support of Special Operations Forces and the 

global war on terrorism. 

NMCB 3’s Commanding Officer CDR Tony Edmonds 

gave full credit to his Seabees and said he would continue to provide his full support and respect.

“I feel honored to be in command of the “Better than 

Best,” said Edmonds. “We can be pretty hard on ourselves at times, but these awards are a nice payback...a 

tribute to all of the Seabees in THREE who have pushed 

themselves to perform at their highest level.” 

This is the first time Construction Electrician 2nd Class 

(SCW) Joseph Soriano received a Battle ‘E’ award since 

he joined the Navy. 

“I can say that I am glad to be part of a battalion that 

stands out,” Soriano said. “We have focused a lot on 

safety training and awareness. All the hard work we’ve 

committed to during our field exercises and command 

post exercises has paid off, and is going to show when I 

have my new ribbon.” 

PERRY AWARD

NMCB 28 “Old Pros” Win Perry Award

By MC1 (SW) Kurt Riggs, NAVFAC Headquarters Public Affairs

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 has earned 

the Rear Admiral John R. Perry Award as the most outstanding reserve component in 2007. The Perry Award is 

presented by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command 

(NAVFAC). 

According to the citation awarded by RADM Greg 

Shear, commander, NAVFAC, and chief of civil engineers, 

the men and women of NMCB 28 had their most successful 

deployment in history, providing superior contingency construction, contingency planning and logistics, and operations support while supporting military operations in Iraq 

and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi Freedom and 

Enduring Freedom. Through superb small unit leadership, 

exceptional command and control, and living in an extreme 

physical environment, NMCB 28 ensured complete mission success in a very demanding and uncertain operating 

environment. The battalion’s performance far exceeded all 

expectations, allowing supported commanders to execute 

their mission with greater effect. “The Old Pros” clearly 

upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy Seabees. 

Named for two legendary and distinguished CEC/Seabee leaders – Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier and Rear Admiral John R. Perry 

– the Peltier and Perry awards recognize the most outstanding Naval Construction Battalions in the active and reserve components, 

respectively. Units selected for these prestigious awards are recognized leaders in the Naval Construction Force in leadership, readiness, 

construction accomplishments, equipment management, logistics programs, retention and safety. The Battle ‘E’ (Efficiency) Award is presented to a U.S. Navy unit, squadron or ship based on the overall readiness of the command 

to carry out its assigned wartime tasks. Based on a year-long evaluation, a unit must demonstrate the highest state of battle readiness. 
SUMMER2008 3

New Force Master 

Chief Takes Charge

By MC1 (SW) Kurt Riggs, 

NAVFAC Headquarters Public Affairs

Master Chief (SCW) Mike Holdcraft relieved 

Seabee Force Master Chief James Fairbanks 

in april. Fairbanks is now Command Master 

Chief, CbC gulfport, Miss. 

Formerly command master chief of 

the 30th naval Construction Regiment, 

FORCM Holdcraft was selected over a field 

of highly qualified candidates by RaDM 

greg Shear, commander, naVFaC, and chief 

of civil engineers. 

Holdcraft will be featured in a future issue of 

Seabee Magazine. 

NMCB 40 Holds Mass Reenlistment Ceremony 

By MC2 Scott Torres, NMCB 40

The last day of February was a memorable one for 35 Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile 

Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 at Port Hueneme, Calif. After returning from a sixmonth deployment to Southwest Asia, Feb. 29 marked the last day for this motivated 

group of Seabees to reenlist and still receive a tax-free Selective Reenlistment Bonus 

(SRB). Reenlistees were joined by hundreds of families, friends and shipmates. 

The brainchild of Chief Navy Counselor Doug Park and Steelworker 1st Class Luis 

Ortiz, the mass reenlistment was scheduled for the last day of February to allow time 

for the National Defense Authorization Act to be signed by President George W. Bush, 

for the pause in SRBs to be lifted and to enable those Seabees who were deployed to 

combat zones to collect their SRBs tax free. Fortunately, the plan worked as advertised 

and, in all, the 35 reenlistments represented more than 140 years of additional service 

and the award of $400K+ in reenlistment bonuses. While the SRBs are not the primary 

reason to reenlist, they are often a great incentive for our Seabees – and the tax-free 

status is just icing on the cake.

“Every one of the Seabees standing on that stage decided several years ago to serve 

and defend their country, and on that Friday morning they reaffirmed their commitment by taking the oath again,” said LCDR William Siemer, NMCB 40’s executive 

officer, who swore in the reenlistees. “These Seabees get it; they understand what the 

lifestyle of service to their country is all about. They committed themselves again to 

the principles and values that this nation holds dear.” 

✮ COMMAND NEWS ✮

nMCb 40 executive Officer LCDR William Siemer swears in the battalion’s 35 Seabees who 

reenlisted at Port Hueneme, Calif., Feb. .

Photo by MC2 Ian Lundy

Seabee Achieves Third 

Warfare Qualification in 

Less Than Four Years

MC3 Patrick W. Mullen III, 

NMCB 5 Public Affairs

Construction Mechanic 2nd Class 

Christopher J. Chandler (SCWS/EAWS/

ESWS), Naval Mobile Construction 

Battalion (NMCB) 5 completed his third 

warfare designation in Okinawa, Japan, 

on March 15, achieving this career milestone in less than four years.

CM2 Chandler reported to “The 

Professionals” of NMCB 5 in April 2006. 

While deployed to Kuwait he started 

on the third designation and was most 

recently ‘pinned’ Seabee Warfare Combat 

Specialist (SCWS) by CDR L.S. Hurst, 

commanding officer, NMCB 5, at Camp 

Shields. 

“I am very proud of my accomplishment and hard work,” Chandler said. “It 

was not easy – lots of long nights studying. Without the help of shipmates and 

fellow Seabees none of these pins would 

be on my chest. I owe all my thanks to the 

great leadership that surrounds me.”

His future plans include college, and 

he has a goal to obtain even more 

warfare qualifications beginning with the 

Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pin, followed 

by Naval Parachutist (PJ) or any other 

warfare designation possible.

FORCM (SCW) Mike Holdcraft

Photo by MC1 (SW) Kurt Riggs

CM Christopher J. Chandler (SCWS/eaWS/

eSWS) (right), nMCb 5, receives his third

warfare designation from CDR L.S. Hurst, commanding officer, nMCb 5, at Camp Shields in 

Okinawa, Japan, in March.

Photo by MC3 (AW) Patrick W. Mullen III
 TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY ✮

4 Seabee Magazine

✮ COMMAND NEWS ✮

22nd, 30th NCRs 

(above left) CaPT Robert a. McLean (right), commander, nd nCR, relieves CaPT Hans Probst, commander, 30th nCR (Fwd), during a 

Transfer of authority (Toa) ceremony held aboard Camp Fallujah, iraq, March 11. 

(above right) Seabees of the nd nCR stand at parade rest during their Toa ceremony with the 30th nCR (Fwd). The nd nCR is 

providing engineering support to Multi-national Forces-West operations in the al anbar Province of iraq. 

Photos by MC1 Christine Hannon

(above) CDR Steven Wolfe (left), nMCb 15’s commanding officer, 

stands at attention across from CDR Thomas bauhan, nMCb 17’s 

commanding officer, as the nMCb 17 flag is raised during the 

Transfer of authority (Toa) ceremony at the Seabee Compound in 

iraq, March 16. Looking on is LTJg glen Mowder, nMCb 15. 

Photos by MC2 Kenny Ragland

(below) nMCb 17’s Commanding Officer CDR Thomas 

bauhan (left) and CMDCM (SCW) Robert griseto cut the 

cake at the Transfer of authority (Toa) ceremony at the 

Seabee Compound in iraq, March 16. 

NMCBs 15, 17 
SUMMER2008 5

Battalion Updates

SEABEES AROUND THE WORLD

Seabees Play Integral Part in Balikatan 2008

By MCSA Ernesto Hernandez Fonte, 30th NCR Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 and Underwater Construction Team 

(UCT) 2 participated in school construction and renovation projects as part of Balikatan 2008, which 

ended March 14. 

Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder” and Republic of the Philippines (RP) and U.S. Forces shouldered the load together to help people in need on Minandao, the second largest island in the RP. 

“The Bees were an integral part of Balikatan. Without them literally none of the construction projects could have gotten off the ground,” said Army Capt. Merrit Phillips, Joint Special Operations Task 

Force – Philippines ( JSOTF-P) public affairs. 

While NMCB 5 members routinely practice their construction trades above ground, UCT 2 is known 

primarily for supporting construction efforts underwater. Although the battalion did not conduct diving 

evolutions on this mission, it was able to use the exercise as a pre-site visit for future projects, as well as hone 

Seabee construction skills.

As UCT 2 worked in the town of Marawi, NMCB 5 Air Det. worked with the 512th and 518th RP Engineer 

Combat Battalions to build a new elementary school house in the town of Midsayap and renovate two 

elementary school houses in the town of Tacurong.

“It wasn’t until we got to the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the U.S. ambassador and the local community that our eyes were opened to how many people would be positively affected by what we have done 

in Balikatan,” said Construction Electrician 1st Class Rodriguez Lynn, administrative officer in charge of 

UCT 2 Air Det. Alfa.

As Navy ambassadors to the world, Seabees contribute to the maritime strategy of preventing war by 

supporting humanitarian efforts that build trust and demonstrate goodwill. 

“If the population has more trust in the military [and government], then they are more likely to go to 

them for security than to the militants,” said Army Col. William Coultrup, JSOTF-P commander.

CM1 benoit Lagueux 

(left), UCT , and his 

Philippine counterpart work shoulderto-shoulder building 

and repairing basak 

elementary School in 

Marawi, Feb. 0. The 

school construction 

and repair is one of 

many engineering 

civil affairs projects 

completed during 

balikatan 00. 

Photo by MCC (SW/AW) 

Gabe Puello

nMCb 5 UCT 

Philippines

Seabees in the
NMCB 5

26 Seabee Magazine

CE3 Andrew Thompson, SW3 Juan Lopez and BU3 Victor Perea, NMCB 5, bend and tie reinforcing steel used to 

strengthen the foundation of a structure at Hario Shima Ordnance Facility, Sasebo, Japan, in January.

Photo by LT Jared A. Jasinski

Hard-working Mechanics 

Keep Battalion Up to Speed

Sasebo Seabees Solve 

Ordnance Facility Flooding Problem

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, Detail Sasebo 

Seabees solved a major water drainage issue at the Hario Shima 

Ordnance Facility, Sasebo, Japan, in January. The Pacific 

Seabees’ mission was to install a 300-foot concrete channel to 

carry water from the steep hillsides surrounding the ordnance 

building to the adjacent bay. 

The terrain of the base is ideal for 

ordnance storage due to the minimal 

blast radius required between sites. The 

challenge these Seabees faced was to 

prevent water from entering and flooding the facility.

“The problem is not digging a channel,” said Steelworker 1st Class (SCW) 

Jackson Sheflin, project supervisor. “It’s making sure that in 20 

to 30 years, our final product still moves water off the site.”

The design solution was the installation of pre-cast concrete U-shaped ditches that when placed together carry water 

off the site. The complete process involved Seabees excavating a trench, installing a gravel base layer, compacting a sand 

layer, and meticulously placing the U ditches. The final product provides a continuous surface, carrying water off the site 

as efficiently as possible.

The Seabees completed the project in mid-February and 

then moved to a similar project at another Hario Shima ordnance facility.

At year-end, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 

5’s Alfa Company, headquartered at Camp Shields, Okinawa, 

Japan, had completed more than 500 maintenance checks on 

360+ pieces of CESE while deployed, supporting area commanders’ construction requirements. 

The 41 construction mechanics 

(CMs) assigned to the camp’s equipment maintenance division manage 

eight shops consisting of administrative 

offices, tool rooms, warehouses, repair 

shops and a technical library. 

Chief Construction Mechanic 

(SCW) Chad L. Keeler, NMCB 5’s Alfa 

Company maintenance chief, expressed 

his approval for the mechanics’ hard work. “Alfa Company 

is doing an outstanding job with the maintenance program,” 

CMC Keeler said. “The mechanics have a great responsibility keeping the vehicles rolling with only half the mechanics 

needed to maintain this amount of equipment. Everyone is 

doing his part and learning more every day.” 

Although CMs are not normally seen on the jobsite, 

they are vital players on the battalion team, repairing and 

maintaining a wide variety of CESE: tactical and construction vehicles, power plants, and buses, vans and trucks used 

to transport troops. Along with performing regular preventive 

maintenance, CMs also troubleshoot and provide quick repairs 

needed to keep the battalion moving. 

Articles by MC1 (SW) Palmer Pinckney II, NMCB 5 Public Affairs

Japan Seabees in
SUMMER2008 27

Battalion Updates

SEABEES AROUND THE WORLD

GITMO is Tailored for Seabee Mission 

By U.S. Army Sgt. Scott Griffin, JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Sizzling in the mid-day heat at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in early 

March, more than half-a-dozen Naval Mobile Construction 

Battalion (NMCB) 74 Seabees prepared to fill a blocked-off area 

with concrete.

“This is back-breaking work, make no mistake,” Builder 

2nd Class Sean Mallory, project foreman at Joint Task Force 

(JTF) Guantanamo, said. “A two-and-a-half gallon pail of concrete weighs about 65 pounds.” 

With Seabees spending so much time in war zones, noncombat sites such as Guantanamo provide an opportunity for 

training without hazardous concerns. The mission is unique 

and varied, with some Seabees working on discretionary projects 

(such as a pro shop at a golf course), and others working on a 

fire truck garage. 

“[Guantanamo Bay is] one of the last classic Seabee detachment sites,” LT Jason Christianson, detachment officer in 

charge, said. “Almost half our detachment is made up of steelworkers and builders – tailored for the mission at hand.” 

NMCB 74 is working in a joint status at Guantanamo with 

Reserve members from NMCB 14. 

 “Every Seabee goes through A School beforehand,” 

Christianson said. “You can learn about it and put up your 

mock wall, but until you do the real thing there’s a huge 

difference.”

Project Foreman BU2 Sean Mallory (second from left), NMCB 74, 

directs the concrete flow for a foundation for the pro shop at the 

Guantanamo Golf Course in Cuba. 

JTF Guantanamo photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Scott Griffin

NMCB 5

NMCB 5 Completes Major Bridge 

Project Off California Coast

By MC1 (SW) Palmer Pinckney II, NMCB 5 Public Affairs

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 

5 hit the ground running in January as the ‘Bees 

demolished and replaced a bridge leading to the Navy’s largest 

training area – San Clemente Island. 

The island includes an active bombing range, the Shore 

Bombardment Area (SHOBA), operated by the Southern 

California Off-shore Range (SCORE). The SHOBA Range is 

the only PACFLT range which can support naval surface fire 

support, artillery/mortar and air-to-ground training. 

More than three years ago, the existing bridge was deemed 

unsafe and all targets headed for observation area two had to 

be airlifted into place, creating a tremendous logistical strain 

on SCORE’s mission and range operations. 

In order to complete the mission, NMCB 5’s Detail San 

Clemente had to place more than 14 cubic yards of concrete 

for two new abutments to launch an 80-foot triple, single Bailey 

Bridge across the span. This included an explosive ordnance 

disposal sweep for unexploded ordnance (UXO), involving 

hand-excavation and removal of rock weighing 400+ pounds. In 

the process, NMCB 5 discovered a Mark 76 (25-pound practice 

bomb) and disposed of it by UXO.

After hand-carrying all 190 bridge pieces – some weighing 

780 pounds each – to the staging area, the Bailey Bridge was 

assembled and launched in mid-January on schedule, without 

incident and just in time for a busy SHOBA season. 

NMCB 5 Seabees launch the nose of a Bailey Bridge off 

San Clemente Island, Calif., in January. 

Photo by LT Benjamin V. Wainwright

Guantanamo Seabees in

California Seabees in

NMCB 74 NMCB 14
 Seabee Magazine

Seabees have maintained an enduring relationship with the 

Aikwangwon Orphanage in Koje-do, an island off the coast of 

Chinhae, Korea. In keeping with the tradition, the Seabees of 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, Detail Chinhae 

spent March 15 making needed improvements to the facility. 

In 1952, Seabees built a chicken coop at the then brand-new 

orphanage. Since that first act of community service 56 years 

ago, Aikwangwon has grown into a large housing complex for 

children and disabled residents of all ages.

This year, Seabees partnered with sailors from the Republic 

of Korea Navy Engineering Command. The two groups worked 

together to refurbish railings, as well as assist residents with a 

bazaar. 

“It was a great experience for those of us not used to working in that situation,” said Builder 3rd Class Chase Luna. “I had 

a good time and would love to go back.” 

Builder 3rd Class Jonathon Bosch stated, “It was nice to 

be able to work out in the community and help spruce up 

the orphanage. The residents were grateful and it was a good 

opportunity for them to see American Seabees and Korean 

sailors working together.”

SW3 Kurt W. Hennigan, nMCb 5, interacts with a resident of the 

aikawangwon Orphanage in Koje-do, Republic of Korea. 

U.S. Navy photo 

nMCb 5 Seabees and Republic of Korea navy engineering Command sailors pose for a group shot in mid-March with residents of the 

aikawangwon Orphanage in Koje-do, after completing a community relations project to improve their quality of life. 

U.S. Navy photo 

NMCB 5 ‘Professionals’ 

and Republic of Korea Navy 

Refurbish Orphanage 

By MC1 (SW) Palmer Pinckney II, NMCB 5 Public Affairs

Korea Seabees in

nMCb 5
SUMMER2008 

TRAINING

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 

(NMCB) 3 returned to Naval Base Ventura County 

Port Hueneme, Calif., after spending two weeks 

honing their construction skills in February. During 

the exercise, known as DESEX, Seabees deployed to 

detachment locations which included Niland, Palm 

Springs and China Lake, Calif. 

 “The environment we were attempting to recreate was in isolated project sites with several crews 

and a few key leaders,” said ENS John Casilio, assistant operations officer, NMCB 3. 

In the desert environment, the 

temperatures varied from nearly 

100 degrees during the day to 

freezing conditions at night. The 

purpose of the training was to 

provide Seabees the opportunity to work in a simulated contingency environment in preparation for 

NMCB 3’s deployment to Southwest Asia to conduct 

construction and humanitarian missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring 

Freedom. 

“The conditions in these locations are very 

similar to where we are going – dry heat, windy and 

dusty conditions,” said Casilio. “But most importantly our Seabees were able to receive specific 

training in the quality control phase of construction 

and were able to develop their leadership skills.”

“Our Seabees were also able to complete 

four SWA huts in nine days,” said Construction 

Electrician Chief Antonio Murray, officer in charge 

for Detail Niland. “Our troops met the challenge 

and accomplished the mission while improving 

their construction skills and the quality of life 

for military personnel at the different 

training sites.”

Seabees from nMCb 3 work on a K-span 

building in February as part of DeSeX in 

preparation for deployment to contingency 

environments. The battalion deployed 

members to three locations in California 

to hone their construction skills.

U.S. Navy photo

Seabees Hone Construction Skills in California Desert

By ENS John Kvandal, Public Affairs Officer, NMCB 3

SUMMER2008

nMCb 3
CDR Stephen Revelas, nMCb 11 commanding officer, speaks to the recruits of 

Division 101 who were sponsored by the battalion throughout their boot camp 

experience at Recruit Training Center, great Lakes, ill., in March.

U.S. Navy photo

30 Seabee Magazine

TRAINING

NMCB 11 Molds Future Seabees at RTC Great Lakes

By BU1 (SCW) Jonathan Britten and MC2 Erick Holmes, NMCB 11 Public Affairs

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, a battalion known for its rich history, began another new 

tradition by adopting Division 101 of the Recruit Training Center (RTC) in Great Lakes, Ill., and providing 

support throughout their boot camp experience. 

At the division’s commissioning ceremony held Jan. 28, Senior Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) 

Alesia Stokes and Equipment Operator 3rd Class Robert Shaughnessy traveled to RTC to welcome recruits 

into the Navy family. Stokes handed out brown NMCB 11 T-shirts, while Shaughnessy told of NMCB 11’s 

rich history and, to motivate the recruits, they both participated in the first physical training (PT) session 

of the division.

Some creative coordination went into the selection of recruits and the Recruit Division Commanders 

(RDCs), or “Red Ropes,” for Division 101, as well as the facility they would call home throughout boot camp.

The RDCs who were assigned to ‘push’ the division were all Occupational Field Thirteen (OF-13) ratings, 

otherwise known as Seabees. 

The division was housed in the USS Marvin Shields ‘ship’ or barracks, located in the new Camp John 

Paul Jones portion of RTC. Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin Shields, who served with NMCB 11, was 

a Vietnam-era ’Bee and the only Seabee to date decorated with the Medal of Honor, earned posthumously 

for his heroic actions. 

“The process of Sailorization at RTC turns civilian recruits into Shipmates. What assists someone 

with making such a significant transition? Identifying with the personnel who are already a part of that 

organization,” said NMCB 

11 Commanding Officer 

CDR Stephen Revelas. “So 

it is logical for us to try 

and make as many ties as 

possible with the division 

members.” 

“NMCB 11 is the first 

battalion in many years to 

sponsor a division,” Stokes 

said, a former RDC herself. 

“Once [the recruits] realized not every division gets 

sponsored [by a command], 

they were really excited.”

“They were so curious about everything,” 

said Shaughnessy. “They 

had questions about not 

only the Seabees, but the 

Navy as a whole. As for 

the Seabees, they learned 

that we are more than 

construction workers; they 

learned about our aid to 

war, repairing, building and rebuilding both military and local national [structures].”

NMCB 11 was also there to see the recruits complete their training on March 7. The second group of 

visitors to RTC included Revelas and Command Master Chief (SCW) Thane Halsey. A special ceremony was 

held where Revelas honored each recruit with a NMCB 11 coin. Revelas and Halsey then offered words of 

wisdom to carry the recruits through their experiences in the Navy.

With all of their boot camp challenges completed, Division 101 recruits graduated with the honor as 

a Hall of Fame Division, which means they received near-perfect scores on every graded evolution of their 

training, including PT, rifle drill, academics, uniform inspections and Battle Stations.

Division 101 originally had six recruits slated to attend one of the seven Seabee ‘A’ Schools after graduation. Through NMCB 11 sponsoring visits and education, nine more recruits took the opportunity to reclassify their ratings and become future ’Bees. 

nMCb 11
SUMMER2008 31

ea1 (SCW/DV) 

Christopher Munch, 

UCT 1 air Det. bravo, 

leads his fire team during military operations on 

urban terrain training as 

part of a tactical exercise 

administered by USMC 

Camp Lejeune’s Special 

Operations Training group 

in February. 

Photo by EO1 (SCW/DV) 

Jarrell Patton

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 participated in its annual chief and officer 

Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., March 24-28.

More than 50 Seabees grabbed their gear and trained in the field, experiencing what junior troops are 

required to do during the battalion’s two-week FTX in April. One of the main building blocks of the training event was teamwork.

“This training helped teach junior officers about the difficulties of being a squad or fire team leader,” 

Chief Construction Electrician (SCW) Alex Bradshaw said. “This exercise also serves as a refresher for the 

chiefs and senior officers.”

During this training, chiefs and officers practiced day and night land navigation, tactical operation 

center procedures, patrols, and also set up defensive perimeters. These tasks enabled them to experience 

training from a troop’s perspective. 

“I think the most important [parts of] this training were the general leadership instruction and how 

to communicate more efficiently,” LTJG Paul Weyant said. “By learning this it will better help me lead, 

enabling NMCB 4 to be more capable of completing construction tasks.”

UCT 1 Air Det. Bravo Completes Tactical Exercise

By EO1 (SCW/DV) Jarrell Patton and EA1 (SCW/DV) Christopher Munch, UCT 1

As UCT 1 Air Det. Bravo heads toward deployment season, the ’Bees completed a two-week tactical exercise at USMC Camp Lejeune, N.C., in February, administered by the base’s Special Operations Training 

Group. 

The tactical exercise focused on small arms marksmanship, close quarters combat (CQB), detainee 

handling, convoy operations, and improvised explosive device (IED) training.

Small arms familiarization allowed these UCT 1 members to prepare for CQB training, a small portion 

of military operations on urban terrain. This block of training helped the Air Det. communicate and work 

together as a team. Air Det members also participated in SIMUNITION (training ammunition) and learned 

detainee handling procedures. 

Air Det. Officer in Charge Chief Equipment Operator (SCW/DV) Steven Eckroth led the team on several simulated convoys, working on tactics, standard operating procedures and IED recognition training. 

In exchange for the tactical training, Air Det. Bravo provided Camp Lejeune with light construction 

around the barracks and galley at Stone Bay.

NMCB 4 Chiefs and Officers Conduct Field Training Exercise

By MCC (SCW/SW/AW) Steve Bansbach, Public Affairs Officer, NMCB 4 

UCT 1

nMCb 4
3 Seabee Magazine

TRAINING

CBMU 202 Seabees Build 

Combat Care Course to Improve 

Battlefield Medical Skills

By Marsha Childs, Marketing, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla. Commanding Officer CAPT 

Raquel Bono and Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 

(CBMU) 202 Det. Jacksonville personnel participated in a ribboncutting ceremony for the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) 

confidence course, March 28. The course is dedicated in memory of 

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Julian “Snoop Doc” Woods, a Jacksonville 

native who was killed while administering aid to a fallen Marine under 

enemy fire during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq, in 

November 2004. 

Construction began Dec. 16, 2007 on board Naval Air Station (NAS) 

Jacksonville. CBMU 202 Officer-in-Charge ENS Leonard Neal and his 

crew were excited to assist the hospital with this worthwhile project. 

“This is the first obstacle course of its kind to be built by the Navy,” 

Neal said. “The Army and Air Force are already using them. It gives the 

hospital an opportunity not only to train its corpsmen, but also to reach out 

to the region and offer the training to more corpsmen to get them ready 

for war.” 

In her opening remarks, Bono said, “The whole goal of the course was 

to be able to instill that extra level of confidence to make you (the corpsmen) as proficient as possible to do your job. The real reason we are here is 

to remember “Snoop Doc.” What we are trying to do here is share the legacy 

of this very brave corpsman.”

Twenty hospital corpsmen finished their week-long training of classroom 

coursework and firearms instruction with the successful completion of the 

TCCC obstacle course built by CBMU 202 Seabees. The challenging course 

simulating a wartime environment is designed to prepare first responders for 

hostile conditions on the battlefield. 

Each “Devil Doc,” a term of camaraderie used by Marines on the battlefield for Navy corpsmen, touched the memorial plaque displayed at the beginning of the course in tribute to Petty Officer Woods. 

The obstacle course was the brainchild of LCDR Joseph Marcantel, a family 

nurse practitioner, who identified hospital funding to purchase the materials 

totaling $35,000 and designed the obstacles based on the TCCC curriculum. The 

Seabees provided the labor to build the course, a cost avoidance of $82,000 to the 

government. Construction went smoothly and met its target completion date. 

(Right, top) bUC (SCW) Charles Carter, enS Leonard neal, Carolyn Woods (wife of 

HM3 Woods) and CaPT Raquel bono cut the ribbon on the Tactical Combat Casualty 

Care confidence course at naS Jacksonville in March. 

Photo by HN Jermaine Derrick

(Right) navHosp CMDCM (aW) Dennis green tests his hand-eye coordination on 

the course. 

Photo by Marsha Childs, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla.

CbMU 0
SUMMER2008 33

UCT 1 divers enter the water from the stage 

of the USNS Grapple, as (on board, from top 

right) CUCM (SCW/DV) Jeffrey Moxley, EO1 

(SCW/DV) Jarrell Patton and SW3 (DV) Chris 

Michael provide supervision. 

Photo by EA1 (SCW) Travis Musgrove

UCT 1 Divers Train 

Aboard USNS Grapple

By EO1 (SCW/DV) Nicholas Gegg, UCT 1

Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 

1’s Air Det. Alpha conducted a divers’ 

training exercise aboard the USNS Grapple

on the coast of Florida that included 

recompression chamber, SCUBA and surface supplied diving. Air Det Alpha also 

used the side scan hydrographic survey 

equipment to locate and mark objects on 

the ocean floor. 

Additionally, a team of inspectors 

from the Naval Facilities Engineering 

Command conducted Diving Operations 

Readiness Assessment. A series of dive scenarios was provided to evaluate the team’s 

capabilities to safely execute emergency 

procedures in and out of the water. These 

scenarios also provided diving ‘supervisors in training’ an opportunity to complete specific qualifications needed for 

the eventual certification as an ‘unlimited’ diving supervisor, a milestone in a 

Navy diver’s career.

Seabees Demonstrate 

for Navy Training Video

EA2 Rafael Eequer, NMCB 17, demonstrates proper personal decontamination 

procedures, while a member of the Naval 

Education and Training film crew shoots 

video for a chemical, biological and radioactive training film in Port Hueneme, Calif., in 

January. 

Photo by MC2 Kenneth W. Robinson

UCT 1

NMCB 17
Photo by LTJG Andrea Ross, Navy Motorsports Public Affairs

N E W S B R E A K

34 Seabee Magazine

Eight Seabees from the 25th Naval 

Construction Regiment had front row seats 

to watch Brad Keselowski drive the No. 88 

Navy Accelerate Your Life Monte Carlo SS to 

a 16th place finish in the Camping World 300 

at Daytona International Speedway, Feb 16. 

As part of the Fleet Honoree Program 

(FHP), the Seabees received a guided 

behind-the-scenes NASCAR garage and pit 

tour, had a private autograph session with 

Keselowski, watched the race from the No. 

88 pit box and had the opportunity to meet 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. The FHP, sponsored by 

Navy Motorsports, highlights the accomplishments of top-performing commands, 

as well as individual Sailors in the Fleet. 

Those selected have the opportunity to 

experience a NASCAR Nationwide Series 

race from the team’s vantage point.

Seabees Cheer on Keselowski at Daytona Season Opener

The Chief of Naval Information (CHINFO) has announced the 

2007 Merit Awards for exemplary 

achievements in internal media 

print/broadcast products by Navy 

commands and individuals. The 

following Seabees and battalions 

received awards in these categories:

Magazine Format Publication

Honorable Mention: 

The Bee Buzz, NMCB 3

Familygram (Large Command)

1st Place: 

NMCB 4

Photojournalism

3rd Place: 

MC2 Chadwick Runge, NMCB 1

Honorable Mention:

MC2 Demetrius Kennon,

NMCB 1

Seabees Win 2007 CHINFO MERIT AWARDS

By NAVFAC HQ Public Affairs

Congratulations!

To contact the SET development team in CSFE’s N3 Directorate, e-mail SET@navy.mil.

First Version of Seabee Electronic Toolbox is Available

The Center for Seabees and 

Facilities Engineering (CSFE) 

has released the first version 

of Seabee Electronic Toolbox 

(SET), a tool that integrates 

diverse references such 

as videos, images, text and 

sounds into a single cohesive 

library. Users will find career-enhancing, job-related and 

professional references at their finger tips, including NonResident Training Courses, Lesson Guides for Technical 

and Military Skills and many others.

SET was created to provide a ready reference for a 

majority of users with a common operating system; it will 

undoubtedly become a personal reference tool used on a 

daily basis. 

SET is a state-of-the-art DVD electronic reference. With 

its intuitive workflow and ‘point and click’ objects, beginners can quickly adapt to navigating the references. 

It empowers Seabees to learn and know their professional and military skills and is intended for distribution 

in the thousands. Its primary audience is NCF OF-13, E6 

and below. 

Look for SET to be shipped to your command.
N E W S B R E A K

SUMMER2008 35

State Department

Graduates

seabees

The Naval Support 

Unit (NSU) State 

Department’s Seabee 

Class 08-02 graduated 

14 ‘Bees, March 14. 

Seabees work at embassies throughout the world 

providing knowledge and 

resources to install and 

maintain security systems at Department 

of State facilities.

Graduates included (first row, from left) SW2 (SCW) Dustin W. Coffey, NSU AOIC UCCM (SCW) Glen E. Mummert, Honored 

Guest MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr., CE2 (SCW) Paul A. Torres, SW2 (SCW) David Olayo and UT1 (SCW) Jamie L. 

Holcomb; (second row, from left) SWC (SCW/DV) Timothy A. Jones (training chief), CE1 (SCW) Pedro E. Duartechacon, 

CE2 (SCW) Reiven C. Atienza, CE2 (SCW) Michael J. Beaver, BU1 (SCW) Subrina J. Stallings, UT1 (SCW) Jacky R. 

Hendrix, CE2 (SCW) Antwan L. Carter and UT1 (SCW) Jerimiah A. Stewart; (third row) and UT1 (SCW) Michael D. Trickel.

Photo by MC1 (EXW) Jennifer Villalovos, MCPON Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval 

Mobile Construction 

Battalion (NMCB) 3 celebrated African American 

heritage during a ceremony at Naval Base Ventura 

County Port Hueneme, 

Calif., Feb. 27.

Seabees, civilians and 

guests filled the base chapel as guest speaker 

CDR Steve Hamer, commanding officer, NMCB 4, 

spoke about the progression of African Americans 

in the Navy.

“This is an opportunity 

for self-reflection whether 

it is Black History Month 

or any other celebration,” 

said Hamer who also 

spoke about the history of 

African Americans in the 

military and the important 

role they have played 

since the civil war. 

“African Americans 

have been part of every 

major conflict,” he added. 

“And even though in 

the beginning African 

Americans were only 

restricted to certain ratings, this did not prevent 

them from overcoming 

many barriers and paving 

the road to where African 

Americans are today.”

NMCB 3 Commanding 

Officer CDR Tony 

Edmonds concluded the 

ceremony by recognizing 

the importance of diversity 

in the military and gave 

thanks to the Seabees 

of NMCB 3 for taking the 

initiative to make this event 

happen.

“Your presence here is 

what matters,” Edmonds 

said. “It shows our shared 

conviction that diversity 

is a source of strength for 

NMCB 3, the U.S. Navy 

and indeed the United 

States of America.”

Seabees celebrate African American heritage

By MC1 Carmichael Yepez, NMCB 3 Public Affairs

Master of Ceremonies CE1 (SCW) Robert Trisby (right) 

listens to SK3 Vincent Odiamobi, a native of Nigeria, as 

he speaks during the African American heritage ceremony 

sponsored by NMCB 3 at Naval Base Ventura County Port 

Hueneme, Calif., Feb 27. Odiamobi spoke about his life in 

Nigeria and his journey to the United States. 

Photo by MC1 Carmichael Yepez
N E W S B R E A K

36 Seabee Magazine

SEABEE REUNIONS

August

NMCB 71/71st NCB

Aug. 5-10 Arlington, VA

EO2 Jerry Montecupo, 

412-373-3096

2548 Pitcairn Rd.

Monroeville, PA 15146

JMontecupo@comcast.net

143rd NCB (ABCD) WWII

Aug. 11-15, 2008 Colfax, WA

Allen McSweeney, 509-397-4180

203 S. Mill St., Colfax, WA 99111

amcsweeney@stjohncable.com

29th NCB

Aug. 28-31 Florence, KY

Arthur Grotto, 708-974-3691

11308 Moraine Dr., Unit E

Palos Hills, IL 60465

agrotto@sbcglobal.net

56th NCB 

Aug. 28-31 Gulfport, MS

Bill Rosevally, 985-867-8198

504-231-7474 (cell)

4 Karen Dr.

Covington, LA 70433

billrosevally@aol.com

September

NMCB 7

Sept. 4-7 Clackamas, OR

Jim Crews, 541-895-2983

82714 Bear Creek Rd.

Creswell, OR 97426

jcrews@centurytel.net

62nd NCB (WWII)

Sept. 5-7 Bloomington, MN

V. P. “Joe” Johansen

303-949-3944

316 Luicks Ln., N., Apt S4

Belmond, IA 50421

wandajohansen@msn.com

NMCB 9 Seabee Association

Sept. 8-11 Las Vegas, NV

Bobby Fletcher, 702-897-6613

1758 Golden Vista Dr.

Las Vegas, NV 89123

ichibanseabee@aol.com

West Quarry Seabees 

at Cubi Point

Sept. 8-12 Spearfish, SD

Dick Moore, 307-754-3200

584 Lane 13

Powell, WY 82435

dicklydia@directairnet.com

116th NCB (WWII)

Sept. 11-13 Colorado Springs, CO

Jack and Frances Drake

970-242-8409

2745 B Rd.

Grand Junction, CO 81503

NMCB 3 (All Eras)

Sept. 11-14 San Diego, CA

Dave Schofield, 508-255-1583

P.O. Box 948

East Orleans, MA 02643

daves@verizon.net

NMCB 3 Mini Reunion (All Eras)

Sept. 17-20 Bellingham, WA

Jeff Teeters

510 Michigan St.

Mount Dora, FL 32757

archives@nmcb3.org

NSVA National Convention 

and Reunion

Sept. 17-20 Bellingham, WA

Jerry Landcastle, 360-384-3494

P.O. Box 339

Ferndale, WA 98248

gl5711@comcast.net

www.nsva2008convention.com

NMCB 4 (All Eras)

Sept. 22-25 Kansas City, MO

Dean Jaeger, 402-466-1378

2315 N. 76th St.

Lincoln, NE 68507

kjaeg@aol.com

NMCB 8 Main Reunion

Sept. 24-28 Pigeon Forge, TN

Ron Sabbatis, 831-476-5944

606 Capitola Ave

Capitola, CA 95010

sabagus@charter.net

NMCB 11 Association

Sept. 25-28 St. Louis, MO

Larry Hagler, 512-267-8873

P. O. Box 4647

Lago Vista, TX 78645

Mcb11.reunion@earthlink.net

119th NCB

Sept. 26 Pittsburgh, PA

Adam Belajac, 412-373-6283

2368 Tilbrook Rd.

Monroeville, PA 15146

abelajac119cb@webtv.net

NMCBs 12, 13, 19, 27/CBMU 

202/CBU 408/7th, 21st NCRs

Sept. 26-28 Westport, MA

Bill Napert, 508-672-2737

65 Bigelow St.

Fall River, MA 02720

Bnapert@aol.com

72nd NCB (WWII)

Sept. 28 Charleston, SC

Bob Adams, 859-384-8905

8905 Richmond Rd.

Union, KY 41091

All Seabee Reunion

Sept. 30-Oct, 3 Gulfport/Biloxi, MS

Glen Kellerman, 228-222-0487

11257 Vidalia Rd.

Pass Christian, MS 39571

eqpackrat@aol.com

October

CBMU 539

Oct. 7-11 St. Charles, MO

Joyce Snell, 951-505-1275

40289 Via Calidad

Murrieta, CA 92562-3580

jwhealon@aol.com

90th NCB (WWII)

Oct. 9-12 Rochester, NY

Ms. Donna Alexander, 

585-334-8920

152 Farnsworth Rd., N.

Rochester, NY 14623

NMCB 74 (Vietnam Era)

Oct. 16-19 Biloxi/Gulfport, MS

Bill Christiansen, 920-856-6842

P.O.Box 303

Maplewood, WI 54226

pinhole@centurytel.net

CBMU 302 (All Eras), 

302nd NCB WWII

Oct. 17-19 Jacksonville, FL

Dave Schill, 609-410-5969

132 Harding Ave

Moorestown, NJ 08057

DWSchill@comcast.net

Seabee Teams 0301-0306

Oct. 19-22 Nashville, TN

George Fowler, 972-874-7308

2916 Tophill Ln.

Flower Mound, TX 75022

gefnbkf@aol.com

For a complete list of reunions, visit www.allseabees.com or the 

Seabee Historical Foundation at www.seabeehf.org. 
F I N A L W O R D N E W S B R E A K

Construimus O Batuimus

By FORCM (SCW) Jim Fairbanks

At our Change of Badge ceremony on April 25, Force Master Chief (FORCM) Mike Holdcraft said that now 

is an exciting time to be a Seabee. 

I couldn’t agree with him more.

Around the globe, the sun never sets on our Seabees hard at work, changing lives and making a 

positive difference no matter where they are or what they’re doing. It’s what we do. Our motto is “Construimus 

Batuimus,” We build, We fight; but it’s not just about construction.

The Navy’s new maritime strategy calls for a more focused approach to humanitarian operations. Seabees are 

answering the call. They are fighting old ways of thinking and building new relationships that affect both the people 

they are assisting, and our folks back at home. As they forge character through the hard work and adversity they face 

in the field, they bring that experience home and pass it along to our junior Seabees and Sailors throughout the 

fleet. They strengthen our entire Navy, one project at a time.

From the Horn of Africa to CBC Gulfport, my new home, you are carrying on the traditions laid down by our 

grandparents in World War II. I have no doubt that our legacy is in the finest, most capable hands – yours. Seabees 

today are more educated, better trained and more technologically capable than at any other point in history, and 

they know how to get it done. 

I thank each and every one of you for making my tour as your FORCM the experience of a lifetime. Every day I 

spent with you, I was impressed by your abilities, character and devotion to duty. I ask that you continue exercising 

those values throughout your career and serve as examples for others to follow. The Master Chief Petty Officer of 

the Navy, Joe Campa, is fond of saying that we, the Navy, can’t spare any leaders now, and he’s right. We need every 

one of you here and in the fight, ready to answer the call when necessary. 

I am now the Command Master Chief at Seabee Battalion Center Gulfport and I will be seeing you around the 

fleet. Stay safe, be sharp and keep making a difference in what you do everyday. 

Now is an exciting time to be a Seabee. 

I couldn’t agree more. 

CMDCM (SCW) Jim 

Fairbanks delivers his 

departing remarks at the 

Force Master Chief Change 

of Badge Ceremony at the 

Washington Navy Yard, 

Washington, D.C., April 

25. Fairbanks is now the 

Command Master Chief of 

CBC Gulfport, Miss.

Photo by MC1 (SW) Kurt Riggs 

Seabee Legacy Remains Strong
naVaL FaCiLiTieS engineeRing COMManD

SEABEE MAGAzINE (Code PA)

1322 Patterson Avenue, SE

Suite 1000

Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5065

Seabees assigned to 

nMCb 17 board an air 

Force C-17 aircraft bound 

for Kuwait in March, 

enroute to their final 

destination in al anbar 

Province, iraq. 

Photo by BEE CAM MC2 Kenneth W. Robinson