Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 transfers authority to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon | Transfer of Authority Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24-Lieutenant Douglas Orr, chaplain NMCB 24, Commander James Robbins, Commanding Officer NMCB 27, Captain Arthur Edgar, CTG 56.2, and Commander Craig Scharton, Commanding Officer NMCB 24 stand for the playing of the national anthem beginning the ceremony.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

05.27.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - In a much-anticipated ceremony Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 transferred authority to NMCB 24. Members representing each battalion were in attendance as well as personnel from other coalition units stationed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Captain Arthur Edgar, Commander Task Group 56.2, conveyed the words provided by Brigadier General Juan G. Ayala of the 2d Marine Logistics Group. Ayala intended to join the ceremony; unfortunately an unanticipated sand storm did not allow him to travel in for the event.

In his comments to NMCB 27 regarding their tour of duty, Ayala stated, "...your efforts in Al Anbar have made a long lasting impact...an impact that will continue to positively effect the coalition operating in Al Anbar long after your departure."

Ayala also offered words of guidance to NMCB 24 as they began their tour, advising to, "...build on your predecessors' successes [and] partner with our Iraqi allies; teach, mentor, and facilitate their success..." In closing Ayala reinforced the Seabee motto of "Construimus, Batuimus" or "We Build, We Fight".

Both Commander James Robbins, Commanding Officer of NMCB 27, and Commander Craig Scharton, Commanding Officer of NMCB 24, addressed the battalions during the ceremony.

Robbins advised his sailors to think long and hard about the answer they would give to those at home who would want to know what they did while serving in Iraq, stating that, "...[I] will be telling the stories about the great family I was with here in the desert. I'll tell many other stories of the troops that I had the honor of serving with." He went on to remind them that they were now a part of history and congratulated them on a job well done.

Scharton offered his congratulations to Commander Robbins and his 'Skibees', commenting that they, "have a great deal of which to be proud."

In addressing the personnel of NMCB 24, Scharton advised that, "We must execute our projects and tasking with a sense of purpose, while never losing sight of safety, quality of work, and professionalism." In closing Scharton remarked on the privilege of being a commanding officer and what honor he felt in leading the Seabees of NMCB 24.

The ceremony closed with the Benediction from Lieutenant Douglas Orr, chaplain for NMCB 24. Afterward, the Commanders joined guests and personnel for beverages and dessert.

NMCB 27 is headquartered at Brunswick, Maine, while NMCB 24 is headquartered at Huntsville, Ala. Both deployed battalions are comprised on Naval Reservists from more than 30 different states.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2009
• Date Posted: 05.27.2009 04:37
• Story ID: 34137
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ