NMCB 133 Detail One uses FTX as a time to shine

Courtesy Photo | Construction Electrician Constructionman Devon Cotz of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Detail One maintains his security posture during a field training exercise. NMCB 133’s completion of the field training exercise certified the battalion as trained and ready to deploy. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Krista Bix/ Released)  

CAMP SHELBY, MS, UNITED STATES

04.08.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133

By Ensign Krista Bix, Builder 1st Class Dean Allen, and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Leslie Schmidt, NMCB 133 Public Affairs

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. – Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 completed its field training exercise (FTX) at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center April 3.

The battalion deployed details to four different locations in Camp Shelby to execute a variety of construction effects missions. After completing one week of initial field training at an independent location, Detail One convoyed through a tactical scenario to a second site where they were faced with opposition and began occupying a defensive position in the area of operations.

"I like the tactical training environment that we are put into for FTX," said Builder Constructionman Taylor Moody. "It keeps you on your toes and prepares you for the unexpected."

The 76 personnel in the detail established a defensive encampment, complete with 360-degree security perimeter, dug-in fighting positions, a command post, and berthing areas. Upon establishing initial security, a project crew of eight personnel began work on a heavy timber bunker, which was one of several graded contingency construction projects the battalion planned to complete.

One of the crew members, Builder Constructionman Logan Klatt, said she thoroughly enjoyed her time spent on the project.

“I feel like my professional knowledge has grown with the projects I was involved in on FTX,” said Klatt.

With the build successfully completed, the crew was awarded a change of pace as they conducted a security reconnaissance patrol to provide additional tactical training for the group.

Construction Electrician Constructionman Devon Cotz said he loved being a part of patrols.

"It's a great way to meet the battalion in a fun learning environment,” said Cotz. “I would say the highlight of my FTX were the patrols and seeing the aggressors first."

Equipment Operator Constructionman Caleb Bernier said that his favorite part of FTX was working on fighting positions and camouflaging them from the enemy. Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Robert Herod remarked that the way Detail One operated on FTX gave him the opportunity “to do tactical training that I wouldn't get to do anywhere else in the Navy in my rate. FTX also gives small unit leadership a time to shine."

• Date Taken: 04.08.2014
• Date Posted: 04.09.2014 17:06
• Story ID: 125167
• Location: CAMP SHELBY, MS, US