NMCB 133 Supports Joint NEO Exercise

Photo By Cliff Williams | Yeoman 3rd Class Jorge Sosa, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Detail Rota, scans bar-coded bracelets in the final stage of the Evacuation Control Center (ECC) exercise. NMCB 133 manned the ECC, which is a mobile operations center that conducts processing, screening, and logistics associated with emergency evacuation of non-combatants.  

SPAIN

09.18.2014

Story by Cliff Williams 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133

ROTA, Spain - Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Detail Rota recently participated in a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise with personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 (CRS 2), and with Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company Europe and Africa while deployed in Rota, Spain. NMCB 133 Detail Rota operated the Evacuation Control Center (ECC) in a simulated hostile environment, assisted by CRS 2, to process 50 evacuees in under 30 minutes.

The ECC is a mobile operations center that conducts processing, screening, and logistics associated with emergency evacuation of non-combatants. A NEO training exercise prepares service members in the event they are called upon to assist the Department of State in evacuating U.S. citizens, Department of Defense civilians, and designated host nation and third country nationals from dangerous locations to an appropriate safe haven. Although normally considered in connection with hostile action, evacuations may also be conducted in anticipation of, or in response to, any natural or man-made disaster.

"NMCB 133 ECC Detachment established cohesive organization and developed mastery of skills required to deploy independently and conduct Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations under direction of CTF 68," said Lt. j.g. Timothy Dahms, NMCB 133 Detail Rota Assistant Officer-in-Charge. "We staffed, trained, equipped, and prepared to support two geographically separated ECCs to execute NEO Control Centers each capable of processing up to 1,600 evacuees per day for embarkation to the designated safe haven."

The first few times NMCB 133 and CRS 2 conducted the ECC exercise; it was done on board Camp Mitchell within the equipment maintenance shop and embarkation warehouse. Exercises are now being conducted at different and multiple locations aboard Naval Station Rota in order to become more adaptable in setting up the ECC anywhere they may be directed to do so.

"Future plans for the exercise include operating off temporary power in modular general purpose tent systems," said Dahms. "CTF 68 is also developing plans for a larger involvement of the tribes and other base units to be conducted quarterly as they increase their capabilities of command and control in an expeditionary environment."

Detail Rota conducts this training monthly and understands that it is very important to the command's mission. "I think this training was very important, not just for the personnel participating in the ECC, but also for the role players," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Aaron Hutnick. "This is my third time participating in these types of exercises and it helps us get an idea of what could happen during a real NEO and forces us to adapt and learn from our mistakes."

Naval Mobile Construction Battalions play a pivotal role in supporting the national security strategy by being ready and capable of providing engineering and construction support any place, any time, and in any environment. Seabees build lasting relationships throughout the world by operating forward and capitalizing on engagement opportunities, ultimately paving the way for future partnerships.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2014
• Date Posted: 10.01.2014 09:06
• Story ID: 143887
• Location: ES