NMCB-11 Demonstrates Readiness with 2022 FTX

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ledimir Nunez | Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 construct Southwest Asia Hut (SWAHUT) during their Field Training Exercise (FTX). Homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, NMCB-11 is part of the Naval Construction Force (NCF). (U.S. Navy photo by Builder Constructionman Ledimir Nunez)  

CAMP SHELBY, MS, UNITED STATES

02.22.2022

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11

Story by Builder Constructionman Ledimir Nunez

On February 10, 2022, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 concluded their Field Training Exercise (FTX), “Operation Turning Point.”

During FTX, evaluators from Naval Construction Group 2 (NCG-2) coordinated scenarios that would test the battalion’s readiness and ability to respond to short-notice orders. The scenario-based training challenged many in the battalion to improvise, act fast, and communicate according to the demands of the environment while still maintaining progress and focus on mission accomplishment. In a rapidly shifting military environment, readiness to adjust to environmental demands remains one of our competitive advantages as a self-sustaining, scalable, and agile force.

NMCB-11’s mission included the construction of three Southwest Asia Huts (SWAHUTS), three military bunkers, and one Hardened Sentry Post (HSP). Project crew leads, Builder 2nd Class Grant Wells (SWAHUTS) and Builder 3rd Class John Kaslik (Bunkers) worked with their teams to bring both projects to completion. As the scenarios increased and challenges to working conditions mounted due to the weather, both crews would have to make critical adjustments to push forward. These included tasking new crew members to help support in many tasks, including assembling trusses, staging materials, and eventually erecting the structures. As the crews absorbed members from Air Detachment and Bridge Detail, the amount of adaptability that these field exercises demand became evident.

Beyond construction projects, our members were trained to react quickly to the demands of the FTX and make the transition from construction support to scenario responder within minutes. Litter bearers, sweeping and securing the camp for intruders, and setting up defensive positions to protect Delta Main Body from threats were only a few of the additional roles that the crew members were expected to perform. Projects must move forward despite interruptions caused by scenarios and once safe conditions were re-stabilized, Seabees returned to the task at hand.

Operation Turning Point, was the first FTX for many members of NMCB-11 and it gave them an opportunity to experience, first-hand, how important cooperation is among the command and how valuable they are as a unit. NMCB-11 is now the ready battalion.

Homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, NMCB-11 is part of the Naval Construction Force (NCF). The NCF is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy and is comprised of deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations support.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2022
• Date Posted: 03.29.2022 15:36
• Story ID: 416986
• Location: CAMP SHELBY, MS, US