Amphibious Construction Battalion Seabees Return Home from Kuwait

Navy NewsStand ^ | Photographer’s Mate Airman Michael Starkey

[SandRat]

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion (PHIBCB) 2 Kuwait Det. 1 returned to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, March 31, after completing a six-and-a-half month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

“Mobilizing Reservists and blending was a challenge but worked very well,” said PHIBCB 2 Commanding Officer, Capt. Thomas C. Nicholas.

The team’s 44 active-duty Sailors and were joined by 13 naval Reservists and supported public works operations for the Army’s Area Support Group (ASG)-Kuwait.

“The guys did a great job and got lots of recognition,” said Nicholas.

The Seabees worked together with the Army to provide maintenance solutions and fix various structural problems while in country.

“(The mission was) very successful,” said Seaman Adam Turbeville, PHIBCB 2. “We accomplished more than we could ever imagine.”

Utilitiesman 1st Class Larry Williams, one of the 13 Reservists with PHIBCB 2, was impressed by the interaction between active-duty and reserve Seabees.

“We really gelled (worked) together well. We really clicked well; it was great working with active duty.”

“(We) couldn’t have come out with a better group of guys from the leadership down,” said Builder 2nd Class Doug Shaner, a Navy Reservist.

The PHIBCB's primary mission is to provide ship to shore transportation of fuel, materials, and equipment in support of Amphibious Ready Group, Marine Expeditionary Force and Brigade sized operations, and Maritime Propositioned Force (MPF) operations. Transport of equipment and materials is accomplished primarily by means of barge ferry operations. PHIBCB's construct elevated and floating causeway piers, installs ship to shore fueling systems, erects 1,300 man camps, and provides camp support, perimeter defense and construction support

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT