NMCB-5’s Detail Diego Garcia Seabees Conquer First Month of Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Bethann Crotchett | 191118-N-XK887-6645 DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Nov. 18, 2019) U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Detail Diego Garcia pull concrete into position with rakes and shovels during a concrete placement that will serve as the foundation for a Tension Fabric Structure in support of the U.S. Air Force to increase their mission readiness for future operations. NMCB-5 is deployed across the Indo-Pacific region conducting high quality construction to support U.S. and partner nations to strengthen partnerships, deter aggression, and enable expeditionary logistics and naval power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 2nd Class Cameron Burrows/Released)  

DIEGO GARCIA , BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY

11.26.2019

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5

DIEGO GARCIA - U.S. Navy Seabees deployed with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5’s Detail Diego Garcia continue work on the Tension Fabric Structure (TFS) in support of the U.S. Air Force’s operational vehicle storage.

The month of November has seen the completion of the demolition of a previously existing 8,000 square foot structure, clearing the area for the erection of the TFS required by the U.S. Air Force to further increase their operational capability.

The Seabees removed all materials from the structure and successfully palletized and removed them from the site, preparing the site for further construction operations to commence. They repaired a power screed, which assists in leveling out concrete by smoothing and vibrating the wet mixture, and completed two concrete placements that are integral to progressing on the foundation for the 100’x100’ structure.

“Repairing that screed has helped us immensely since we will be placing such a vast amount of concrete this deployment,” said Steelworker 2nd Class Konnor Everett, deployed with NMCB-5’s Detail Diego Garcia.

Concrete placements for the foundation of the 100’x100’ TFS structure are projected to conclude within the next month, giving the green light for the erection of the metal frame of the structure itself to begin.

In addition to the construction tasking, the detachment has had several visitors, simultaneously hosting Capt. Eric Correll Commodore of Commander, Task Force 75 (CTF 75); Command Master Chief Richard Straney, CTF 75; Lt. Cmdr. Seth Cochran, NMCB-5 Operations Officer; and Master Chief Utilitiesman Michael Saenz, NMCB-5 Operations Chief.

While members of the triad from CTF 75 were conducting site visits to better understand the construction commencing within the island, NMCB 5’s operations officer and chief were on an operational visit to ensure projects continued to run smoothly and ensure overall troop satisfaction was being maintained throughout the detachment.

Members have also been afforded the opportunity to volunteer during their off time, from participating in haunted houses on the weekends to beach clean-ups sponsored by the Base Health Clinic.

“I feel like everyone has adjusted pretty well,” said Steelworker 2nd Class Elizabeth Auten, deployed with NMCB-5’s Detail Diego Garcia. “We’ve finally fallen into our own routines, and the island affords plenty of opportunities.”

Additional projects that are scheduled for this deployment include a dog run facility, used by the British and U.S. Naval forces working dogs and a concrete pathway extension that will be used at the Amory to allow forklift access.

NMCB-5 is deployed across the Indo-Pacific region conducting high-quality construction to support U.S. and partner nations to strengthen partnerships, deter aggression, and enable expeditionary logistics and naval power projection. The battalion stands ready to support Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Relief and Major Combat Operations throughout the region.

• Date Taken: 11.26.2019
• Date Posted: 11.25.2019 23:43
• Story ID: 353418
• Location: DIEGO GARCIA , IO