NMCB 5 holds change of command

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephane Belcher

Date: 07.12.2019
Posted: 07.19.2019 10:29
News ID: 332131
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 holds a change of command

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, California, July 12.

Cmdr. Ryan Carey relieved Cmdr. Omarr Tobias as commanding officer of NMCB-5.

Tobias received the Meritorious Service Medal for his achievements from the guest speaker and guest of honor, Capt. David McAlister, commander, Naval Construction Group One.

“Cmdr. Tobias is a visionary, innovative and infectious leader who fostered trust, open communication, and equality for all while empowering his personnel and increasing technical capabilities, tactical proficiencies, leadership development, and personnel resiliency at every paygrade,” said McAlister. “His leadership delivered the highest state of readiness and produced results that consistently met or exceeded every single expectation.”

Throughout Tobias’ time at NMCB-5, he led the Seabees through two deployments supporting Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Northern Command in more than 23 different locations. During his charge, the command reduced the time it took to integrate into Exercise Pacific Blitz 2019 by 20 percent, a first of its kind joint exercise that proved expeditionary logistics concepts while also serving as the battalion’s field training exercise and final evaluation of problem certification.

“What I’ve learned on this tour is that the men and women of NMCB-5 and their families who are at home, at school, and at work right now; they are an incredible group of warriors,” said Tobias. “These are some of the most talented, motivated, and selfless people you are going to meet, and they do it all to protect you and me.”

Tobias went on to recognize Carey for his many accomplishments and explained how appreciative he was to turn over the command to Carey.

“I’m grateful that the battalion is getting a [commanding officer] that will get the mission done and look out for the families of NMCB-5 with gusto and vigor,” said Tobias.

Before arriving at NMCB-5, Carey was the OPNAV N46 Military Construction Program Manager, where he was responsible for planning, programming, and budgeting the worldwide Navy Active and Reserve Military and Family Construction Housing Program.

Additionally, Carey is Seabee Combat Warfare and Fleet Marine Force qualified, a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia, and has received unit awards to include the two Battle “E” Awards and two Meritorious Unit Citations.

“NMCB-5, recent recipients of both the Battle Efficiency and Peltier Best-of-Type Awards, the sight of you today is an exclamation point on the accolades and certifications that prove you are a good and ready battalion,” said Carey. “Be mindful that good and ready today does not mean we are good and ready tomorrow.”

Carey reminded the battalion that the best guarantee for peace with freedom is warfighter preparedness for units like NMCB-5.

“Warfighting preparedness for us is our ability to deliver quality construction under austere, arduous, and even hostile conditions anywhere in the world, be prepared.”

NMCB-5 is homeported in Port Hueneme, California. The Seabees assigned to NMCB-5 support worldwide combat and contingency operations, building advanced bases, supporting various construction projects, and conducting humanitarian recovery missions.