Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Aron Taylor | Equipment Operator 1st Class Officer Roy Summerville directs the offload of aggregate...... read more read more
ROTA, Spain - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 is currently deployed to 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of construction operations throughout Europe and Africa; however, the Seabees have taken time out from their normal mission to enhance the command’s combat training and readiness during a field exercise executed in Rota, Spain.
The exercise consisted of four days of instructor-led training followed by two days of intense scenarios designed to push the troops physically and mentally to ingrain the lessons into each person.
Instructors took blocks of time with each company using both slide shows and hands on guidance to teach the troops skills needed for a battalion’s deployment to combat environments. The instructors discussed the operations that are conducted during those missions. Classes were designed to give insight into how the battalion processes work together prior to and during a combat deployment. Students were taught multiple skills so that any member could step in to fill a gap and succeed in the new role.
Troops were not only taught the “book knowledge” but were also given the opportunity to apply the lessons learned as they dug fighting positions, conducted survey patrols, constructed antenna towers and engaged in a host of other training activities.
“This training was a good refresher for me. The gear has changed so much since I was last in battalion, so it was great getting tips on how to best set-up and utilize the new equipment” says Utilitiesman 1st Class Michael Montalto.
A small camp was set up and 24 hour operations were conducted onboard Camp Mitchell. Seabees were put on high alert while they patrolled forested terrain and stood watches to prevent intruders from infiltrating the camp, or handle any scenario that took place. Each member was given a role to play and a job to do.
The opportunity was also seized to build relations with the Spanish forces as a small detail of troops were sent out to conduct road improvement operations along side the local Spanish Marine Forces.
The team worked, ate, and slept next to the local forces, waking each morning and heading out to the job site. Using a grader, roller, and excavator for roads in such bad shape they were difficult to navigate with the average car, the team brought the roads down to grade while leveling and compacting them.
“We have been able to work much faster than originally planned… We have been able to complete the mission tasking after only 3 days on site” says Builder Chief Eric Dirk, the detail assistant officer in charge.
The completion of the exercise came right on time for many. For as soon as the exercise ended, the Seabees found out who advanced to the next rank and there was plenty of reason to celebrate.
The battalion is scheduling more exercises and plans to continue training with realistic events to ensure its personnel are prepared for any event that may arise in the future.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2012 02:26 |
| Story ID: | 99517 |
| Location: | ROTA, ES |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Seabees set aside time for field training, by PO1 Aron Taylor, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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