Photo By Cliff Williams | Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Seabees begin to disassemble the M4 carbine...... read more read more
GULFPORT, Miss. – On Feb. 19, 1945, the 133rd Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) joined the Fifth Marine Amphibious Corps and the Fourth Marine Division for the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima. The entire force landed on Iwo Jima on D-Day with the first assault wave led by the Fourth Marine Division. The 133rd suffered severe casualties during the fight for Iwo Jima, where it distinguished itself in both front-line combat and construction. The 133rd had 370 casualties, more than 40 percent of the 875 men that landed, the highest casualties as part of a single battle in Seabee history.
Recently, Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 paid homage to those that have gone before them by competing in the "Black Hell Squad" competition between squads within the battalion, commemorating the proud heritage of NMCB 133 and the Seabees from years past. The Black Hell Squad competition itself showcases Seabee tactical skills and their "Can Do" attitude.
Throughout the five days, NMCB 133 Seabees conducted military training evolutions at various locations across Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Camp Shelby, and Woolmarket to improve unit integrity, strengthen small unit leadership, and maximize military readiness.
During the first day of competition, Seabees performed a five mile run while wearing their modular tactical vest (MTV), mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) gas mask, uniforms, and boots, stopping at four stations dispersed throughout the course.
At the first station, Seabees were tasked with setting up and loading an RF-310 radio, followed by each squad member issuing reports in the proper format. Next, they were sent to the MOPP station, where they were required to don their gas masks in less than nine seconds and achieve MOPP level 4 in less than nine minutes. The third stage was the weapons station where they were required to disassemble then reassemble the M9 pistol, M4 carbine, and an M240 machine gun. Finally, they were administered the Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) written test, addressing knowledge of SCW personal qualification standards.
“The first day was tough and I definitely felt my age,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class Drew Reyes, team member from Detail One, Squad Four. “I am proud of my team; we worked together, supported each other, and picked each other up when they were down. This team definitely hammered it.”
During the second day, they were sent to the Woolmarket rifle and pistol range where each squad patrol maneuvered through the training area into the counter-improvised explosive device (IED) course where they had to react to an IED scenario. After the IED course, the squads proceeded to firing range qualification course.
On day three, Seabees were directed to set up a squad level defense. Using only their entrenching tools, they were ordered to build foxholes and each squad was graded on their defensive positioning and proper sectors of fire.
The fourth day, the competitors were sent to Camp Shelby to participate in the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) where squads participated in various scenarios. The goal of the LRC is not necessarily to successfully navigate the course, but to show leadership and teamwork qualities such as taking charge, making decisions, and effectively operating as a team.
Finally, on day five, NMCB 133 Seabees performed a five kilometer aid and litter run, carrying their squad leader in a litter while in full gear.
“As Seabees, we have a very rich history and this competition reminds all of us what these Seabees sacrificed,” said Detail One Squad Two member Construction Electrician 3rd Class Dustie Bond, whose team received fifth place honors. “Of course, I’m a little bummed that we didn’t win, but I think everyone on our squad had some fun, learned some history, and got to know each other a little better. Plus, there was a lot of tough competition.”
After the completion of the five day event, Detail One Squad Four, led by Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Matthew Kuzicki, was named NMCB 133's Black Hell Squad and was awarded the Black Hell Squad Pennant. The pennant will be displayed proudly on their company guidon as they prepare to deploy in early 2016.
| Date Taken: | 10.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2015 12:00 |
| Story ID: | 178990 |
| Location: | GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 848 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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