Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74

Story by Ryan Wilber

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -The servicemembers gathered for the run demonstrated a spirit of energy and excitement while listening to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennifer Avila, assigned to 5th Batallion/10th Marines, Brigade Headquarters Group, describe the route around the camp.

"I wanted to do something fun, so I said lets get the Sailors and the Marines together and have a fun run. It was not difficult to organize," said Avila, who was also the run organizer. "Camp Leatherneck was very welcoming in letting us do this, and it turned out better than I expected. I liked seeing the camaraderie, people high fiving each other [and] showing their support."

"I want to do my best and push myself as hard as I can," said Builder 2nd Class Clayton Condon, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, Charlie Company.

Chief Construction Mechanic Brian Boyd, assigned to NMCB 74, Alfa Company, and Construction Electrician Constructionman Joshua Guerreiro, assigned to NMCB 74, Charlie Company, carried their respective company's guidon during the run. Each expressed a feeling of pride in doing so.

"It's an honor. It may be tough to run with [the guidon], but I don't mind," said Guerriero.

"We are the biggest Navy unit on the base, so we have an obligation to come out and support the Navy pride," added Boyd.

Cpl. Marques Nelson, assigned to Combat Logistics Company 151, won the race. Builder 2nd Class Clayton Condon, assigned to NMCB 74, Charlie Company, and Lt. Paul Gundy, NMCB 74 Dental Officer, finished 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

During lunch the Seabees held two cake cutting ceremonies. Utilitiesman 1st Class Antoine Briggs, NMCB 74's Sailor of the Quarter, and Logistics Specialist Seaman Juan Saldivar, NMCB 74's Bluejacket of the Quarter, shared the honor of cutting one Navy birthday cake. Equipment Operator Constructionman Malanie Tallman, Alfa Company's youngest Sailor also cut another cake.

"The Navy is an outstanding organization to be part of. I'm very privileged to be here and serve my country," said Briggs.

Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, Commanding General Marine Expeditionary Brigade, was the guest speaker for the base cake cutting ceremony and for the remembrance ceremony in the afternoon. He spoke in praise of the work the Navy has been doing to support operations at Camp Leatherneck.

"Everything you see here was built by Seabees," said Nicholson. "Quality of life at Camp Leatherneck is due to the Seabees."

Cmdr. Bill Haggerson, assigned to Camp Leatherneck's Shock Trauma Platoon and Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Eric Luangrath, assigned to NMCB 74, Supply Department, shared the honor of cutting the cake. According to tradition, the oldest and youngest Sailors cut the cake and take the first bites.

During the remembrance ceremony, a bell was struck twice in honor of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Anthony Garcia and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin Castiglione who were assigned to Camp Leatherneck and killed in action during the past year. A moment of silence was observed for all Sailors lost during the year.

At day's end, servicemembers representing all branches of the armed services assigned to Camp Leatherneck had joined in celebration of the Navy's birthday, showing their appreciation for all the Navy personnel that provide support to the camp.

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