Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Ingram | 230616-N-VH871-1324 CAMP SHIELDS, Okinawa (Jun. 16, 2023) Capt. LaKeeva Gunderson,...... read more read more
US Navy story by MC2 Austin Ingram
CAMP SHIELDS, OKINAWA— In a ceremony held on Camp Shields, June 16th, Commander Travis Brinkman assumed command of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, relieving Captain LaKeeva Gunderson of her duties as the commanding officer. The event marked a significant change in leadership for the battalion, known for its exceptional construction and engineering capabilities.
Brinkman, a seasoned officer with a distinguished career, took the helm of NMCB 3 on Friday. The ceremony, conducted with typical military honors, was attended by Capt. Michael Meno, Commodore, Naval Construction Group 1.
Gunderson, who had served as the commanding officer of NMCB 3 since June of 2021, handed over the battalion's guidon to Commander Brinkman, symbolizing the official transfer of authority. In her farewell address, Gunderson expressed gratitude for her time in command and praised the accomplishments of the battalion during her tenure.
"I am passing a team over that has created a culture of empowerment, a culture of success and continues to thrive.” Gunderson said, “I am passing this command over without any questions, doubts, or fears and with the sincerest belief that they will continue to rise, drive, and deliver."
Brinkman conveyed his appreciation for the trust placed in him as he assumed command of NMCB 3. He emphasized the importance of legacy and trust in his remarks.
“To the Seabees of NMCB 3, I do not take this charge lightly. Trust and respect cannot be compelled but must be earned and I will work tirelessly to do so. I promise to stand at the head of our battalion whether in peacetime or conflict, I will ask nothing of you I am not willing to do myself”, Brinkman stated. “This is an opportunity I've hoped for since the beginning of my Naval career and will do my best to live up to the Better Than Best Seabees that have come before me.”
NMCB 3, also known as the "Better Than Best" battalion, is recognized for its expertise in providing responsive and robust construction services in support of military operations worldwide. The battalion's versatile Seabees, skilled in various construction trades, are renowned for their ability to rapidly deploy and construct critical infrastructure in challenging environments.
Under Gunderson's leadership, NMCB 3 successfully completed a multitude of construction projects in locations spanning the Indo-Pacific region. These projects included airfield construction, base infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance missions.
Brinkman, a capable leader with a wealth of experience in construction operations, is expected to build upon the legacy of excellence established by his predecessor. With a focus on operational readiness, training, and the welfare of his troops, he aims to further enhance NMCB 3's capabilities and contribute to the overall mission readiness of the U.S. Navy.
As Gunderson begins her next assignment, the Navy expresses its gratitude for her dedicated service and exceptional leadership as the commanding officer of NMCB 3. With Commander Brinkman at the helm, the battalion is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and unwavering commitment to completing the mission.
NMCB 3 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region and United States territories to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB 3 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction.
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2023 20:06 |
| Story ID: | 447586 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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