Gas Chamber

Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 par-ticipated in a gas mask training exercise at the Naval Construction Training Center’s (NCTC) confidence chamber at Port Hueneme, Calif. February 24, 2011. NMCB 5 is preparing for a battalion Field Training Exercise (FTX) in April. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

Joint Women’s Leadership SymposiumCO’s Note

CDR Scot T. SandersCommanding Officer, NMCB 5Strength and Honor

CO’s Note

NAVAL MOBILE CONSTRUCTION BATTALION FIVENaval Base Ventura County

To the Professionals of Five! OorahProfessionals!It’shardtobelievewearealreadyfourmonthsintohomeport.Youhavedoneafantasticjobtransitioningfromhighoptempodeploy-mentoperationstotheextremelybusyhomeporttrain-ingcycle.Despitethepaceyouhaveaccomplishedmuch,whilestillmaintainingakeenfocusonsafetyandCaringforoneanother.YoucontinuetoleadtheNCFwiththebestmilitarybearingandconduct.YourstrongCharacteranddisciplineshowsandisworthyofHonor. Phenomenalsmallunitsleadershavejumpedrightintoexecutingseveralcriticalmilitarytrainingevolu-tionsinpreparationfortheFieldTrainingExercise,includingthreecommandpostexercises,twoembarka-tionexercises,squadleaders’fieldexercise,khakifieldexercise,andaverydemandingconvoysecurityelementtrainingpipeline.Inadditiontothemilitarytraining,severalconstructionprojectshavebeguntoenhanceourtechnicalskillswhilebenefitingthesupportedcommandsandbuildingCompetence.TheStrengthofyourCommitmentandCouragehasshonethroughasyouhaverespondedtothechallenge,andcontinuetoimpressmeeverysingleday. Homeportwillclimaxwiththe2ndAnnualViet-nam-6SuperSquadFinals(24/25March),andthenagreatFTX.“Vietnam-6”recognizestheastonishing6toursNMCBFIVEconductedinVietnam;morethananyotherbattalion.Iknowtraininghassomechalleng-ingandfuneventslinedupforthefinals(thinkAirSof.)AfterFTXwewillrollintosummerwithafewhome-portprojects,alighterclassload,andapre-deploymentstanddown. YourpositiveAttitudehasbeen,andisconta-gious,andsetsyouupforfuturesuccesses.Ihavenodoubt“TheProfessionals”willkeepthefullcourtpressonthroughtheremainderofthehomeportandonintodeploymentinbothEuropeandAfrica.ThankyouallforyourLeadership,yourcontinuedproudserviceandtheoutstandingTeameffort.SemperFive!

StrengthandHonor,S.T.SandersCommandingOfficer

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 3

From left: Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Sarah Hedge, Lt. j. g. Sherrie Schmidt and Yeoman 1st Class (AW) Amy Nevens from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 posed for a photo with Rear Adm. Mark Handley, the First Naval Construction (1NCD) Commanding Officer at the 24th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Connect, Empower, Succeed: The values of the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium

By BU2(SCW) Sarah J Hedge

OnMarch15thand16th,the24thannualJointWomen’sLeadershipSymposiumwasheldattheSheratonSanDiegoHotelandMarina.Morethan1,300womenU.S.servicemembersgatheredattheeventtohearspeakerssuchasAmbassadorMelanneVerveer,Ms.Geena Davis, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, andseveralotherswhohavehugeimpactsonequalityissues. Ambassador Verveer, the Nation’s Ambassador-at-LargeforGlobalWomen’sIssues,spokeofAfghanistanrelatedissuesinvolvingwomenintheMiddleEastaswellasfemaleservicemembers.Womenhaveservedinmanysituationswheremenarenotableto,showingrespectfortheritesofAfghanwomenandtheircultures.Verveerstatedthat“whenwomenaregiventheopportu-nity to fulfill their God-given potential, great things will happen.”Becauseoftheamazingstridesthatarebeingmadetodemarginalizethevoicesoffemales,womenin the mid-east are being more involved in local and nationalissues.Femaleservicemembersarealsoahugecomponentinoperationaleffectiveness. Studiesandstatisticshaveshownthatcountriesaremorepeacefulandprosperouswhenwomenhaveanequalamountofsayinpoliticalissues. TheUnitedStatesiscurrentlyrankednumber77intheworld.GeenaDavisspokeofthisbeingpartiallyattributedtochildrenintheU.S.receivingmessagesofone-dimensional, stereotypical women in kids’ movies

andtelevision.Mostfemalecharactersaresomeformofroyalty,usuallysearchingforromance;fewwomenintheseprogramsarescientists,politicians,orsomeoneinpositionwithpower.“It’shightimeforourkidstoseeboysandgirlssharingthesandboxequally,”Davisshared. TheU.S.maybenumber77inwomen’spoliti-calequality,butmanywomenpresentattheconferencehavemadehugechangesinthewaythemilitarylooksatfemales.Thewaytomakethosechanges,asstatedbyViceAdmiralCarolPottenger,istosimply“walkthroughthatdoor,orkickitdownifyouhaveto.” Someofthemorerecentchangesbeingmadeare in Naval Special Operations. Rear Admiral Garry Bonellisharedthatthereare450womenoutofthe9,000 personnel in Navy Special Warfare. Women are becomingmoreandmoreengagedinSpecialOperationForces(SOF)tasksbecausemanySOFmissionshaveengagementsthatareculturallyinappropriateformalestocarryout.SOFiscurrentlylookingforwomenwiththedesire,temperament,andphysicalcapabilitiestojoinNaval Special Warfare. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Rick West, spoke of the 21 female Junior Officers preparing to be the first women to carry out duties on a submarine. “It’s an exciting time for the Navy and it’s about damn time!” statedWest.“It’samazinghowfarthewomenintheNavy have come in the last years…thirty years from now I’ll be sitting on my rocker, looking at [the Navy] andsmiling,”hecontinued,speakingofthebarriersthathavebeenbrokenandthoseyettobebrokentomakethe U.S. Navy completely equal. He further mentioned phasingenlistedwomenintosubmarines;however,thereisnowordonwhenthatmaybe. ForceMasterChiefLauraMartinezwasadamantaboutrecognizingthemenandwomenwhohavehelpedfemalestoachievesuccessintheArmedForces.“Weallstandonshouldersongiantswhocamebeforeus,”Mar-tinezsaid.“Iwouldn’tbeheretodaywithoutthehelpofmymentors.”Thisgoestoshowtheimportanceofgoodleadership; instilling that self-confidence and having a fearlessdeterminationtodotherightthingbytakingchancesandovercomingchallenges.Martinezcom-mentedthat“Tragedyliesinhavingnogoaltoreach.”Ifoneisnotwillingtoworkforhisorhergoals,onecan’texpectotherstodoso.Thus,continueblazingtrailsforthetalentedandcapablemenandwomenwhowilltakeover the ranks of the world’s finest Navy one day.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 4

Seabee Ball

OntheeveningofMarch5,2011,Seabeescelebratedtheir69thbirthdayattheRonald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, Calif. More than 1,000Seabees,family,andfriendsfromLosAngelesareagatheredaroundtorepresentpride,buildcamaraderie,andtosharetheiruniquehistory. “Youcanenjoyfriendship,seeveterans,andtalkwithpeopleyou’veservedwiththen and now,” said Lieutenant Commander Russell C. Rang, the Executive Officer of the Civil Engineer Corps Officer School (CECOS) and Master of Ceremonies (MC)for theevent.“Itmeansalot.” Theeventkickedoffwithacocktailhourfollowedbyawellcateredmeal.Asatradition,cakecuttingceremonywasheldwheretheyoungestandtheoldestSeabeesof the year first cut the cake; this year’s Seabee ball recognized Construction Mechanic ConstructionmanApprenticeSeberianoGutierrezastheyoungestSeabeeandUtilitiesConstructionmanMasterChiefJimLampmanastheoldestSeabeeattheevent. “ItwasagreathonortocutthecakewiththeoldestSeabeewithallhisexperienceandrank,”saidGutierrez.“IwassurprisedIwastheyoungestSeabee.”

31st Seabee Readiness Group’s (SRG) Commodore Captain John W. Korka (Right) and Command Master Chief Ray Dickey present Marine Corps Brigadier General Lawrence D. Nicholson, the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense an “Honorary Seabee” plaque at the Seabee ball in honor of the Seabees 69th birthday March 5, 2011 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, Calif.

Happy Birthday!By MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

GutierrezstatedthatheisunsurewherehewillbestationedafterConstructionMechanic“A”School,buthewillbelookingforwardtothechal-lenge.“IlikebeingaSeabeealot,”saidGutierrez.“Iwouldn’tchooseanyotherjob.” Shortlyafter,Seabeeswelcomedtheirguestspeakerontothestage,aMarineCorpsBrigadierGeneral Lawrence D. Nicholson. “As a Marine, the first Navy personnel other thanourcorpsmanwhoI’veworkedwitharetheSea-bees,” said Nicholson, a Senior Military Assistant to theDeputySecretaryofDefenseandguestofhonorfor the Seabee ball. “I have proudly [served and] cer-tainlyenjoyedmytimeservingwithSeabeesacross31years.” As a token of appreciation, Nicholson was presented with a handmade cigar humidifier and was namedanHonorarySeabeeforhisstrongleadershipandsupportfortheSeabees. Overall,theeventwasadazzlingsuccess,manythanks to our leadership from all units base-wide whoplannedandarrangedtheevening.“Thetradi-tion rolls on,” said Rang. “I think we get better each and every year and the venue of the Ronald Reagan Libraryissuperb.”

Equipment Operator 3rd Class Brandon Welence, a Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, proposes to his girl-friend Tashel during the Seabee Ball.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 6NMCB 5 I The Professionals 5

Lieutenant Commander Russell C. Rang (Left), the Executive Officer at the Civil Engineer Corps Officer School (CECOS) interviews Con-struction Mechanic Constructionman Apprentice Seberiano Gutierrez at the Seabee Ball.

Super Squad 2011

Bravo Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 carry ammo cans through a four-pit run obstacle during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif. This team building event was a tribute to NMCB-5’s six time deployments to Vietnam during Vietnam War and tested squads on all aspects of administration, military tactics and physical readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume)

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 9

Alfa Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 react after being announced the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

Super Squad 2011By MC2(SCW) Ace Rheaume

The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 concluded the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA. The final event of this three month longteambuildingcompetitionwasconductedasatributetoNMCB 5’s six deployments to Vietnam during the Vietnam War, honingtacticalskills,increasingmissionreadiness,anddevel-oping outstanding small unit leaders. The final event was the climaxtothreemonthsofallroundsquadcompetitions,includ-ingvariousmilitarytactics,physicaltraining,uniformandroominspections,drillcompetitions,completionofadminrequirements(PDHA, ISO Preps, DTS, etc…), safety exams, and Seabee his-tory exams. Coincidently, the final event was held on a holiday dedicated to the first Medal of Honor recipients in 1863, known as National Medal of Honor day. From 1965 to 1972, NMCB FIVE made six consecutive deploymentstoVietnam.In1972,thebattalionmoveditsentirecomplementoftroopsandequipmenttoThailand.Thisgiantoperation resulted in the erection of the Nam Phong Air Base complexfortheU.S.Marinesinrecordtime.Fortheireffortsinboth Vietnam and Thailand during 1972, NMCB FIVE earned the Pacific Naval Construction Force “Best of Type” award. NMCB 5 also received the 1972 Peltier Award from the Society ofAmericanMilitaryEngineersasthemostoutstandingSeabeebattalioninthecountry.ThisfeatwasrepeatedrecentlyasFIVEearned back to back “Best of Type” and Peltier awards for 2008 and2009,andmostrecentlycompletedtheir2ndconsecutivefullAfghanistan deployment, more than any other NMCB. Overthecourseofthishomeport,allsquadsconductedtraininginallaspectsofbeingawellroundedsailorandseabeetoincludelandnavigation,patrols,militarybearinginspectionsanddrills, fire plan sketches, Naval history, administrative require-ments,militarytactics,andphysicalreadiness.Eachsquadearn-ing more than 80% of the allotted points through these events had theopportunitytoearnthetitlesupersquad.Overall,13squadsachievedtheprestigiouslevelofSuperSquad,andthetopsquadfrom each company competed in the final events, a complex pa-trol and very challenging Leaders’ React Course to determine the UltimateSuperSquad.ThebestorganicsquadsfromHeadquar-ters,Alfa,Bravo,andCharlieCompanies,andtheAirDetach-

mentfacedeachotherinaseriesoffriendlyyetphysicallyandmentallygruelingcompetitions. “Wetookourtrainingseriously,”saidBuilderCon-structionman Apprentice Alton Rollins, a Seabee from 2nd Platoon,4thsquadinCharlieCompany.“Ittooklotsoftraining.” EachcompanyspentcountlesshourspreparingforSuperSquad.Teamworkwasvitaltocarryouteachtaskefficiently. “We’vedonequiteabitofteamcamaraderiekindof stuff,” said Builder Constructionman Apprentice Nathan Manning,alsoamemberof4thsquadinCharlieCompany.“WecametogetherasateamandlearnedinformationthatwillhelpusoutwithSCWs,FTXanddeployment.”Man-ning has been in the battalion for five months and is cur-rentlyworkingongettinghiswarfarepin.Manningaddedthat the training has been beneficial and will help him later inhismilitarycareer. “IfIdecidetogointospecialwarfareorsomethinglike that after battalion, the training I’ve gained [here] will helpme,”saidManning.“Thisislikeafoundation,you’rebuildinguptosomethingbiggerandbetterandI’mallforit.” Squadleadersplayedanessentialroleinshapingandteaching their junior troops. “It’s what my job is as a first class,”saidBuilder1stClass(SCW/EXW)KirkJohnson,thesquadleaderof2ndplatoon,4thsquadinCharlieCom-pany.“Ithinkthebestpartofmyjobisteachingtroops.” “Mostofmysquadisjuniorservicememberswithlessthanayearinthemilitary,”continuedJohnson.“Every-thingtheydoisfreshornewforthemandtheyeasilyadapt.I’vebeenprettyfortunate,theseguysarequickandthey’vepickeduponitprettyfast.” TheSuperSquadeventswerephysicallyandmentallydemanding.Thecrowdwaslargeandeachcompanymoti-vated each other with one goal in mind--gaining The NMCB 5 Super Squad title! Some of the team building events includedhastybridging,astretcherobstaclerun,lowcrawl,adoubledozerropetraverseandmore.Screamsandshouts

Super Squad 2011

ofencouragementfromfellowSeabeesonthesidelineshelpedtomotivateeachsquadmemberstopushthemselvesfurther. “ItwasveryexhaustingandalotharderthanIwasex-pecting,”saidConstructionMechanic1stClass(SCW)JamesGongas,thesquadleaderof2ndplatoon,2ndsquadinAlfaCompany.“Mysquaddidawesome,theyallsteppeduptothechallengeandtheydidagreatjob.I’mproudofallofthem.” AlfaCompanycamefromthirdplaceafterdayoneofthe two day final competition to out gain Charlie Co by only 4minutestobecomethewinneroftheoverallcompetitionthis year. Commander Scot Sanders, the Commanding Officer of NMCB 5 stated, “Five company winners came out here andreallyputtheirheartsontheline.”Hecontinued,“They[showed] tremendous effort. I saw a lot of heart and dedication outthereandI’mveryimpressed.Theteamwork,dedication,leadership,andamazingwilltosucceedthatIwitnessedwasinspirational.Fromthetrainingstaffplanning,organizing,and executing the events, to the crews setting up the cook-out, takingphotosandvideo,andprovidingsafetyoversight,andultimatelytothecompetingsquads,thiseventwasanincred-iblesuccess.” CMDCM(SCW)DelTerrellsummedupthecompeti-tion,stating“WewanttoactuallybuildsmallunitleadersinFIVEandgivethemanopportunitytogrowandshine;that’sbeenthesecrettoourphenomenalsuccessthelastfewyears.Our First Class Petty Officers-Squad Leaders are the best in the NCF. Most folks talk about small unit leadership every day, butfewcommandsactuallyliveitandbreatheit.” ThisgoestoshowthatwhenSeabeesandSailorsofdifferentratesworktogetherasateam,anythingispossible.Whenitcomestoteamwork,unityofeffort,andsharingacommon goal, two plus two can equal FIVE!

Equipment Opera-tor 3rd Class Dallas Miller, a Headquar-ters Company Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, traverses on a rope during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Compe-tition on March 25, 2011 at Port Huen-eme, Calif.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 10

Air Detachment Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 low crawl during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

Headquarters Company

For HQ, the month of March was definitely one of the busiest months since returning from deployment in November. HQ is working hard providing support for advancement exams, super squad, and gearing up toward FTX in April. In preparation for Super Squad 2011, NMCB 5 Administrative Office drafted Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) certificates and got medals ready for presentation. DuringtheSuperSquadcompetition,admindepartmentshowedsupportandencouragementthroughouttheevent. YN1 Nevens cheered on her fellow Seabees and served food at the First Class Association barbeque. Upon completion, YN3 Long and YNSN Pollema aided the CO, XO, and CMDCM in the awards ceremony for the Super Squad winners. Congratulations Alfa Company! Inadditiontodemonstratingbattalionspirit,theHQcompanyisworkingdiligentlytocompletealltasksthatare due in April prior to NMCB 5 leaving for a month long Field Training Exercise. PS1 Caballero and PS2 Bolos havebeenworkingoneverymember’spagetwoandemergencydataattentivelyfortheentirecommand.E5peri-odic evals along with transfer and separation evaluations are looked over by YN2 Smith and YN3 Kivett to ensure thatallofthedatesarecorrect.TheEAshopconsolidatedconsumablesrequiredfortheFTXandpreparedprojectbindersforDetswhileCM3Stevens,HQadjutant,preparedthemusterreport,killdata,andotheressentialreportsfor accountability during FTX. Last but not least, RPSN Blair has been busy getting the altar ready for Catholic massduringFTXfor300pluspersonnel.ThechapelwillholdfourservicesonWednesdaysandSundaysthrough-outFTX. Meticulousgearinspectionsheldbythecompanyhaveassuredthateveryoneisreadytoloadupandmountout for FTX! For those without their SCW pin, FTX will be an excellent opportunity to learn how certain func-tions work. OORAH! We are ready for 2011 Field Training Exercise! “CAN DO! ”

Headquarters Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 pose for a photo before the start of the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

HQ Pride, AC Inside!By YNSN(SCW) Joseph Pollema

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 11 NMCB 5 I The Professionals 12

Bravo Company

Bravo Company Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 practice Super Squad Training in Port Hueneme, Calif. March 14, 2011.

“The Difficult We Do at Once, The Impossible We Do Together”

By UTCA Kristina Costabile BravoCompanyhastrulybeenimmersedinthe“CanDo”spiritthispastmonth.WithFTXrearingitshead,preparednessateverylevelisparamount.ThroughtheuseofUnitDrivenTrainingandTeamBuildingexer-cisesonadailybasis,individualsinBravoCompanyhavecometotherealizationthatworkingasacohesiveunitisnecessarytosucceed.WiththeSuperSquadevolutionnearingitsculmination,membersofBravoparticipatedinthepenultimateteambuildingexercise. On March 14, the squads of first and second platoon completed a seven-station obstacle course. The schedule ofeventsincludedeverythingfromanammocanrelaytoa MTVR tire flip across the football field. Thephysicallytaxingactivitieswere“nosweat”forthehighlymotivatedSeabeesofBravoCompany.Theyworkedseamlesslyasteamstoensurethattheirindividualsquads came out on top. One specific event that really testedthetheoryofteamworkwasthelogcarry. Inthisroundofactivity,teamswereaskedtoacarrylog downfield, stop in between to perform thirty squad sit-ups, and then proceed back downfield with the same log. Asmembersofthesquadbecamefatigued,theirverbalencouragementtowardoneanothergaveeachperson the motivation to finish strongly as one. The implementationandrepetitionofUDTgivesthetroopstheconfidence to complete upcoming FTX tasks effortlessly. AnotherintegralpieceofBravoCompanyisCSE,anentitythathashadeventfulmonthaswell. Combatready,readytoroll...outonamissionthatis.TheConvoySecurityElementrecentlycompletedtheirFieldTrainingExerciseatthebeginningofthemonth.TheCSEunithasbeentirelesslytrainingduringthishomeport

toensuretheircombatreadinessfortheupcomingdeployment. PriortotheirFTX,CSEspentnumerousweeksimprovingtheirmarksmanship,aswellaspartakinginvariousstagedscenariosthattheymayencounterinthe field. During their FTX, the security element was splitintotwoseparateteamsandwastaskedtogooutontwoconvoysadayforthewholeweek. EachdayCSEwouldreceiveawarningorder,aheadsupforanupcomingmission.Followingthewarningorder,theteamsetouttostagethescenarioaspertheinstructor’sdirection.Whileundergoingin-dividualmissions,scenariosensued.Thesimulationsincludedthebreakingdownofvehicles,IEDstrikes,andenduringcasualties.Withtheirsharpenedcombatskillsintow,theCSEteampromptlyandcorrectlyrespondedtoeachscenario. Therealisticnatureofthesimulationsgavemembers of the CSE team an eye-opening view of whatanactualmissionwouldentail.AscurrentCSEmember, CECN Howington stated, “Talking about go-ingonconvoysisonething,buttoactuallyexperienceit is a whole other beast. Now that I have completed our FTX, I am more confident that we will succeed as resultofourextensivetraining.” As NMCB 5 nears FTX, and with deployment notfaroutofsight,Bravocontinuestostriveforexcellence. Relentless training and morale boosting exercisessolidifyBravoCompanyasacrucialassettothefuturesuccessofthecommand.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 14

Builder Constructionman Andrew Tuggle, a Charlie Company Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construc-tion Battalion (NMCB) 5, conducts a low crawl through an obstacle during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Me-morial Super Squad Competition on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

Builder 1st Class (SCW/EXW) Kirk Johnson, a Charlie Com-pany Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battal-ion (NMCB) 5, crosses a rope obstacle with a sandbag during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Me-morial Super Squad Competi-tion on March 25, 2011 at Port Hueneme, Calif.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 13

Charlie Company

Charlie Company Seabees attached to Na-val Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 wait before the start of a patrol during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition on March 24, 2011 at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.

Charlie Company Super Squad Finishes Second in Battalion Events

By BU2(SCW) Sarah J Hedge

OnMarch24thand25th,theCompanylevelSuperSquads competed for the coveted title of NMCB Five’s Bat-talionSuperSquad. OnThursdaythe24th,theSquadsperformedtheirwellpreparedpatrolbriefsandexecutedtheirmissions.Theirperformancesweregradedbyseveralcriteriaincludingtac-tics, briefing, and planning abilities. The first squad to patrol was Charlie Company, 2Nd Platoon,4thSquad,withBU1Johnsonasthesquadleader.The squad delivered an excellent briefing and continued to carry out an outstanding patrol. With BUCN Rollins as the pointman,thesquadhadexcellentcommunicationthroughhandsignalstowarnofdangercrossingsorenemyactivity.Johnsonalsoledhistroopsthroughavillagewherethesquadacquiredahighvaluetargetwithoutincident.Thehighvaluetargetwasdeliveredtoanextractionsightandpickedupbyfriendlyforces. Theunitwasalsoconfrontedbyagroupofangryfarmerswithbarkingdogs,showingunyieldingmilitarybearingandselfcontrolthesquadpushedthroughthesce-nariowithoutharminganylocalsorputtingthemselvesinexcessivedanger. Sadly,afterbeingassaultedwhilepatrollingpastamosque, the team was hit with sniper fire and an IED, se-verelywoundingseveralmembersofthepatrol.Theremain-ing Seabees took out the snipers and performed first aid tech-niquescriticaltosavingthelivesoftheirwoundedbrethren.ThehurtSeabeeswerethentakentocasualtycollectionpointwherethesquadnotionallyrequestedandlandedMEDEVACforthefallenSeabees.

Theday’seventsputCharlieCo.’ssupersquadinsecondplacebyamerefourpoints.Sotherestoftheeveningthesquadpumpedthemselvesupwithchantsstatingthatfourpointsmeantnothing. OnFriday,theCompanysupersquads,aswellas their cheering companies, met at Dozer field for this homeport’s final Super Squad event. The field was builtintoanintenseobstaclecourse.Thecoursewasdesignedtotesttheknowledgeandphysicalandmentalcapabilitiesofeverypersoninthesquad.Throughoutthestationsthesquadswereaskedaseriesofquestionsinvolvingchainofcommandandmilitaryknowledge. WhenitcametimeforCharlie’sSuperSquadtostepuptotheplate,theyrantothecourseyellingtopumpthemselvesupfortheevent.Thisiswhattheyhadbeentrainingforthroughoutthehomeport.Theytorethroughtheobstacles,soakingwetfromthewaterpitsandmudcrawling,physicallyfatiguedandpushingevery fiber of their being to finish, and finish well. The final task was to cross a rope pulled tight over a large pit filled with almost four feet of cold water. It wasthemostchallengingtasksofar,yetthememberspushed through and finished, cold and wet, embracing eachotherforahugeaccomplishment. CharlieCompanycameinsecondforBattal-ionSuperSquad,reachingahighclassofadmirationthroughoutthebattalion.CharlieCompanysucceededinbuildingthemselvesupthroughteamworkanddedica-tion,showingheartand,mostofall,strengthandhonor.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 16

When she’s not deployed and back on base during the homeport months, Renfroe hits the Oxnard Police Activities League gym 4-5 days a week for about an hour or two twice a day! Constructionman Ren-froe definitely trains like she fights. She also likes to hit the gym before a tournament or fight, keeping the adrenaline rush flowing and fist pumping is vital. Although trying to balance her life between work and boxing, Renfroe still overcomes her highest expectationsespeciallyduringdeployments.Shestaysconditionedbyjumproping,running,andhittingthebag. If the gym has a speed bag, she’s on it! Not being able to receive the one-on-one or ring experience duringdeploymentslimitshertrainingbutthatdoesnoteverbringherstrengthandmotivationdown.Hermaingoalisstayingfocused,determinedandalwaysbelievinginherself.Attheendoftheday,it’sim-portantforhertolookbackonwhatshehasaccomplishedandtoknowthatwinorlose;sheisbecomingabetter fighter every day. LadiesandGentlemen,this“cando”spiritofagalisnotonlyapatrioticSeabeebutanaspiringboxerrepresentingtheUnitedStates.HerloveforboxingisjustasbigasherdevotionasaBuilder.Let’sallcon-gratulate BUCN Renfroe on a job well done for always keeping her head down in the ring yet her head and prideupoutsidethering.

CONSTRUCTING THE FRONT OFFICE PROJECT WITH A CAN DO ATTITUDE!

By BU3 Linda Meale

AfterfourmonthsofreturningfromAfghanistan,NMCB Five has already started on a few homeport projects. Oneoftheconstructionprojectsthatwehavehadtheprivi-lege to take ownership of is the office located in the Navy Gateway Inn located just outside of the Bard gate, on NBVC PortHueneme. Currentlyunderconstruction,projectsupervisor,BU1(SCW/EXW)Johnsonisdeterminedthathiscrewwillgoaboveandbeyondincompletingtheprojectontimeandtopqualityconstruction.ForBU1,it’snotasurprisetoseehowmuchhasbeencompletedafterstartingtheprojectinearlyFebruary,“Giventherigoroustimelinetoplanandexecutetheproject,thecrewhasbeenabletoovercomematerialdelaysandmanningissuesandperformatatopnotchlevel.”Petty officer Johnson has been guiding his crew to the best of hisleadershipabilitytoworkhardyethavefunatthesametime. Bestofthebest,crewleadersBU2(SCW)LunaandBU2(SCW)Clarkmakessurematerialsareonsite,projectinformation is updated and reflected upon completion of an activity, and ensure the crew is properly trained and well-maintained.BU2Lunaisintheprocessoftransferringoutofthecommand,sohehasdelegatedhisdutiestoBU2ClarkandBU3Devincentis.Theyhavedoneatremendousjobintraining personnel and briefing crewmembers on what activi-tiesneedtobecompleted. As a crewmember on the front office project, I have hadtheopportunitytoworkwithinmyrateasaBuilder.Fromworkingwithsteelstuds,installinginsulationandput-ting up drywall, my hands-on experience has provided me theabilitytolearndifferenttechniques.PersonallyI’mnotthat efficient on mudding a wall, however, BU2 Clark helped metoimprovemyskills.

InadditiontopersonnelfromCharlieCompany,afewBravotypessuchastheCE’sandUT’s,arealsoa part of this project. Recently, they have started on a roughelectricalactivitywhichincludesinstallingcon-duitandpanelboxes.Theyalsohadanopportunitytoworkwithinthebuilderrate,(thebestratethereisandthebackboneoftheSeabees,ofcourse). AstheprojectSafetySupervisor,BU3(SCW)Davisensuresthatcrewmembersareincompliancewithsafetyrulesandregulations.Safetyisparamountinallaspectssosheisalwaysontopofhergametoensurecrewmembershaveontheirhardhat,safetyglasses,anda motivated “CAN DO!” attitude to accomplish their dailytasksinaSAFEmanner. Construction of the front office is expected to last untilJuly2011.Duetothebusynatureofhomeport,i.e,classes,UDT,andSuperSquadtraining,theprojectcrewoftenrotatespersonnelinordertostayupwithcurrentprogressgoals.Thisrotationcycleallowsdifferentpersonneltotakepartoftheprojectandgetanactual“hands-on” experience instead of the usual homeport trainingandclasses. Participatinginahomeportprojectprovidescrew-memberswithachancetoexperienceonthejobtraining.Thiskindoftrainingenhancestheirratingskillsaswellastheopportunitytoworkalongsideothersandlearnsomething new. A “CAN DO!” spirit is well enabled throughoutourdailytaskingandwithinourselves.

BUCN Crystal Renfroe of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 is declared the winner over MASN Rhon-da McGee during the only women’s boxing event of the evening. NMCB 5 came out en masse to support their fellow Seabee, and Renfroe credited that hometown advantage with helping her win the match.

LET’S GET READY TO RUUMMBBLLEE!!!!By BU3 Linda Meale

This is what BUCN (SCW) Renfroe of NMCB Five’s Charlie Company has to offer! So much rumblin’, she keeps her opponents tumblin’! Constructionman Renfroe is an astonishing and remarkable boxer as well as a motivated- high flying Seabee. She has been box-ingforovertwoyearsandhaswonnumerous“blood,sweat,andtears”kind of fights. Determined.Focused.Motivated.Thesearesomequalitiesthat drive Renfroe. One day she dreams to be the Southern California Districtchampion,tobeaGoldenGloveschampion,andtocompeteinthe Nationals and conquer the National Championship title. Ultimately, herbiggestambitionistobeaffordedtheopportunitytocompeteinthe2016 World Olympics! Besides these future winning endeavors, Constructionman Ren-froe would also like to be a positive role model for other female fight-ers. The word needs to get out that for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, women are allowed to compete!!! Her positive outlook on boxing enables female fighters to get out there, challenge themselves and make things happen! This fighter’s role model is Lucia Rijker, aka Billie Blue Jean from the 2004 movie, Million Dollar Baby played by actress Hilary Swank. Rijker holds many titles and is known forwinningbyKO’Sinmostofherboxingmatches.Shewasalsothefirst female boxer inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Renfroe’s desire to achieve these goals, like her role model is definitely on course!

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 15

Charlie Company

An exhausted BUCN Crystal Renfroe celebrates with her trophy after defeating MASN Rhonda McGee during the sev-enth bout of the All-Navy Box-Off on Saturday, Jan. 29, in the Warfield Gym.

Blue Jacket of the Quarter (BJOQ)EACN(SCW) Ashley Cox

Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ)CM2(SCW/AW) Carl Gayton

Senior Sailor of the Quarter (SSOQ)EO1(SCW) Mario Perez

Alfa Company

Alfa CompanyBy EO3 Lacey Nelson

It’snothardtoseewhetherornotALFACompanyissteppinguptotheplatethishomeport.Ourleadershipismakingsurethatwearestay-ingontrack,stayingfocused,andkeepingopenlines of communication. Not one person in ALFA iswillingtolettheotherfail;teamworkisthefoundationthatwearebuilton.OneTeam...OneFight...OneFamily.Therehasbeen,andlikelyal-ways will be, some good-natured ribbing between theEOsandCMs.ButletsomeonefromoutsidetheyardmesswithanyoneoftheALFADogsinside the yard, and see what happens! Staying motivatedandteachingourtroopstheimportanceofALFACompanytothebattalion’smissionissomethingthatweprideourselveson. Currently,theEOsaregettingreadytoconducttheB.E.E.PandturnovertheCESEtoNMCB-23. The conclusion of the B.E.E.P will becarriedoutduringFTX2011.TheEOshavebeen conducting non-stop line hauls to Fort Hunter LiggettinsupportofourCSEFTX,organizingthepicking up of NMCB-40’s Air Det and Advanced PartyatPointMugu,trainingnewtroopsonequip-ment to be ready for the field exercise, pressing forwardonthetwoprojectsatPointMugu.Fur-thermore,theyhavebeenhelpingoutSupply,Medical,andtheS6shopinthepreparation,load-ing,andtransportationoftheirconnexboxesfortheFTXevolution. OntheshopsideoftheALFAhousetheCMsareworkinghardincompletingallthePMScheckson40piecesofCESEtoensureitisoperatingatmaximumcapabilitybeforeitisturnedovertoNMCB-23. CESE availability is improving every day.ThatmeansthattheBattalion’smissionreadi-nessandabilitytomoveourSeabeeswheretheyneedtobeisimprovingeveryday.ALFA PRIDE! ROLL ON!

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 17

Quarterly Recognitions

Quarterly Recognitions Chaps Note

LT Greg UvilaNMCB 5 ChaplainStrength and Honor

Chaps Note

A couple thoughts from Chaps...

TheSuperSquadcompetitionwasamazing.Theenthusiasmthebattalionoozedthroughoutthesupersquadeventswas“showstopper”spectacular.Theunityofeachsquad,thesupportandconstantbarrageofencouragingwordsforteam-matesmadeusallproudthatwearepartofNMCB5.“Stayfocused,”“Keepyoureyesonme,”“Youcandothis,”“Don’tgiveup,”“You’realmostthere,”somanyphrasesthatrevealedadeepcommitmenttoendurance,perseverance,andrunningtheracewell.Pleaseknowthatthesearethesamewordswedesiretoexpresstoyouourfamilyandfriends,hangtough,persevere,andbenoblewithusasweprepareforourdeployment.MaywerunthisSeabeeracewell,together,oneteam–onefight,proudlyhonoringthecall“whatever-whenever.”Blessingsinyourjourneythisspring,thanksforyourpositivethoughtsandpassionateprayersaswecompleteFTX2011.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 18

A Scraper is loaded on the back of a globe trailer at Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu Air Field February 2, 2011 during ETX.

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 20

Whenaskedaboutthelessonslearnedfromtheexercise, CMCN Meyer stated, “You have to do the job 100% right the first time to eliminate re-work.” Duringtheexercisetheweatherplayedamajorfactor.The Seabees from NMCB Five’s Air-Det experienced workinginthecoldweatheraswellasintherain.CMCN Guerrero said, “This was the best way to train fortheworstcasescenario.”Theexercisewasasuc-cess and NMCB-Five Air-Det is “trained to go” and fully ready to deploy within 48 hrs.

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Matthew Stell and Equip-ment Operator 3rd Class Joseph Flint measure the distance from

the front of the Medium Tacti-cal Vehicle Replacement (MTVR)

Cargo truck to teh rear axle for weight and balancing purposes.

Steelworker 2nd Class (SCW) Andrew Buchholtz and Utilitiesman 2nd Class (SCW) David Yost secure the cargo straps of a load sitting on a 463-L pallet.

Air Detachment

NMCB-FIVE AIR-DET

By CM2(SCW/AW) Carl Gayton

On Wednesday, Feb 2nd and 3rd, Naval MobileConstructionBattalionFivewasengagedina32hourEmbarktrainingexercise(ETX).Theexercise consisted of preparing 28 pieces of gear to deploy within 48 hours from receiving the frag order. Atotalof125personnelwereinvolvedintheexercise with 69 members in Air-Det. that were specifically assigned to weigh, balance, mark and securethegearandCivilEngineeringSupportEquipment (CESE). The exercise started at N.A.S. Point Magu flight line, where the vehicles and gear wereinspectedforHazmatleaksandlevels.Any

NMCB 5 I The Professionals 19

discrepancies found were verified and corrected onthespotbytheConstructionMechanicsandtheEquipmentOperators. Theequipmentwasthenweighed,balancedandmarked.The(CESE)andthegearthatwasnotmobilewasloadedup,securedandtransportedtoC.B.C.BasePortHuenemewhereitwascleaned,re-inspected, and staged for a “notional” load on to a C-130. The members of the 31st SRG evaluation teaminspectedtheloadsandmarkings,ensuringthateverythingwascompliantwiththestringentregulationsenforcedbytheU.S.AirForcepriortoloadingthemontoanaircraft.

48 Hours or less...