Courtesy Photo | 200727-N-YT137-1019 DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (July 27, 2020)...... read more read more
Story by Builder 3rd Class Jacob Gillam
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, Detail Diego Garcia Public Affairs
DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (NNS) – Seabees assigned to U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3’s Detail Diego Garcia completed a relief in place/transfer of authority (RIP/TOA) with NMCB-5 and took over execution of a tension fabric structure (TFS) project in support of the U.S. Air Force, July 27.
NMCB-5’s Detail Diego Garcia wrapped up an extended deployment due to the unforeseen Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which created a delay in efforts to return home due to stringent local, national, and international protective travel restrictions starting in late March.
Travel restrictions were revisited in late May and NMCB-3 was given permission to deploy. After complementing one 14-day restriction of movement (ROM) period prior to deployment in the U.S. and a 14-day ROM period upon arrival in the area of operations, the NMCB-3 Seabees were ready to begin turnover and take charge of the detail.
"We have a small group of motivated Seabees who are ready and eager to work following complicated movements and multiple ROM periods,” said Utilitiesman 1st Class Joshua Poirier, NMCB-3’s Detail Diego Garcia officer-in-charge. “Getting the opportunity to conduct a face-to-face RIP/TOA with NMCB-5 was undeniably beneficial to setting us up for success. Diego Garcia is very small, and everyone immediately knew who we were, which further drove home the importance of providing quality construction for our partners and continuing to build on the legacy that Seabees have solidified here for many years.”
The Seabees will work alongside civilian contractors to complete the TFS, which sits on approximately 260 cubic yards of concrete and six tons of reinforcing steel.
The TFS, valued at $1.2 million and stretching approximately 8,000 square feet, will provide much needed protection from the debilitating effects the salt water and sand can have on the equipment employed by the Air Force squadrons stationed on the island.
Because a TFS is similar to facilities the Seabees build when called upon for Major Combat Operations (MCO), the Seabees can simultaneously provide direct high-quality construction support while exercise functional skills. Building the TFS not only supports the U.S. Air Force on the island, but it also keeps the Seabees’ skills sharp with hands-on training and application of learned skills for MCO response.
For some of the Seabees, this marks their first deployment and experience with being part of a turnover. The turnover process is valuable at both the unit and individual level as Seabees learn their counterpart’s best practices that will best position them to hit the ground running. The lessons learned from completing a more complicated than normal turnover will enable the Seabees to share their knowledge with other units who may face similar challenges in the future.
“With this being my first deployment, I am very optimistic for new opportunities and responsibilities within the material liaison office and central tool room,” said Construction Electrician Constructionman Jordan Altiery. “Turnover with NMCB-5 was quick, efficient, and most definitely a learning experience.”
The geographic location of the island comes with its unique set of challenges, primarily regular significant rain. Bad weather can make the construction of the TFS difficult, but the Seabees are confident that they can be successful in completing their mission.
“Being deployed to Diego Garcia is an honor,” said Equipment Operator Constructionman Kenneth Moseley. “The Department of Defense and contracted personnel on the island are very welcoming, the island is beautiful, and I look forward to the work we have ahead of us.”
NMCB-3 is deployed across the Indo-Pacific region conducting high-quality construction to support U.S. and partner nations to strengthen partnerships, deter aggression, and enable expeditionary logistics and naval power projection. The battalion stands ready to complete assigned tasking, support Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Relief and Major Combat Operations throughout the area of operations.
For more information about Seabees and NMCB-3, visit http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil or https://www.facebook.com/NMCB3/
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2020 19:25 |
| Story ID: | 375119 |
| Location: | DIEGO GARCIA, IO |
| Web Views: | 373 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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