NMCB 5's Professionals prepare for a battalion field exercise in April.

2. Squad Leader’s FTX
Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
(NMCB) 5 conducted a patrol at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Janu-
ary 13, 2011. NMCB 5 squad leaders participated in a two-week
long squad leader’s field training exercise (FTX) that helped
teach small unit leadership and combat skills. (U.S. Navy photo
by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

3. CO’s Note Squad Leader’s FTX
NAVAL MOBILE CONSTRUCTION BATTALION FIVE
Naval Base Ventura County
To the Professionals of Five!
Oorah Professionals! It’s hard to believe
we are already four months into homeport. You
have done a fantastic job transitioning from high
optempo deployment operations to the extremely
busy homeport training cycle. Despite the pace you
have accomplished much, while still maintaining
a keen focus on safety and Caring for one another.
You continue to lead the NCF with the best military
bearing and conduct. Your strong Character and
discipline shows and is worthy of Honor.
Phenomenal small units leaders have jumped
right into executing several critical military train-
ing evolutions in preparation for the Field Training
Exercise, including three command post exercises,
two embarkation exercises, squad leaders’ field
exercise, khaki field exercise, and a very demand- Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 walk to the start point of a land navigation
ing convoy security element training pipeline. In training course at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. January 10, 2011.
addition to the military training, several construc-
tion projects have begun to enhance our technical
skills while benefiting the supported commands
and building Competence. The Strength of your Back on Squad FTX
Commitment and Courage has shone through as
you have responded to the challenge, and continue Story and photos by MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume
to impress me every single day.
Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construc- Students, in full battle gear, went on patrols on rug-
Homeport will climax with the 2nd Annual
tion Battalion (NMCB) 5 participated in a two-week ged terrain, hills and braved cold weather. NMCB 5
Vietnam-6 Super Squad Finals (24/25 March), and
long squad leader’s field Training Exercise (FTX) squad leaders also demonstrated knowledge on land
CDR Scot T. Sanders then a great FTX. “Vietnam-6” recognizes the as-
that helped teach small unit leadership and combat navigation, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and
Commanding Officer, NMCB 5 tonishing 6 tours NMCB FIVE conducted in Viet-
skills at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. how to establish a base. Teamwork was
Strength and Honor nam; more than any other battalion. I know training
NMCB 5 squad leaders learned navigation, necessary to accomplish each mission.
has some challenging and fun events lined up for
patrol skills and other essential Seabee Combat “I loved our squad,” said Yeoman 1st Class
the finals (think AirSof.) After FTX we will roll
Warfare (SCW) knowledge during the two-week (AW) Amy Nevens, the administrative leading petty
into summer with a few homeport projects, a lighter
squad FTX course. One week is spent in a class- officer at NMCB 5. “We really bonded well togeth-
class load, and a pre-deployment standdown.
room setting and one week is spent in the field. er. I feel I learned so much and did not develop any
Your positive Attitude has been, and is conta-
“The curriculum is updated to today’s war,” bad habits.”
gious, and sets you up for future successes. I have
said Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/EXW/ The class was split into different squads with
no doubt “The Professionals” will keep the full
CO’s Note
SW) Simon Fresquez. The last time CM1 Fresquez two to three instructors who taught and advised
court press on through the remainder of the home-
went on squad FTX was seven years ago and said each squad on techniques for success.
port and on into deployment in both Europe and
that the course has been revised. “This makes train- “The instructors are knowledgeable,” said
Africa. Thank you all for your Leadership, your
ing more valuable to the students. They can take Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Kevin Swanson,
continued proud service and the outstanding Team
this knowledge with them on their next deploy- an air detachment (AIRDET) Seabee attached to
effort. Semper Five!
ment.” NMCB 5. “They keep you motivated because they
are there with you from beginning to end.”
NMCB 5 I The Professionals 3 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 4

4. Squad Leader’s FTX
NMCB 5 squad leaders slept in one-man tents. The weather
conditions these Seabees trained in were less than favorable.
“Despite the cold, rainy weather, I am very glad that I was able
to go on Squad FTX,” said YN1 Nevens. “It truly was a great learn-
ing experience.”
Small-unit leadership is one of the most important assets within
a battalion. Without squad leaders, it would be very difficult for the
battalion to function efficiently. The role of Seabees on deployment
is changing. Seabees deployed to a contingency environment may
have to build bases from the ground up while conducting security
patrols and convoys.
“I’m a squad leader,” said CM1 Fresquez. “I can take this
knowledge back to my squad and ensure that they are properly
trained.”
Small unit leadership and tactical skills gained during the FTX
were immediately put to use, as squad leaders returned to the battal-
ion and commenced the 2nd Annual NMCB 5 Vietnam Six Memorial
Super-Squad Competition. Over an 11-week period, squads compete
at the platoon and company level in various tactical, administrative,
and military professional events, with the goal of achieving Super-
Squad status. In March, each company will select the top squad to
compete in the battalion finals to determine the elite NMCB 5 Super-
Squad. In the end, the competition is the ultimate challenge for each
squad to develop small unit leaders and showcase their leadership
abilities.
Builder 1st Class Christopher Nightengale, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile
Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, uses a radio to communicate to the command
operations center (COC) during a patrol at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. January 13,
2011. NMCB 5 squad leaders participated in a two-week long squad leader’s field
training exercise (FTX) that helped teach small unit leadership and combat skills.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

5. Chiefs and Officer’s FTX
Chief Builder(SCW)
Kenneth Hodel, a Sea-
bee attached to Naval
Mobile Construction
Battalion (NMCB) 5,
uses a lensatic com-
pass during a Field
Training Exercise
(FTX) in Camp Pend-
leton, Calif.
enable Seabees to prepare for the unexpected while air support, artillery call for fire, convoy opera-
planning the mission intended. Additionally, map tions, and command post and combat operations
reading assists in planning patrol and convoy routes, center. Communication flow was reinforced as the
locating defensive positions based on terrain associa- vital element to informing the chain of command
tion, and gathering information to determine advan- of the situation. While training during these exer-
tage points to provide better security for the unit. cises, the battalion’s Tactical Standard Operating
“A heavy emphasis was placed on writing or- Procedures (TACSOP) were exercised to ensure
ders and the planning process to assist NMCB 5 lead- leadership understood the guidance to follow dur-
ership to accurately communicate their intent to the ing peacetime training evolutions and contingency
troops they lead,” said Lt. Darren Jacques, Officer in operations.
Charge of this evolution. “The training was intended Overall, the two-week training evolution was
to enhance NMCB 5’s readiness to include upcoming a successful exercise to build teamwork while im-
Command Post Exercises (CPX’s), and I feel like we proving skills required to lead the battalion. This
developed some skills that will help us on our next was a great first step in building command and
deployment.” control relationships. In the end, “The Profession-
NMCB 5 leadership was split into four squads als” are better prepared to lead Seabees in accom-
to execute various events. Computer simulations plishing any missions thrown their way.
were used to exercise command and control for close
Chiefs and Officer’s attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 work on a terrain model
during a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Chiefs and Officer’s
Chiefs and Officer’s FTX attached to Naval
Mobile Construction
Battalion (NMCB)
By Ltjg. Ji Fredriksen
5 work on a terrain
The chiefs and officers of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 successfully completed model during a Field
their Field Training Exercise (C&O FTX) at Camp Pendleton on Jan. 21, after completing a week of practi- Training Exercise
cal exercises to refresh tactical skills, improve teamwork, and build camaraderie. (FTX) in Camp Pend-
“This exercise was a great start to the military training block for the battalion.” said Lt. Cmdr. Phil La- leton, Calif.
vallee, NMCB 5’s executive officer. “Our leadership was able to build solid foundations in tactics, decision
making and command and control to prepare for upcoming training evolutions and ultimately for deploy-
ment.”
Instructors from the 31st Seabee Readiness Group taught the classroom portion during the week prior
to the FTX, and assessed the battalion’s performance during the field portion. Throughout the two-week
period, constructive feedback was provided and recommendations were made regarding skills that require
improvement and attention. Some of the training topics covered were the basic fundamentals that allow
Seabees to execute their mission successfully, including: land navigation, convoys, communications, crew
serve weapons system operation, call for fire, and command and control for the combat operations cen-
ter. One of the main benefits gained from developing land navigation and convoy skills is that those skills
NMCB 5 I The Professionals 7 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 8

6. CPX
Preparing for FTX
Story and photos by MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume
Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Bat-
talion (NMCB) 5 conducted three Command Post Exercises
(CPXs) over a four-week period at Naval Base Ventura
County (NBVC). Two were conducted in Port Hueneme and
one was held at Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat
Organization (JIEDDO) battle force site at Naval Air Station
Point Mugu to help increase deployment readiness.
“CPX provides training and readiness for a construction
battalion,” said Ensign Christopher Hoggan, who is in charge
of planning NMCB 5 CPXs. “Each homeport cycle, every
construction battalion is evaluated to determine its readiness
through a Field Training Exercise (FTX). A CPX is a one
day evolution which trains the battalion for FTX.”
During a CPX companies practice setting up a camp,
establishing a defense, installing battalion communications and
perform patrols and convoys. The battalion companies are tested
through different scenarios that the battalion may encounter on de-
ployment. The scenarios escalate to the point of even being attacked.
“Junior troops gain the knowledge and confidence to handle
multiple situations,” said Equipment Operator First Class (SCW/
EXW) Christopher Wyeth, NMCB 5’s air detachment (AIRDET) 2nd
platoon right guide and assistant platoon commander.
Some of the skills Seabees are tested on include command and
control, chemical biological and radiological (CBR), rules of
engagement and escalation of force (EOF).
“Companies are also ordered to perform reconnais-
sance and security patrols,” said ENS Hoggan. “Con-
struction projects, such as planning to build a bridge and
advanced runway repair (ADR). Companies are also
evaluated on their ability to communicate within their
company and to their higher authority.”
Typically a Battalion performs 4 CPXs before the
FTX. This helps the battalion to learn from its mistakes
and improve its effectiveness.
“If we are called upon to perform at a moment’s no-
tice,” said ENS Hoggan. “Our Seabees will be better able
to execute their jobs.” Utilitiesman 2nd Class Juan Gonzalez, a Seabee attached to
Communication is also an essential part in training Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, dons chemi-
and in the field. During CPX, Seabees communicate from cal, biological and radiological (CBR) gear in a command post
the lines and patrols to the command posts (CPs) and exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3,
relay messages to the command operations 2011. NMCB 5 conducts multiple CPXs during homeport to help
increase deployment readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Com-
center (COC) and higher. munication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

7. CPX Headquarters Company
Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 participate in a command post exercise
(CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.
Fight Like We Train,
Train Like We Fight
By ET3 Sean Roozen
With the Field Training Exercise (FTX) right around the corner, The Professionals put on their
game faces and suited up for training exercises right here in homeport during Command Post Exercise
(CPX). While majority of HQ are participating in the exercises within their assigned ratings as Subject
Matter Experts (SMEs), some members of Supply Department and Chaplain’s office participated as a Red
Cell and a White Cell counter forces to offer feedback on the company’s performances during hotwashes
Lt. Nathan Deunk, the convoy security element (CSE) commander of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion between scenarios. LSSN Redmond, one of the Red Cell aggressors, dressed as a local to test reactions
(NMCB) 5, aggresses Alfa company lines during a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air of the Seabees in NMCB 5 during hostile encounters. “I like it when people take it seriously,” says
Station, Calif. February 3, 2011. LSSN Redmond, “We fight like we train, why not comply with that now?”
“[Our Seabees] receive the proper training for all the reporting that needs to be The Communication Department (S6 shop) had their hands full during the exercise. The ET’s
completed,” said EO1 Wyeth. “This includes situational reports (SITREP), nine lines for (Electronics Technicians) and IT’s (Information Systems Technicians) are vigorously pursuing to achieve
medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and size, activity, location, uniform, time and equip- communications excellence. Despite their minimal man power, the S6 shop manages thousands of equip-
ment reports (SALUTE).” These skills can be extremely useful when deployed to a con- ments by repairing malfunctioning gear or configuring voice and data communications for the battalion.
tingency environment. “Our role in CPX is to establish voice and data networks, bringing operational readiness to 110%” says
Training will always be necessary for a Seabee battalion in homeport. Through ET2(SCW) Martini. Due to the short length and resources of CPX not everyone in Headquarters will
events such as CPX, NMCB 5 is increasing readiness and improving the performance of be doing their primary role as they have done on deployment. YNSN(SCW) Pollema from Administra-
its Seabees in preparation for deployment. tive Department explained that YNs work as support and as communications operators in the COC and
The Point Mugu CPX was different than the previous CPX’s at NBVC’s Dozer ACOC. During these shifts, they are responsible for effectively monitoring and relaying information
Field. Seabees used air soft rifles to suppress aggressors at Joint Improvised Explosive within the battalion and to higher headquarters.
Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) battle force site. JIEDDO consists of several While many Seabees are simulating exercises that will prove to be useful during FTX, Corpsmans
buildings in a semi-realistic deployment setting to include simulated market place and of NMCB 5 demonstrate their ability to react in stressful environment as well. HM3(FMF) Green as-
local populations’ homes. sisted in handling mass casualties and triage as well as basic injuries during the scenarios. Even under
“I enjoy watching the development of the battalion and the troops as we move stressful situation, HM3 Chambliss notes that “It’s pretty easy because we know what we are doing!”
through the different stages of training,” said EO1 Wyeth. “The lessons learned through- People found it necessary to train the tactics and generally agreed that classes alone are not enough
out the evolutions and the way we react to the different scenarios inspire me to continue to retain the principles they were taught. Fight like we train, train like we fight. Hoorah Five!
small unit leadership and troop development.”
“Training is fun and exciting,” said ENS Hoggan. “Our Seabees have a good time
with the scenarios and are definitely learning about themselves and each other’s capabili-
ties. Training is always a work in progress and we are constantly improving.”
NMCB 5 I The Professionals 11 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 12

8. Alfa Company Bravo Company
Construction Mechanic Constructionman Nathaniel Roening, an Alfa Company Seabee attached to Naval
Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, stands watch in a pit during a command post exercise (CPX) at
Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3, 2011.
Alfa Pride! Roll On!
By CMCN Michelle Poloway
To say that we at Alfa Company have been keeping ourselves busy thus far during homeport is an
understatement. From the B.E.E.P. to Super Squad, from classes to projects, from line hauling operations in
support of anyone and everyone to battalion-wide exercises, the Alfa Dawgs continue to lead the pack with
their professionalism, positive attitudes and a second-to-none “CAN DO” spirit.
Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 don chemical, biological and radio-
The B.E.E.P. (Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program) came just a few short weeks after their return
logical (CBR) gear in a command post exercise (CPX) at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif. February 3,
from a much needed and WELL-deserved stand down for the Christmas holiday. In their typical hit-the-
2011.
ground-running fashion, Alfa Company took their assignments, went to work, and worked their magic. At
the CM shop, CM1 Peart ensured that all equipment and tools were properly checked and fully functional.
At the Alfa Yard, three inspection teams worked tirelessly to ensure every piece of CESE was ready for ac- On to the Next!
tion with all collateral equipment intact. By UT3(SCW) Chanel Hewitt
After testing Alfa Company’s mettle on their second contingency deployment to Camp Leatherneck, After completing a successful deployment to to cover topics crucial to our success as a company
Afghanistan, two major projects awaited us on our return to the home front. EO1 Hall is leading the way Afghanistan, NMCB 5 enjoyed a much needed Christ- and moreover as a command.
on the Point Mugu fitness trail project, and EO1 Chubb has the helm for the South Mugu road project. Both mas stand down. Upon return, Bravo Company hit the Convoy Security Element, commonly referred
project crews are working diligently every single day, and both jobs are tracking to finish on or ahead of ground running with an ambitious training schedule, to as CSE is 3rd Platoon of Bravo Company. Their
schedule. But, it’s not just our First Class Petty Officers and project supervisors earning their keep. Alfa’s as well as a new comprehensive outlook on how day to goal is to build a cohesive and functioning unit
junior troops, their up and coming hard chargers, their future leaders are getting some much needed and very day operations are handled. that is combat ready and mission driven. As such,
valuable hands-on experience with these projects. Small unit leadership is being utilized more. Dur- CSE is pushing small unit leadership and train-
Small unit leadership is something you can always find as one of Alfa’s top priorities. Whether it’s ing unit driven training, each member is afforded the ing together as a platoon. Currently CSE is in the
improvement on processes that need it, or just keeping a good thing going, NMCB-5 Alfa Company remains opportunity to teach the classes regardless of rank. The middle of their urban skills training. In full battle
at the forefront of developing the NCF’s best and brightest. CPX evolutions are an ideal arena for all types goal is to start building effective leadership and com- rattle, they are learning the fundamentals of shoot-
of Alfa training. CM1 Gongas, along with several other First and Second Class Petty Officers, was there to munication skills at an early level. The same principle ing while moving, clearing rooms of enemy person-
ensure all Alfa troops fully and properly understood fire plans and Rules of Engagement. EO1 Jones, EO1 is being applied to physical training. A conscious effort nel, and making transitions from primary weapon to
Adams, and CM1 Keltner supervised the patrol planning and execution. It is their guidance and instruction is being made to move away from traditional PT and secondary weapon. As BUC Conway puts it, “We
passed on to those junior troops learning their trade that continues the proud traditions of the Seabees. It is make it more dynamic with new workout routines and are aggressively focusing on small team tactics and
the young Alfa troops digging trenches and turning wrenches that take the knowledge and guidance passed several company fitness leaders. tactical readiness. We want to build the mindset of
on that really make the money. It is their efforts that keep the Green Machine that is Alfa Company run- To better prepare for FTX, NMCB 5 is complet- anytime, anyplace.”
ning. If the Alfa Dawgs aren’t in battalion spaces learning SCWs topics, studying for exams, or otherwise ing a series of CPX’s. With CPX 3 scheduled this week, In addition to everything else, Bravo Compa-
training, we have multiple fire teams, and most times entire squads, at the yard or in the shop to make sure Bravo incorporated lessons learned from CPX 1 and 2 ny is also participating in the Super Squad Competi-
that everyone is on the same page and remain mission focused and battle ready! The phrase ‘no rest for the to maximize the potential output for CPX 3. Bravo is tion. Bravo completed a drill and personnel inspec-
weary’ often comes to mind when looking at the sheer magnitude of what Alfa Company has accomplished responsible for erecting the tents, supplying the camp tion; up next is the erecting of the OE-254 antenna.
with the obstacles they’ve faced. The next phrase that comes to mind is ‘if it was easy, everyone would do with generator power, constructing and manning the The prevailing squad will go on to compete against
it’. Alfa Company lives and breathes the Seabee mantra “The difficult we do immediately. The impossible ECP, as well as providing REACT support. Bravo Com- the top squad of each respective company in March
takes a little longer”. We are Alfa Company. We are NMCB-5. We are The Professionals! ALFA PRIDE! pany also had training at the platoon and squad level, during Phase II of Super Squad.
ROLL ON!
NMCB 5 I The Professionals 13 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 14

9. Charlie Company Air Detachment
NCTC instructors from Port
Hueneme observe CM2
Shope maneuver the crane
and its load through the
obstacle course. The course
is based on a civilian crane
course that is timed and
usually performed by sea-
soned crane operators.
Commander Scot T. Sanders, the commanding officer of NMCB5 speaks to Seabees after the completion of Caption here.
NMCB 5’s 2010 Super Squad competition.
Charlie Company Makes Outstanding Professsional practice takes
Progress on Readiness Training “The Professionals” to the next
step of perfection.
By BU2(SCW) Sarah Hedge
“We are a combat ready team of professionals committed to a higher calling, loyal to one another, the
best company- and every Seabee believes it.” This is the company vision for Charlie, steadfastly supported
by several statistics and the motivated mentality of Charlie company members. By CM2(SCW) Carl Gayton
The company is now over 60% complete with Supersquad qualifications, including Seabee Combat
Warfare, communications, physical fitness, and overall readiness.
With exception of personnel enrolled in classes, all members are participating in Supersquad events Seabees from NMCB 5 attended a two-week week is mainly a crane familiarization with the
and preparing for upcoming training exercises, to improve the readiness of Charlie company and NMCB course learning key points of cranes, basic crane lattice boom and hydraulic boom crane, while the
Five as a whole. parts, types of mountings and the pros and cons of second week is comprised of application of skills
According to Charlie’s Company Commander, LT Nicholas Mueller, the progress of Charlie this hydraulic and lattice boom cranes. The class was a through various obstacle courses. There were many
homeport is more than words can express. “Charlie has done really well this homeport with taking care of combination of Equipment Operators and Construc- challenges through-out the course, the wind played
each other, making the right decisions in as well as outside of work. We are making great progress with tion Mechanics from NMCB 5’s main body and Air a big part of the crane operations.
training and we are headed in the right direction to be a combat ready unit,” he stated. Det, which followed an entire week of a pre-requi- According to the instructors from NCTC Port
LT Mueller is very proud of the small unit leaders for stepping up to greater positions within Char- site crane safety course. Hueneme, approximately 100 students go through
lie. He is very excited about the competitive spirit of the Seabees in the company and the way they plan on “This class has been the best class that I have the course each year. Each student learns the im-
implementing that attitude in future Supersquad competitions. He smiled and said that we’re going to have ever been in,” stated EO2 (SCW) Padraig Martin. portance of safety and the necessary skills it takes
fun when competing against other squads. The spirit of NMCB Five’s Charlie Company proves yet again EO2 Ivory Mc Minns said “The class was challeng- to be a successful crane operator. NMCB 5’s Alfa
that Charlie is the backbone of battalion. ing, yet informative.” I found that the instructors types had nothing but great things to say concerning
The incentives for winning the battalion wide games include extra time off work, a NAM for every were professional and well versed in their knowl- the course and also said that the knowledge in the
member of the winning squad, and several other perks that help to motivate the Seabees of Five to go above edge of cranes, crane operations and the results of course will be remembered and shared with their
and beyond and show our strength and honor while maintaining a Professional attitude. safety violations while operating cranes. The first professional peers.
HOORAH CHARLIE!!!
NMCB 5 I The Professionals 15 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 16