Necc in the_news_08_march13 for web

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND
IN THE NEWS

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in the News is a service of the NECC Public Affairs
Office and is used to provide senior leadership and interested NECC personnel around the Fleet
with news about the Navy‘s expeditionary forces. Please do not repost the Clips to any publicly
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Friday, March 08, 2013
_________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: Diving Accident Claims Two Navy Divers
http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=72398&VIRIN=&imagetype=0
From EOD Group 2 Public Affairs

Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan
Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., died while conducting dive operations at the Aberdeen Proving
Grounds in Aberdeen, Md., Feb. 26. Harris and Reyher were assigned to Mobile Diving and
Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.

Seabee Headquarters Begins Realignment
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72445
By Daryl Smith, First Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), the headquarters organization for the Navy Seabees,
began a realignment initiative designed to improve efficiency by eliminating a headquarters
layer, March 1.

Expeditionary Doctor Continues Training Partnership in Mexico
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kay Savarese

A Mobile Training Team (MTT) of three U.S. Navy medical specialists, two assigned to Navy
Expeditionary Combat Command, deployed to the Search, Rescue and Diving School in
Acapulco, Mexico, to teach a 40-hour clinical medical course focusing on hyperbaric oxygen
therapy, Feb. 18 to 22.

Water well teams improve bases, save millions in costs
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102679/water-well-teams-improve-bases-save-millions-
costs#ixzz2Mgb2Btvo
By Chief Equipment Operator Dawn Mayhugh, Task Force Anchor Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 in Afghanistan are
completing their fifth water well project, providing coalition forces direct, cost-effective water
access on bases across the country, saving the military millions in costs.

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Sailors, Airmen wrap up aircraft salvage operation
http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123337318
By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Navy divers from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2 and Air Force personnel are wrapping
up salvage operation to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which
crashed off the coast of Italy late last month.

Marines and Seabees train to build and breach
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102578/marines-and-seabees-train-build-and-
breach#ixzz2MgM7dbSk
By Ens. Humberto Baeza Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 conducted inter service training with the
U.S. Marine Corps Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 20-22.

EODMU-3 change of command
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102879/eodmu-3-change-command#ixzz2MgNVV1oI
By Lt.Cmdr. Donnell Evans Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 held a change of command ceremony, March 1, at
Naval Base Coronado, Calif. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Lawrence E. Hall relieved Cmdr.
Charles Andrews as commanding officer of EODMU 3.

Navy EOD Makes Good on Promise to Children
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Group 2 Public Affairs

Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 visited kindergartners at
Central Elementary School Feb. 25 for a welcome home luncheon in their honor hosted by the
children they had been communicating with while on deployment.

NMCB-11 announced as recipient of Prestigious Peltier Award for FY 2012
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/101710/nmcb-11-announced-recipient-prestigious-peltier-award-
fy-2012#ixzz2MgaUT9vj
By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile construction Battalion 11

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 was announced as the recipient of the Rear Admiral
Eugene J. Peltier Award for fiscal year 2012.

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UPDATE: Diving Accident Claims Two Navy Divers
http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=72398&VIRIN=&imagetype=0
From EOD Group 2 Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio,
and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., died while conducting dive
operations at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md., Feb. 26.

Harris and Reyher were assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, located at Joint
Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our teammates." said Capt. John Coffey, Deputy
Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2. "Petty Officer Harris and Petty
Officer Reyher were exceptional Sailors. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,
friends and shipmates during this difficult time."

Harris enlisted in the Navy June 13, 2007 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great
Lakes, Ill. in August 2007. Harris successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and
Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy diver in April 2008. He
served at Navy Submarine Support Facility in New London, Conn. from May 2008-June 2011,
before reporting to MDSU-2 in June 2011.

Reyher enlisted in the Navy May 28, 2008 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great
Lakes, Ill. in July 2008. Reyher successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and
Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy diver in February
2009. He served at Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility Pacific Northwest from March
2009-April 2012 before reporting to MDSU-2 in April 2012.

"Ryan and James epitomized the unsung hero persona of the Navy diver. We are fortunate to
have had the opportunity to serve with them," said Cmdr. Michael Runkle, commanding officer,
MDSU-2. "We are all deeply saddened by their loss and are focusing on supporting their families
during this time of need."

EODGRU-2 is conducting an investigation into the deaths of the Sailors.

Return to Top Stories

Seabee Headquarters Begins Realignment
By Daryl Smith, First Naval Construction Division Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- First Naval Construction Division (1NCD), the headquarters
organization for the Navy Seabees, began a realignment initiative designed to improve efficiency

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by eliminating a headquarters layer, March 1.

1NCD will merge with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and subsequently
disestablish 1NCD. This change will improve headquarters alignment and consolidate the direct,
formal relationship between the expeditionary forces and Fleet Forces Command/Pacific Fleet.

"Seabees remain an essential component of America's naval force structure and a force multiplier
to naval and joint operations," said Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, commander, 1NCD. "By
reducing a headquarters layer, we create efficiencies and an NECC structure that is both
functional and equivalent in size with today's smaller Type Commander staffs. We will continue
to provide Seabee engineering and construction capabilities that our Navy and the nation vitally
need."

As part of the realignment, the 1NCD staff will be integrated into NECC, and the 1NCD
commander will be reassigned as deputy commander for NECC. This headquarters change
requires realignment at 1NCD's subordinate commands as well. 1NCD currently oversees Seabee
Readiness Groups and active Naval Construction Regiments located in Gulfport, Miss. and Port
Hueneme, Calif., as well as four reserve Naval Construction Regiments at other locations across
the U.S.

Naval Construction Force command and control will be consolidated into two Naval
Construction Groups (NCGs), one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic. This realignment
process began in February and will be complete in April. Certain functions performed at 1NCD
will transfer to NECC, and other functions will transfer to the NCGs.

The 20th Seabee Readiness Group, located in Gulfport, Miss., was renamed Naval Construction
Group 2 on Feb. 26, and the 31st Seabee Readiness Group, located in Port Hueneme, Calif., is
scheduled to be renamed Naval Construction Group 1 on March 11. The commander of the 30th
Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for NCG 1, and the
commander for 22nd Naval Construction Regiment will serve as the deputy commander for
NCG 2.

Reserve regiments and active battalions, along with Underwater Construction Teams (UCTs) and
Construction Battalion Maintenance Units (CBMUs), will report directly to the NCG. Reserve
battalions will still report to a reserve regiment.

The regiments will remain fully-deployable command elements capable of providing command
and control of expeditionary engineer forces.

Established in 2002, 1NCD develops and implements policy and requirements to man, equip and
train Seabees. The command ensures engineer forces are ready to support continuous combat
deployments and is currently responsible for approximately 13,800 Seabees worldwide. A
deployable command, 1NCD made two combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2006, the Navy stood up NECC to provide a single headquarters for all expeditionary forces.

4

Both commands are located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia
Beach, Va.

The 1NCD realignment is scheduled to be complete by May 1.

With the motto, "We Build, We Fight," Seabees provide a wide range of military construction,
including roads, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases, as well as worldwide humanitarian efforts
and disaster response. Nearly 2,000 Seabees are currently deployed, conducting operations in
every Combatant Commander's Area of Responsibility.


Expeditionary Doctor Continues Training Partnership in Mexico
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kay Savarese

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A Mobile Training Team (MTT) of three U.S. Navy medical
specialists deployed to the Search, Rescue and Diving School in Acapulco, Mexico, to teach a
40-hour clinical medical course focusing on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Feb. 18 to 22.

This marks the second year team members conducted this training, stemming from a request
from the Mexican navy in 2012.

"The Mexican navy has the equipment, but their program to develop the expertise to utilize the
equipment to its fullest potential is still in its infancy," said Capt. Bruce A. Cohen, force surgeon
at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). "We've been doing this a long time, so they
turned to us for assistance. NECC places high focus on assisting our counterparts with this
training as it better supports the interoperability of shared and joint missions."

The Mexican navy has 17 hyperbaric chambers. A hyperbaric chamber is a cylindrical
compartment that artificially reproduces pressure conditions found under the sea, allowing for an
isolated form of oxygen therapy to be used in both diving-related and non-diving medical
applications. These chambers are essential in preventing and treating decompression sickness in
divers.

"Our plan was to essentially 'train the trainer,'" said Cohen. "This year, we've updated the course
to reflect additional case studies and current research in the field. Our goal is to build up their
expertise to increase the number of personnel trained to operate the chambers."

The five-day course provided an opportunity for the two navies to participate in lectures, discuss
case studies and share knowledge through group interactions. The training included instruction
on chamber operations, wound care and basic medicine for treatment of patients in a hyperbaric
environment.

5

"We give them scenarios and discuss the outcomes," said Cohen. "The students know how to
operate the chambers. This course focuses on academics and medicine, and offers a basic review
of physics and operations."

Mexican navy personnel attending the course included 10 physicians, 10 nurses and 10 divers
from all over their country. The Search, Rescue and Diving School provided students with a
state-of-the-art facility, supplying a hyperbaric chamber, real-time instant translators and
electronic whiteboards.

"They have a phenomenal translation system and people there," said Cohen. "It's real-time
translation. We wear a headset and it translates as we speak; instantaneously."

The translation system allowed the two navies to communicate effectively throughout the
classroom-based course despite language barriers, while a hyperbaric chamber on-site provided a
platform for visual demonstrations.

"The undersea environment can be harsh and unforgiving and is dangerous to operate in," said
Cohen. "A hyperbaric chamber allows for treatment of injuries that could be life threatening to
working divers."

The MTT instructing this year's course consisted of Capt. Bruce A. Cohen, Capt. Brett B. Hart,
head of the Hyperbaric Training Department at the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute, and
Master Chief Mitchell T. Pearce, the force medical master chief at NECC.

Upon completion of this second visit, 60 Mexican navy personnel have graduated from the
course instructed by the U.S. Navy.

NECC is a command element and force provider for integrated maritime expeditionary missions,
serving as a single functional command for the Navy's expeditionary forces.


Water well teams improve bases, save millions in costs
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102679/water-well-teams-improve-bases-save-millions-
costs#ixzz2Mgb2Btvo
By Chief Equipment Operator Dawn Mayhugh, Task Force Anchor Public Affairs

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – Naval engineers in Afghanistan are completing their fifth water
well project, providing coalition forces direct, cost-effective water access on bases across the
country, saving the military millions in costs.

6

Launching out in Sept. 2012, U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
(NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor, began to drill the first of five deep water wells across the
country.

Two 12-man teams took charge of two Laibe drill rigs and more than $2 million worth of
materials.

As 24-hour drilling operations continued, each team had to overcome obstacles ranging from
equipment repairs to weather delays as the winter season brought rain and snow to some sites.

The teams were constantly tested as hidden rock formations and voids changed drilling speeds.
By managing the ―mud‖ program through skillful manipulation of chemicals, the teams
progressed in operations. ―Mud‖ is a combination of water and a number of chemical agents that
allows the water well team to bring soil drilled out of the water well to the surface.

As each member honed their expertise in their respective job assignments, the team‘s efficiency
increased at every site.

As Task Force Anchor, part of the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Triple Nickel,
nears the completion of the fifth well, all wells have an average depth of nearly 1,000 feet and
produce an average of 100 gallons of clean water per minute.

―Coalition and Afghan forces will benefit for years due to their efforts,‖ said Chief Petty Officer
David Asbury, construction officer with JTF Triple Nickel.

Each well saves the military hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to the costs of
contracted drilling or having to acquire and transport water from off-base, according to Asbury.

This means, already, the military has saved over $2 million thanks to these projects.

Across the country, these wells will continue to have a positive impact and increase the quality
of life for thousands of coalition personnel.

NMCB 133 is currently deployed to Afghanistan and the U.S. Central Command area of
responsibility in support of coalition forces, the Afghan National Army and the local population.


Sailors, Airmen wrap up aircraft salvage operation
http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123337318
By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

USNS GRAPPLE, At Sea -- U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel are wrapping up salvage
operation to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which crashed off the
coast of Italy late last month.

7

U.S. Navy divers from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2, Company 4, and Airmen from Aviano
Air Base, Italy, have been working aboard the USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53) for more than two
weeks. Their mission has been to identify, locate, and recover wreckage of the Aviano fighter jet
which crashed in the Adriatic Sea during a training mission Jan. 28.

Collaborating to better identify debris and information vital to the investigation, the joint salvage
operation faced several challenges throughout the process.

"Weather, size of debris field and poor visibility have been some of the challenges we have had
to overcome these last few weeks," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Woods, MDSU 2,
Company 4, master diver. "We have been forced to operate with even greater caution under these
conditions."

Also among the challenges has been identifying components of the aircraft recovered by the
divers.

"As subject matter experts we are able to provide immediate answers for proper handling of
sensitive equipment," said Master Sgt. Chad Aubuchon, 31st Maintenance Squadron flight chief,
aboard the Grapple. "It is important for us to caution the divers on potential dangers that might
hurt them or damage their equipment."

After Air Force personnel briefed divers on proper handling of sensitive equipment, members of
the MDSU 2, Company 4, began operations with scuba dives to locate potential wreckage
located by underwater scanning devices. Divers then conducted surface-supplied diving
operations which allowed them to perform more difficult tasks such as moving heavier objects.

"With surface supplied diving operations we are able to stay down in the sea longer and gather
more debris as opposed to scuba," said Woods. "We have unlimited air supply with this type of
dive."

The divers recovered over 200 pieces within the first few days despite the large debris field. This
has been a difficult feat, according to the divers, as the significant amount of soft mud at the
bottom of the sea has reduced visibility to zero.

"We have overcome cold weather, bad sea state, mud and zero visibility," said Petty Officer First
Class Andrew Swartwood. "Although it has been difficult, we are trained to operate in these
conditions."

Despite the difficulties, the Sailors and Airmen remain committed to their mission and report that
the partnership has been a positive experience.

"The teamwork I have seen is outstanding," said Aubuchon. "The Navy works well together, and
having the opportunity to work with them while participating in their traditions is definitely an
eye-opening experience."

8


Marines and Seabees train to build and breach
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102578/marines-and-seabees-train-build-and-
breach#ixzz2MgM7dbSk
By Ens. Humberto Baeza Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan — Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 conducted inter
service training with the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, Feb.
20-22.

This educational exchange involved NMCB 5 troops teaching Marines how to construct
Southwest Asia huts while CAB Marines demonstrated their demolition skills used to conduct
urban mobility breaching or what Marines refer to informally as UMBC based on the acronym
for the Marine Corps‘ Urban Mobility Breaching Course.

―The training we received from the Marines on UMBC opened our eyes to the dangers they
face,‖ said Builder 3rd Class David Domagala. ―Overall, everyone came away from this training
exercise with a new found respect for the other service.‖

Upon arrival to the demolition range, both Marines and Seabees offloaded their builder‘s tool kit
and lumber and began their construction classes. Within minutes both services were working side
by side under the guidance of crew leader Domagala. The Marines and Seabees completed the
construction of the SWA hut in about five hours.

On day two, Seabees received extensive training on building urban breaching shots, initiating
systems, burn rates and the proper employments of demolition.

―It improved the Marines‘ confidence in their knowledge of UMBC, because they had to
communicate that knowledge to the Seabees,‖ said 1st Lt. Jonathan Bisulca, 3rd platoon
commander of Combat Engineer Company.

Under the supervision of the CAB Marines, the Seabees were able to construct six distinct
charges from scratch. The power of the charges ranged from a simple doughnut breaching charge
to a much more destructive concrete charge. Once completed with the construction of the
charges, the Seabees were instructed on the proper utilization of a blast blanket and determining
the standoff distance from the blast. Working side by side and under the watchful eyes of the
Marines, the Seabees conducted urban breaching training on the constructed SWA hut.

Marine Capt. Benjamin Nichols, NMCB 5‘s assistant operations officer, previously served with
the CAB and shared a unique perspective of the event.

―It was special for me to witness the Seabees of NMCB 5 teach construction while the Marines

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of CAB expose the Seabees to their expertise in urban breaching.‖

This joint exercise was a chance for the Marines and Seabees to build camaraderie.

―Bravo Zulu to the Marines and Seabee crew out there, I hope for more opportunities to cross
train with Marines,‖ said Steelworker 2nd Class Brandin Salazar, assistant officer-in-charge.

NMCB 5 is home ported at Port Hueneme, Calif. and is currently deployed to multiple sites
throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.


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Seabee base makes history with change of command ceremony
http://www.wlox.com/story/21353531/seabee-base-makes-history-with-change-of-command-
ceremony
By Doug Walker WLOX 13

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - It was billed as a historic day on the Seabee base in Gulfport. A
change of command ceremony involving several officers. One unit was decommissioned,
another was renamed and then combined with yet another unit that will be called Naval
Construction Group 2.
All those changes are in recognition of changing times. Captain Darius Banaji is commander of
the newly formed Naval Construction Group 2.
"We're part of a smaller piece that's responding to the Naval construction force in response to
changes in the fiscal climate and we're reorganizing the Navy in a downsizing," Banaji
explained. "We've positioned ourselves the best to be able to support the future and still be a
relevant, capable expeditionary force."
Base commander Captain Frederick Burgess will still hold that title under the realignment.
"I think it does streamline our command and control. It sets us up for future operations and
positions. That's very well for future changes that may come our way," Burgess said.
The Seabee base will still play a vital role, despite the changes. Rear Admiral Mark Handley is
the Naval Construction Forces Commander.
"Now, we will combine all of our efforts here in Gulfport and this will be the center for our
efforts for the future," Handley said.
While this change of command ceremony reflects the new economic realities facing the Navy,
and indeed the entire military, the mission of the Seabee is not going to be changing all that
much. They're going to be helping people around the world, according to Handley.
"They remain ready to fight and win our wars when we need to, but also that they can focus on
preventing war aspect of our business," Handley explained. "That's when we go off into the
Pacific or into Africa and other places and we build partnerships by the works that the Seabees
do, through building clinics, schools, and other things."
A job the Seabees do better than anybody.
Another change of command will take place in June when base commanding officer Captain
Burgess will be replaced by Captain Paul Odenthal.


EODMU-3 change of command
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/102879/eodmu-3-change-command#ixzz2MgNVV1oI
Story by Lt.Cmdr. Donnell Evans Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE

CORONADO, Calif. - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 held a change of command
ceremony, March 1, at Naval Base Coronado, Calif. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Lawrence E.
Hall relieved Cmdr. Charles Andrews as commanding officer of EODMU 3.

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"There are many people that stray away from difficult tasks, but you don't have to look any
further than mobile unit three to find individuals that are ready to put their life on the line daily.
Your courage, patriotism, and willingness to carry the fight to the enemy are the very reason
America is the most dominant military force in the world,‖ said Andrews. ―Every day I was
humbled by the selfless warriors of EODMU 3. I will remember you always as the bravest men
and women with whom I have served."

Andrews assumed command of EODMU 3 in June 2010. Since taking the helm, Andrews led the
unit during two deployments to Afghanistan.

During his tour at EODMU 3, Andrews also trained and deployed seven special operation force
platoons, seven combat expeditionary support platoons, three carrier strike group platoons and
one mine countermeasures platoon for combat operations in direct support of Operations New
Dawn, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Ed Eidson, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, served as
guest speaker for the ceremony.

―It‘s very easy to lead a command when everything goes right. That‘s not hard. As a
commanding officer, your job is to lead when things don‘t go right. Charles, you did an
exceptional job,‖ said Eidson. ―Lawrence, you have been preparing for this your entire life, I
know you will do well.‖

Andrews is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and was commissioned an ensign in May
of 1992. His next assignment is to the Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving in
Panama City, Fl.

―Everybody‘s told me for the last 28 years, command at sea is the greatest job in the Navy, and it
is,‖ said Hall. ―It‘s also one of the most humbling jobs that I know I‘ll ever have, because I‘ll
have to try and live up to what is demanded to lead men and women like this.‖

Hall enlisted in the Navy in May of 1985, is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic University, and
was commissioned in May of 1996.

EODMU 3 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal capability as required for the
location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive
ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world‘s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and
conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.


12

Navy EOD Makes Good on Promise to Children
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Group 2 Public Affairs

MOYOCK, N.C. (NNS) -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2
visited kindergartners at Central Elementary School Feb. 25 for a welcome home luncheon in
their honor hosted by the children they had been communicating with while on deployment.

As part of the project, the class adopted the Sailors and sent care packages to them while they
were deployed. In return, the class requested that if time permitted the deployed Sailors would
become "pen pals" and write responses back to the class.

"Every year we try to get pen pals," said Kathleen Stadler, kindergarten teacher at Central
Elementary. "They love it, they absolutely love it. It keeps the kids excited about writing and
they actually want to do it."

Every year the children write service members serving overseas as part of the program and while
the students understand the Sailors may not be available once the deployment is over; this year
they got a surprise.

"We understand that this is their time to be with their families and for them to come out of their
way and come down here and spend time with us, that's huge and we appreciate that a lot," said
Stadler. "It speaks volumes and it's important people know that."

Those feelings were shared by school principal Daun Belangia who said it is important children
get to see what service members are doing for them and the country.

"Watching the kids sing the thank you song to me was a very emotional thing," said Belangia.
"It's important to me that these children understand what a big deal it is that these guys are doing
their job not just for themselves or their families but for everyone and it's an honor to have them
in our building today."

Two Sailors from EODMU 2 answered the children's questions, read stories and demonstrated
the PackBot transportable robotics system they use in their job every day in appreciation for all
of the support the children gave them while deployed overseas.

"It was a good opportunity to meet all the kids and try to provide them some positive feedback,"
said Lt. Keith Caton, platoon commander, EODMU 2. "This was our way of showing our
appreciation to Mrs. Stadler's kindergarten class for all the letters and support they gave us while
we were deployed."

"It feels really good and I think it went well," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Daniel
Franklin, EODMU 2, platoon 6 lead petty officer. "I enjoyed receiving packages from the
children and reading their letters and seeing the drawings they would make for us. We shared

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them with the Soldiers who were there with us as well."

Navy community outreach programs are a way for the Navy to give back to the community.

"You could tell the kids were excited to see us in uniform," said Franklin. "They got to see the
robot and it was great to see them so happy and excited to see us."

In addition to generating good will and excitement between the children and service members,
Stadler uses the penpal program to keep children engaged in writing. To this Franklin had some
parting words for the children:

"Keep up writing even if it's not fun and thank you very much for your support to the Armed
Forces and what they do for your country," said Franklin. "It's great to have this kind of support.
Oh and listen to your teachers!"


NMCB-11 announced as recipient of Prestigious Peltier Award for FY 2012
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/101710/nmcb-11-announced-recipient-prestigious-peltier-award-
fy-2012#ixzz2MgaUT9vj
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael Naval Mobile construction Battalion 11

GULFPORT, Miss. – Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 was announced as the recipient of
the Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier Award for fiscal year 2012.

The announcement came in a Jan. 31, 2013, unclassified message from Commander, Naval
Facilities Engineering Command, Rear Adm. Katherine L. Gregory.

Units selected for this prestigious award are recognized leaders in the Naval Construction Force
in safety, overall performance, readiness, construction accomplishments, equipment
management, logistics programs, retention, and training.

NMCB-11 completed an arduous eight-month United States Central Command deployment in
Afghanistan during 2012 in which the battalion set the stage for the surge drawdown of U.S. and
coalition forces and eventual transfer of mission to the Afghan forces.

The Peltier award is named for a legendary and distinguished Civil Engineer Corps and Seabee
leader. Commissioned into the Navy in 1940, Peltier was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Yards
and Docks, and Chief of Civil Engineers of the Navy in 1957 where he served until 1962. Peltier
died Feb. 13, 2004, at the age of 93 and was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in
Arlington, Va.

NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and
humanitarian assistance. The Battalion is home-ported in Gulfport, Miss.

14


Ready for Combat: Amanda Rutledge Is a Woman Warrior
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20675876,00.html#disqus_thread
People Magazine

Ten members of the Quick Reaction Force patrol a remote wooded village. Suddenly enemy
machine-gun fire bursts from the trees. A man cries out, "I'm hit!" As the squad takes cover, a
lone warrior dashes back to the fight zone to drag the wounded man from harm's way.

Had this been war and not a training scenario at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Amanda Rutledge would
likely have earned a commendation for valor. With 35 lbs. of gear on her back, the only female
trainee in a class of 43 at the Navy's Riverine Combat Skills course proved that she could get a
much larger combatant to safety.

"I think I won them over," says Rutledge, 23, who is among the first women training for combat
since the Jan. 24 Pentagon decision to open combat roles to them. "When I heard about it, I
thought, ‗I can do this!' " says Rutledge, a former art student from Mentor, Ohio, who enlisted in
2010 and was recently promoted to Gunner's Mate 2. While the new policy has critics – Center
for Military Readiness President Elaine Donnelly calls it "irresponsible . . . physical strength is a
factor" – for the 202,400 women currently serving, the move "reflects the reality on the ground,"
says Becky Halstead, retired Army brigadier general. Until women make up greater numbers in
these programs, "I'm odd woman out," says Rutledge. "I want to show that if I can do it, others
can."


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