CPX prepares NMCB 3 for FTX, deployment

Photo By Seaman Curtis Lee | Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Zachary Hudson from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 helps distribute power to Air Detachment’s command post while setting up for the first Command Post Exercise (CPX) of the battalion’s homeport cycle. CPX is pre-operational training to prepare troops for their final graded Field Training Exercise (FTX), certifying the battalion is ready for deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Electrician Constructionman Curtis Lee/Released)  

PORT HUENEME, CA, UNITED STATES

09.22.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

PORT HUENEME, Calif. - Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 kicked off the first Command Post Exercise (CPX) of their 2014 homeport aboard Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, Monday, Sept. 22.

The four-day exercise challenges NMCB 3’s command and control, communications, and timely decision making capabilities through real-world scenarios centered on humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

Similar to a carrier strike group’s Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) certification process, CPX is one in a series of training events leading to the battalion’s final graded Field Training Exercise (FTX), which certifies the battalion can deploy.

Each company within the battalion was entrusted with an area of responsibility in order to effectively defend the camp and perform their specialties.

While Seabees in Alpha and Charlie Company take care of Civil Engineer Support Equipment and vertical construction, Bravo Company focuses on camp security and maintenance.

In addition to maintaining all camp utilities, Bravo Company also mans the camp entry control point (ECP) and quick reaction force (QRF), ensuring battalion security.

NMCB 3 will use the lessons learned during CPX 1 in order to formulate creative solutions for CPX 2-4 and the battalion’s upcoming FTX scheduled next year.

The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. The force provides deployable battalions capable of providing disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance and combat operations support.

• Date Taken: 09.22.2014
• Date Posted: 09.23.2014 17:14
• Story ID: 143053
• Location: PORT HUENEME, CA, US