The four-day exercise challenges NMCB 3's command and control, communications, and timely decision making capabilities through real-world scenarios centered on humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
Similar to a carrier strike group's Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) certification process, CPX is one in a series of training events leading to the battalion's final graded Field Training Exercise (FTX), which certifies the battalion can deploy.
Each company within the battalion was entrusted with an area of responsibility in order to effectively defend the camp and perform their specialties.
While Seabees in Alpha and Charlie Companies take care of Civil Engineer Support Equipment and vertical construction, Bravo Company focuses on camp security and maintenance.
In addition to maintaining all camp utilities, Bravo Company also mans the camp entry control point and quick reaction force, ensuring battalion security.
NMCB 3 will use the lessons learned during CPX 1 in order to formulate creative solutions for CPX 2-4 and the battalion's upcoming FTX scheduled later this year.
The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. The force provides deployable battalions capable of providing disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance and combat operations support.
-30-
###