DJIBOUTI, Djibouti - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, transferred authority to NMCB 11, from Gulfport, Miss., during a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
U.S. Army MG Terry Ferrell, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, praised NMCB 4 for their "awe-inspiring" contributions to CJTF-HOA, U.S. Africa Command and the African continent. He went on to commend the Seabees flawless transition from performing humanitarian missions to operational missions directly contributing to the fight against terrorism.
“You were able to continue the fight against the extremists who are attacking us and that is the expectation,” Ferrell said. “You contribute significantly to the safety and security, of not only this camp, but to countering violent extremist organizations and protecting the homeland.”
NMCB 4, from Port Hueneme, Calif., arrived in February and their accomplishments include conducting 13 convoys over 6,000 miles and completing projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Camp Lemonnier. They also worked 24-hour operations side-by-side Soldiers, Airmen and Marines to complete a massive airfield renovation, finishing 14 days ahead of schedule, allowing critical movements supporting AFRICOM missions.
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jackson Habeck, officer in charge of NMCB 4, said this time of transition has been bittersweet, and his team is grateful for the rewarding experience encountered during their time here. He also thanked NMCB 11 for their professionalism during changeover and said that conduct will ensure their continued triumphs.
"You are prepared for this; you trained the past 11 months; and you bring a highly qualified and motivated team to the fight here in HOA," Habeck said. "I look forward to hearing about your many successes."
NMCB 11 spent 2012 deployed in Afghanistan and are eager to continue the outstanding contributions their Seabee counterparts made while assigned to CJTF-HOA, said U.S. Navy Lt. Chester Wyckoff, officer in charge of NMCB 11.
"NMCB 4 can leave this camp with their heads held high knowing they accomplished the mission," Wyckoff said. "As for us, we will continue to build the Seabee legacy that NMCB 4 has established as we move forward to execute our mission during this deployment."