OKINAWA, Japan - U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 assumed command of naval construction operations as Commander Task Unit, 75.5.1 from NMCB-3 in the Indo-Pacific region during a relief in place/transfer of authority (RIP/TOA) ceremony at Camp Shields in Okinawa, July 5.
This RIP/TOA marked the official completion of NMCB-3’s deployment in the region and the beginning of NMCB-4’s. During the ceremony, Cmdr. LaKeeva B Gunderson, commanding officer, NMCB-3, spoke to the battalion’s accomplishments throughout their six-month deployment.
“You all [NMCB-3] accessed locations that had zero US military presence, you built open and trusting relationships through working with the local Governments, military, and citizens of each country; and you provided logistical support and coordination that tied directly to the 9Rs and to enabling our warfighters; further protecting our assets, facilities, as well as our joint, allied, and partner forces.” said Gunderson.
Such deployments as the regularly scheduled NMCB deployments, are seeing continued and more frequent collaboration between the U.S., its allies such as Japan, and numerous partner nations through the Indo-Pacific. Seabees use the constant joint force presence in the region to strengthen the seamless integration of multi domain operations which incorporate all branches of the DOD to accomplish common mission tasking.
Gunderson remarked that the accomplishments of her battalion saw significant involvement and buy in from key strategic groups in the region who have continued to work collectively towards common goals.
“This deployment provided the opportunity for interoperability and complementary support that resulted in stronger alliances with our joint forces.” Gunderson said. “Our Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force brethren from US, Japan, and Korea were instrumental in the training and exercises we conducted together as we all became more agile, light, and ready.”
Capt. Troy M. Brown, commanding officer, NMCB-4, says the battalion plans to participate in multilateral and multinational exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Seabees with NMCB-4 are scheduled to construct fleet-relevant infrastructure and enable fleet maneuver from the littorals.
“We will leverage our pioneering spirit as we serve as the stand-in engineering force; ready at a moment’s notice to resupply, repair, rearm, and refuel from the littorals.” Brown said. “We are ready to answer the call to enable Fleet maneuver throughout the Pacific, with highly motivated Seabees serving throughout the Indo-Pacific, and for the first time ever, alongside Marine Expeditionary Units aboard the U.S.S. Tripoli, Rushmore, and New Orleans.“
Homeported out of Port Hueneme, California, NMCB-4 has more than ten detail sites deployed throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific area of operations. NMCB-4, nicknamed the “Pioneers’, plan to continue the work Cmdr. Gunderson and NMCB-3 have accomplished, building on partnerships with friendly forces and allies, helping to aid in continuing to enable a free and open Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 07.05.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2022 10:34 |
| Story ID: | 425361 |
| Location: | JP |
| Web Views: | 82 |
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