Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Natalia Murillo | CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (May 4, 2021) U.S. Navy Sailors with the Naval Mobile...... read more read more
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NMCB 14 Honors Seabees Killed in Action
On Tuesday, May 4, about 50 people gathered at the New Cantina on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti to honor seven Seabees who died in Iraq in 2004.
U.S. Navy Senior Chief Construction Mechanic Thomas Halleck said, “We suffered great losses.” Halleck was deployed to Iraq with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 at the time of the casualties in 2004.
NMCB 14, Detachment 1, is now stationed at Camp Lemonnier. Fifteen Sailors spent two weeks rebuilding the Old Cantina bar on base, preparing it for today’s memorial service and dedication.
The Seabees honored in the ceremony:
- Equipment Operator 3rd Class Christopher Dickerson
- Hull Maintenance 2nd Class Jason Dwelley
- Builder 2nd Class Michael Anderson
- Equipment Operator 2nd Class Trace Dossett
- Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Scott McHugh
- Builder 2nd Class Robert Jenkins
- Steelworker 3rd Class Ronald Ginther
The NMCB is designed for dual construction and military support operations to build advanced base facilities in support of U.S. and allied military activities and to provide engineering support for Fleet Marine Units.
The Seabees with NMCB 14, Detachment 1, are proud of their contribution honoring the seven Seabees’ ultimate sacrifice.
“We’re honored to be a part of it,” said Chief Equipment Operator Casey Simmons, who served as master of ceremonies and represents NCMB 14, Detachment 1, as Assistant Officer in Charge. “Building this Cantina has been a great chance for us to do something meaningful as well as practice our skills in construction. This means a lot to us.”
On April 30, 2004, the NMCB 14 Tactical Movement Team (TMT) providing convoy security from Husaybah, Iraq, to Ramadi, Iraq, came under an insurgent attack. Equipment Operator 3rd Class Christopher Dickerson and Hull Maintenance 2nd Class Jason Dwelley were killed in action that day. Five more were wounded.
Two days later, NMCB-14 took another loss.
May 2, 2004, five NMCB 14 Seabees perished and 31 were wounded in a rocket attack at Forward Operating Base Junction City, Ramadi.
Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer Capt. Kyle Schuman and NMCB 14, Detachment 1 Officer in Charge Lt.j.g. Nikeisha Thomas saluted each fallen Seabee after placing a wreath in their honor.
Halleck shared a detailed memory of the two days of attacks, detailing his role and the roles of his teammates in the ambushes.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to honor our fallen brothers today,” said Halleck. “It’s hard to believe that it has been 17 years since the two fatal attacks. I will never forget the courage our brothers demonstrated. Their sacrifice will inspire generations of Seabees to never quit, never surrender, and never let the enemy break their will to fight!”
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2021 14:27 |
| Story ID: | 395686 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 3,773 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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