NMCB 3 Builds Technically and Tactically Challenging Non-Standard Bridge During Field Training Exercise.

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jesse Sherwin III | The completed timber bridge built by Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3’s Bridge Detachment, built during their pre deployment field training exercise. This was the first time that a permanent bridge was built during an FTX. Prior to every deployment Seabee Battalions conduct a 2-4 week FTX that tests all of their skills in a tactical environment before each deployment. NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. naval forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.  

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

12.06.2011

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Carson 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Thirty six Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 built a permanent 14 by 23 foot non-standard timber bridge during their pre-deployment Field Training Exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, Dec. 6.

This was the first time that NMCB 3 constructed a non-standard permanent bridge during an FTX and it proved to be a technical and tactical challenge.

Before starting construction of the $25,000 timber bridge, the team had the challenging task of removing an existing Bailey bridge. The Army needed the Bailey bridge removed so that they could use it at another location at Fort Hunter Liggett. A replacement bridge was designed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific.

With pieces of the Bailey weighing upwards of 500 lbs and working in tight quarters, the small group of Seabees had to resort to physical strength and teamwork. “The project had a few challenges we had to overcome,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Wilson, the Det operations petty officer. “It was tough to construct a quality project while keeping everyone safe and staying tactically ready at all times.”

Throughout construction, the Seabees were faced with various tactical scenarios that forced them to halt construction and maintain defensive postures. One of the scenarios included an attack using a chemical agent. The detail had to quickly respond by outfitting themselves in their chemical protective gear and gas masks and then defend their project site. The scenario also required the Battalion’s Chemical, Biological, and Radiological team to travel to the site, test the area, pronounce the site clear of any lingering chemical agents and perform decontamination procedures.

Despite the challenges, the Seabees of NMCB 3 safely completed the project on schedule. “The project crew worked hard to keep the project running smoothly,” said Seaman Jacob Thacker. “Our crew wasn’t very large and everyone worked together to keep things running smooth to get the job done.”

This non-standard heavy timber bridge project was a perfect example of the Seabees construction skills. The challenge of doing this type of construction while maintaining a tactical posture in a remote environment truly demonstrated the unique capabilities of the Naval Construction Force.

“The team excelled in every way and never lost motivation despite the numerous challenges they faced” said Lt. John Murphy, the detachment officer in charge. From the very beginning the project team had its fair share of technical challenges that forced them to come up with creative solutions in the field. Several field adjustment requests were submitted due to inconsistencies with plans and actual site conditions. Each field adjustment required the quick thinking of the team in order to stay on schedule and prevent the project from coming to a halt.

The first field adjustment required the project team to add two additional stringers and widen the bridge three feet from the original design. This was due to the existing bridge abutments being wider than depicted in the plans. Additional field adjustments were made once the existing abutment caps were exposed and removed. The team discovered that the existing abutments had a lip that was not depicted on the plans. This unforeseen condition forced the Seabee’s to develop an abutment cap design that could work using existing materials without risking the structural integrity of the bridge. This was a true engineering challenge that highlighted the “Can do” spirit and the engineering capability that sets Seabees apart from other military construction units. A solution was developed in the field and FAR was submitted requesting approval for the modification.

Motivation and teamwork were essential for the team’s success. The Seabees worked long hours in demanding conditions and never lost motivation or focus. When put into remote locations, Seabees have to rely on the most basic tools, like chainsaws and sledgehammers, to complete their most technical projects. In keeping with the “we train as we fight mentality”, this is exactly what this team of Seabees used.

The crew removed the existing Bailey bridge and constructed a non-standard timber bridge in its place in six days with zero safety mishaps. “Our Det worked well together, there was a lot of team work and small unit leadership” said Murphy. “The crew had a lot of technical knowledge of the project and it only took six days to complete.”

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. naval forces providing construction, engineering, and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance, and contingency operations.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2011
• Date Posted: 12.21.2011 16:16
• Story ID: 81655
• Location: FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US