GULFPORT, Miss. -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 completed a Field Training Exercise, Operation Bearing Duel 2012, at Camp Shelby, Miss., March 21.
An FTX is conducted every three years and is designed to supplement classroom instruction with applied training in combat operations by simulating a combat environment.
"Training in the field is a much more effective way to learn than in classrooms. In the field, you're not just listening to instructions, you're actually engaging," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Raymond Kane.
The command was responsible for implementing the requirements of an actual deployment to a hostile area. This included embarkation and prepositioning, personnel and equipment mount out, camp construction, defensive posture, communications, contingency construction, and rapid redeployment.
The exercise was orchestrated by the 20th Seabee Readiness Group which helps train battalions for combat situations. They assessed the battalion’s tactical skills by imitating enemy combatants and presenting a series of scenarios representative of the circumstances seabees may encounter when deployed to a combat zone or hostile area. These scenarios included improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, suicide bombers, unwelcoming locals, and chemical attacks. Additionally, they gave daily input about defensive efforts and tactical posture, suggested improvements, and provided an evaluation of the battalion’s overall readiness.
"The goal of the exercise is to provide troops with a living example of warfare conditions and possibilities," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Sylvestro Manente.
Each line company, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Hotel, contributed to camp security by fortifying the camp’s perimeter with barriers and fighting positions. Watch bills were created to ensure the fighting positions were consistently manned.
“Standing watch at night was the worst,” said Builder 2nd Class Mary Myers. “Your imagination gets the better of you. One night, I swore I saw the enemy [20th SRG] in the woods. When the sun came out, I realized I’d been staring at a tree all night.”
Because one of the primary responsibilities of a seabee battalion is to provide construction support to designated units, members of Bravo and Charlie companies were tasked with the construction of a leach field, laundry unit, showers, and a galley.
“The troops learned how to work under combat conditions," said Chief Utilitiesman Ezra Cabrera. "Despite the heat and the weight of our tactical gear, the projects went smoothly and everybody worked hard to meet our deadline.”
Additionally, several members were trained to be part of the convoy security element. CSE is another essential function which provides protection to personnel and equipment during movements throughout the area of operation.
"CSE is a vital part of deployment success. Without it, we [Seabees] would be dependent upon the Army or Marines for movement within theater and as a seabee battalion we are expected to be fully self-sufficient," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Brian Kohler.
Upon completion of the exercise, evaluators from the 20th SRG gave the battalion high marks and stated that their expectations had been exceeded.
“The 20th SRG had nothing but good things to say about us. Everyone worked hard and morale was outstanding. I’m proud to be part of such a great unit,” said Peter Pitman, NMCB 27’s commanding officer.
NMCB 27’s mission is to provide advanced base construction support to the USN and USMC. The Reserve Support Site is located at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2012 13:27 |
| Story ID: | 86066 |
| Location: | CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Hometown: | CHICOPEE, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 538 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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