Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Visits Al Anbar Coalition Forces

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon | Rear Admiral T.C. Cropper, Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command shakes hands with Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Tibai, construction mechanic, while meeting the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24's Alfa Shop.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

05.27.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Harmon 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 received an honored visit from Rear Admiral T.C. Cropper, Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, on April 20.

During the visit, Cropper was briefed regarding both current and future construction projects the battalion is tasked with, including road assessments, camp maintenance, and conducting an extensive supply inventory.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Rear Admiral toured the Alfa Company work spaces and Battalion Aid Station of Camp RJ, speaking with several of the Seabees.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Collin Wiseman, hospital corpsman, felt that, "...as a junior Corpsman it was a pleasure to meet him."

During the tour Cropper spoke with Captain Gerard Hayes, NMCB 24 Medical Officer, concerning the programs and work load of the medical staff at Camp RJ.

In a later interview regarding the visit, Hayes stated, "It was a pleasant surprise to have such a distinguished visitor, allowing a good opportunity to share what happens at the deck plate level."

Hayes further commented, "I feel he came away with a flavor of the medical department...by seeing the motivation of the corpsmen and the skills that they have, as well as their dedication to providing care for the battalion."

Later in the evening, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Timothy Wells, construction mechanic, attended a dinner hosted for Rear Admiral Cropper. During the meal, Cropper expressed gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the service members, as well as the sacrifices of their families, taking time to ask personnel about themselves and their families.

"I was glad that he asked not only about us but also our families." Wells commented, "He showed concern for everyone, our loved ones included."

Cropper has more than 25 years of service with the United States Navy. He has multiple master's degrees, and has earned numerous military awards and distinctions. He has served in the capacity of Naval Aviator with several attack squadrons, and as an instructor with VFA-106. Cropper has been the Chief of Staff, U.S. Third Fleet in 2005-2007, as well as various other tours of duty within the Naval Forces.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWO FOUR is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. They are a reserve unit, with home detachments located in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and West Virginia. NMCB 24 began their second deployment in the support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the spring of 2009. Currently they are headquartered at Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar province, Iraq.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2009
• Date Posted: 05.27.2009 05:21
• Story ID: 34139
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ