Seabees Participate in Exercise: Panther Claw 3

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

03.05.2011

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

By Lt. Kimberly Caudle

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 participated in Panther Claw 3 an international exercise that showcased multinational heavy-vehicle recovery techniques and equipment.

Panther Claw is an exercise where regional and local commanders demonstrate vehicle extraction capabilities by lifting and towing large units of equipment simulated stuck in the mud or hit by improvised explosive devices.

The exercise this year featured equipment and techniques from the Seabees, Marine Corps, Army as well as units from the United Kingdom, Danish Army, Estonian Army and Afghanistan National Army. The exercise was planned by the UK’s Equipment Support Battalion 8 in order to increase awareness of the recovery assets and capabilities in Helmand Province and was a great opportunity for local Commanders to not only showcase their unit’s capabilities, but also learn the strengths of other units.

The ultimate goal of a recovery is for military units to return disabled or damaged equipment back to a unit in a usable state while preventing enemy forces from acquiring sensitive equipment and using it against coalition forces.

“I had a great time taking part in Operation Panther Claw,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy McCleary, lead NMCB 3 coordinator with 8th ES for the exercise. “I was able to see the capabilities of the other recovery vehicles and they were able to see ours. I feel confident that no matter what happens we will be able to accomplish the mission in our area of responsibility.”

The Seabees operated their MK36 Wrecker in conjunction with the Danish Army’s recovery vehicle to haul out a disabled LAV stuck in the mud.

Recovery methods took anywhere from 5 - 15 minutes depending on method and equipment used.

“During Operation Panther Claw I had the experience working with other nations and different branches of the US Military,” said Seaman Alex Holden, one of NMCB 3’s participants in the exercise. “We were instructed by the British to work with the Danish on a 'W' pull. I had a lot of fun during the whole exercise and learned a lot of valuable information and skills. I felt we worked very well with the different nations.”

This event led to an exchange of invaluable information and cooperation by all Nations involved that could potentially be used to save someone’s life.

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2011
• Date Posted: 03.29.2011 08:58
• Story ID: 67918
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF