NMCB 3 Relieves NMCB 5 on Deployment in the INDOPACOM AOR

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Ingram | 230612-N-VH871-1005 CAMP SHIELDS, Okinawa (Jun. 13, 2023) Capt. LaKeeva B. Gunderson, commanding officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, right, salutes Cmdr. John K. Pergerson, commanding officer, NMCB-5 during a Relief In Place/Transfer of Authority ceremony onboard Camp Shields, Okinawa, Jun. 13. NMCB-3 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region and United States territories to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB-3 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram/Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.12.2023

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Ingram 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

US Navy story by MC2 Austin Ingram

CAMP SHIELDS, OKINAWA— On June 12th, 2023, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 assumed responsibility from NMCB 5 as Commander Task Unit 75.5.1 on Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan. NMCB 3 will be responsible to conduct expeditionary construction, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HA/DR), and fleet maneuverability operations throughout the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Area of Responsibility in support Commander, Seventh Fleet and Task Force 75.

The transition of authority signifies a seamless transfer of duties and responsibilities as NMCB 3 takes over the mission to provide critical engineering and construction support in the INDOPACOM AOR. This handover ensures continuity support and maintains the commitment to enable the nation's interests in this vital region.

During their deployment, NMCB 5 accomplished various construction projects and infrastructure improvements across the INDOPACOM AOR, fortifying relationships with regional partners and contributing to regional stability. Their efforts significantly enhanced the military's operational capabilities while reinforcing ties with allied nations in the region.

NMCB 3, no stranger to Camp Shields, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the mission. The battalion is well-trained and equipped to execute a diverse range of construction projects in austere and challenging environments. Their capabilities include everything from vertical construction, road and runway repairs, to humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts.

The NMCB 3 sailors have undergone extensive pre-deployment training and are eager to demonstrate their skills and professionalism as they tackle new challenges in the dynamic INDOPACOM AOR. Their reputation for being “Better Than Best” will be reinforced in the commitment and expertise they bring to each of the projects they will execute across 14 detail sites in the region.

NMCB 3's deployment marks another milestone in the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to maintaining a forward presence and supporting regional partners in the Indo-Pacific. The relief-in-place ceremony exemplifies the Navy's seamless transition and ensures uninterrupted construction and logistical support to the INDOPACOM AOR.

• Date Taken: 06.12.2023
• Date Posted: 06.27.2023 20:06
• Story ID: 447346
• Location: OKINAWA, JP