Expeditionary Express June

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

E xpedi t i on ary

Co m bat

SWO Leadership Opportunities

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CRS 4 Welcomes New Commander

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NECC Units Receive CNO 9 Expeditionary Safety Award

Post Office Renamed in Honor of Fallen Seabees

Com m and

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Pu bl i cat io n

MK VI SWO OPPORTUNITIES

JUNE 2017

Vol. 1 Issue 11

CJTF-HOA Seabees

Build Structures & Bonds

Expeditionary E xpre s s NECC in the Spotlight

NECC’s Civilian of the Month -- Brian Brazzle

News You Can Use

SWO Leadership Opportunities 4

Riverine Squadron (CRS 11), based out of Naval Weapons Stations Seal Beach, California, returned home May 26 following a seven-month deployment supporting operations in Africa and the Middle East.

NECC Overview

NECC Overview

NECC Units Receive CNO Expeditionary A large bomb suit to fill: Midshipman Safety Award -- Three Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) commands were selected for the 2016 Danielle Given -- It was day two of her summer Chief of Naval Operations Expeditionary Safety Award. training and Danielle Given was lumbering around an obstacle course in a bomb suit made for someone twice her size.

CRS 4 Welcomes New Commander -- During the 6

CRS 11 Sailors Arrive Home After Seven Month Deployment -- Sailors assigned to Coastal

Coastal Riverine Squadron Four (CRS-4) change of command ceremony Cmdr. Mark Harris was relieved by Cmdr. William Swinford on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, June 2.

NECC Holds the Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremony -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held a Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony in the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic Midway Auditorium, June 5, marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s most significant naval victory.

Post Office Renamed in Honor of Fallen Seabees -- The Port Hueneme post office was renamed

the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion “Seabees” Fallen Hero post office during a ceremony, May 31.

CJTF-HOA Seabees Build Structures, Bonds to Help Counter Regional VEOs --

DJIBOUTI – “Back. Front. Back. Back. Front.” A muddy trickle of sweat trailed down Petty Officer 3rd Class Lacy P’Pool’s face, her voice gently directing a hand-clapping game with the little boy.

EODGRU-1 Showcases Robots at TEDxKids@ElCajon -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Group One (EODGRU-1) showcased EOD robots and gear at TEDxKids@ElCajon on June 3.

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how to get help

1

Follow us on Social Media

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand

@COMNECC

NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 252 Email: jennifer.cragg@navy.mil

NECC Public Affairs Staff Lt. Mary Smith MCC Edward Kessler PO2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna

NEWS YOU CAN USE

SWO LEADERSHIP OPPoRTUNITES Early

Command is an experience that is highly valued by both the Surface Warfare community and those who serve as Commanding Officers in Mine Countermeasures (MCM) or Patrol Coastal (PC) ships.

platform whose primary mission is to provide capability to persistently patrol littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure.

Because Early Command provides some of our finest Surface Warfare Officers with an invaluable experience leading sailors in crucial missions across the world, we’ve teamed up with Navy Expeditionary Combat Command to create more opportunities for top performing Junior Officers to serve as Afloat Commanding Officers.

These missions include: security force assistance (SFA); high value unit (HVU) shipping escort; visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations; and theater security cooperation (TSC).

Beginning in November 2017, officers will have an opportunity to screen for O3 / O4 Command Afloat positions in MKVI Patrol Boats.

Lieutenants who have completed their 2nd Division Officer tour will be eligible to command a MKVI Patrol Boat.

Post-Department Head Lieutenants and Lieutenant Commanders will be eligible to serve as Company Commander for a Company of three MKVI Patrol Boats.

MKVI Patrol Boats are the newest platform in the NECC inventory and are based out of Little Creek, VA, and San Diego, CA. Over 84 feet in length, the MKVI is a highly capable

The Mark VI program of record is for a total of 12 boats -six boats have been delivered to the fleet and six more are to be delivered by the end of the 2nd quarter of fiscal year 2018.

Screening for these new opportunities will be conducted at the November 2017 Early Command Board.

Previous in MCM

Early and PC

Command ships are

opportunities still available.

These more traditional opportunities for Command Afloat provide significant leadership and operational experience while carrying out missions in C4F, C5F, and C7F. While maintaining readiness for a full spectrum of capabilities, MCMs and PCs execute TSC, HVU escort, and Counter Illicit Trafficking (CIT) operations as well.

Necc’s Civilian o f

t h e

Brian Brazzle

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Navy

Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) announced its June Civilian of the Month in Virginia Beach, June 1.

Brian Brazzle was selected for this monthly accolade due to his positive impacts to NECC’s combat effectiveness through direct support of facilities readiness across the force.

“His strong leadership and ever growing depth of expertise in Facilities Sustainment Restoration Modernization, Military Construction and Facilities Planning have been invaluable to the entire Navy Expeditionary Combat Enterprise,” said Nancy Harned, Executive Director, NECC/NECC Pacific.

Brazzle joined the U.S. Navy in 1986 as a Seabee and appreciated the opportunity to continue to serve in the U.S. Navy as a civilian. He is currently assigned as a staff member to the N43 department as a Force Facilities Program Analyst.

mo nth

“I find great satisfaction and am very humbled to go to work each day supporting every person within the NECC Enterprise,” said Brazzle. “Our Sailors count on us to man, train and equip them to successfully execute their warfighting missions, which is not an easy task and often times a thankless job but I try to deliver the very best service and support to our force each day,” said Brazzle.

Harned expressed Brazzle’s tenacity to go after the mission time and again with sound leadership.

“Above all, Mr. Brazzle provided leadership by taking initiative and consistently going the extra mile to ensure projects were developed, tracked, and completed the right way,” said Harned.

“Mr. Brazzle translated warfighter facility requirements into operational impacts with actionable solutions. His selection as Employee of the Month underscores his devotion to duty and pride in his work, ensuring the force receives facility support to ensure combat readiness.”

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-toshore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

Midshipman Danielle Given Discusses Career in EOD By 2nd Lt. Mallory Shelton, USMC

It was day two of her summer training and Danielle Given was lumbering around an obstacle course in a bomb suit made for someone twice her size. Her mission was to deadlift a 100-pound robot onto a desk, but the suit was so big that she could not simultaneously reach both ends of its arms to pick the robot up. She could lift 100 pounds normally, so as she stood there, sweating inside the heavy, over-sized suit, being evaluated by the senior chief observing her, she questioned why she could not complete the task. Though she tried building a ramp from the shelves, taking the shelves out, and a host of other creative attempts, she could not get the robot on to the desk.

But Given’s story is not one of failure. To start with, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the United States Naval Academy. On top of that, she received her commission into an elite group of naval officers, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community.

Navy EOD performs some of the most dangerous work in

the military. EOD operators are trained to disarm explosive devices, render safe nuclear bombs and neutralize chemical weapons. They can also be called upon to serve as security for international events such as world summits, to help the Secret Service protect the president and other prominent officials, or to support other special warfare units such as the Navy SEALs. “The Navy EOD force is ‘special operations capable’ which means the force has the mobility skills (such as parachuting or diving) and expeditionary skillset required to integrate and operate with special forces from all services,” said Lt. Cmdr.

Jeffrey Lavery, officer community manager for the EOD community.

At any given time, the EOD community has about 1,500 officers and enlisted Sailors in its ranks. Fewer than three percent of officers in the community are female, and the percentage is even smaller for enlisted. At a time when women’s roles in combat seem to be such a controversial issue, the EOD community has quietly and successfully been

Continued from previous page who I want to look like; this is who I want to act like.”

Given had to earn the privilege of hearing those stories, and gaining the approval of those within the community is not an easy task. After her struggles with the first obstacle on day two of her summer training, Given was tested again. This time, the midshipmen were on a different obstacle course, this one a mile long, wearing weighted flak jackets and doing pull-ups between obstacles. One of the final obstacles was a weighted rope climb.

“I knew I was going to get up the rope, but it just wasn’t working,” said Given. The same senior chief from a few days prior was yelling at her to get up the rope, but between shouts of criticism he yelled “take a breath and get up the rope.”

allowing women to serve in every role for years.

“According to all the information that I have, Special Operations Officer/EOD has been open to women since its inception,” said Lavery.

Though the percentage is very low, the women who have been a part of this select group have had many significant experiences that could benefit those struggling to accept women in combat roles within other communities.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Leslie Slootmaker, the executive officer of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, the first female to graduate Navy EOD school was Ensign Julie MoDrake in 1980. Slootmaker said that her greatest challenge has not been “centered on being a minority, but more aligned with learning who [she is] as a leader and individual. What makes you successful is your response and attitude when faced with adversity.”

Those meaningful experiences are a part of what reassured Given in choosing such a challenging road. She has received mentorship from women in the community that she has never even met in person. Not only are the women in the community supportive of one another across oceans, but the men in the community treat their sisters as they would their brothers.

“We are all teammates,” said her fellow midshipman and EOD select, A. J. Barbaria. “Given is in the tribe. It has nothing to do with gender.”

Given said that making the decision to choose EOD was easy after meeting the people in the community who would become her future teammates.

“It’s like meeting your own heroes,” said Given. “After hearing their incredible stories, I take a piece of them with me. This is

So she did. Given climbed the rope, finished the course, and ultimately succeeded through the rest of the difficult training.

One might think that Given would describe either of these stories as the most challenging aspect of becoming selected to be an EOD officer, but Given says the real challenge was convincing her mother. She had always been an independent child who loved to play outdoors, but when her mother skeptically allowed her to attend the Naval Academy, she thought Given would choose to be on a ship somewhere rather than disarming improvised explosive devices.

Given had thought so herself. She even waited to tell her family that she was considering EOD until after she passed the first physical screening test, a 24-hour ground and water workout session that also tests skills such as knot tying. Even at that point, she told her parents the selection was so exclusive that it was unlikely she would be chosen, partially to appease them and partially to hide how disappointed she would be if she was not selected.

Her worries were unfounded. She was selected to the EOD community, and two days later, became part of the cadre in charge of running the next class’s own physical screening test.

There to celebrate with her and the other EOD selects was the senior chief from her summer cruise, but he had brought something with him.

“He came up to me and said ‘I brought a small suit’,” recalled Given. “I didn’t even know I had been wearing a large bomb suit until that day, and I had always kind of questioned myself. The small suit was a lot more manageable. I was running around everywhere.”

Given will head to Joint Service Diving Officer Course in July, where she will complete 6 months of training before heading to EOD school. She has several years of training before her to become a qualified EOD warfare officer, but she expressed excitement and determination to meet the challenges that are ahead.

“I can’t always expect there to be a small suit,” said Given. “I know I will have to figure it out.”

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N E C C

OVERVIEW

CRS 4 Welcomes New Commander

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA

BEACH, Va. – During the Coastal Riverine Squadron Four (CRS-4) change of command ceremony Cmdr.

Mark Harris was relieved by Cmdr.

William Swinford on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story, June 2.

CDR William Swinford relieved CDR Mark Harris of Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR (CRS 4) during a change of command ceremony held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. June 2.

Swinford who is from Ashmore, Illinois, previously served as the Executive Office of CRS 4 is honored to take command.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead the Navy’s finest Sailors as Commanding Officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron Four,” said Swinford. “Cmdr. Harris commanded this squadron with excellence and he raised the bar in expeditionary force protection. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and maintaining this Squadron’s great reputation.”

Harris, who is from Burke, Virginia, will depart CRS-4 to serve as the Assistant Reactor Officer on board the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

He discussed the privilege it was to serve alongside the talented men and women of CRS 4, which he considered was the highlight of his career.

“Their professionalism, determination, and can-do attitude is inspiring and is a shining example of what is good about America,” said Harris.

“Our line of work is hard and it would be impossible without their continuing willingness to sacrifice and deliver results under the most challenging conditions. I wish them and Commander Swinford well as they prepare for their next

deployment.”

Harris and Swinford both deployed with CRS-4 during their recent deployment to the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operations and returned on Jan. 21, 2017.

During the deployment, 325 Sailors conducted 227 highvalue asset (HVA) escorts, and eight missions in support of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command priorities.

CRS 4 falls under Coastal Riverine Group Two, which is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The primary mission of the Coastal Riverine Force is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high-value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-toshore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

EODGRU-1 Showcases Robots at TEDxKids@ ElCajon

From Explosive Ordnance Group One Public Affairs

EL CAJON, California – Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Group One (EODGRU-1) showcased EOD robots and gear at TEDxKids@ElCajon on June 3.

A Sailor from Explosive Ordnance Group One (EODGRU-1) showcased EOD robots and gear at TEDxKids@ElCajon on June 3.

According to Liz Loether, coordinator of Educational Technology, Cajon Valley Union School District will hosted TEDxKids@ElCajon at Greenfield Middle School.

The theme was “PowerUp,” the event showcased student speakers from various backgrounds exploring current and relevant topics affecting El Cajon’s young people and their power to change the world.

Talks ranged from dealing with family challenges to gender equality.

Also part of TEDxKids@ElCajon was a Power Park full of exhibitors and activities.

U.S. Navy EOD participated in the Power Park with a display that included EOD robots, a bomb suit and a MineResistant Ambush Protected (MWRAP) vehicle.

TEDxKids@ElCajon with robots that are accessible to kids interested in science and technology.

The kids are drawn not only to the robots but to the uniformed Sailors that explain their role as explosive ordnance disposal technicians.

EODGRU-1 mans, trains, equips, and sustains seven subordinate commands and their 35 EOD platoons and seven MDS companies in support of Northern, Pacific, Africa, Southern and Central Command.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

Students were invited to drive the robots and explore the MWRAP. “TEDx Kids is a phenomenal opportunity to demonstrate the direct link from all the great high tech demonstrations to real world jobs and innovations,” said Lt. Luc Cummings, Capabilities and Force Development Officer for EODGRU-1.

This was the second year that EODGRU-1 supported

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CRS 11 Sailors Arrive Home After Seven Month Deployment From Coastal Riverine Group One Public Affairs

SEAL BEACH, Calif. -- Sailors

assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS 11), based out of Naval Weapons Stations Seal Beach, California, returned home May 26 following a sevenmonth deployment supporting operations in Africa and the Middle East.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to deploy and serve with the most motivated Sailors I have ever deployed with in my 23-year career,” said Cmdr. Keith Fernandez, mission commander.

“Their dedication, professionalism and esprit de corps while carrying out their missions in fighting terrorism and piracy were unparalleled. I salute each and every one of them for wearing the cloth of our great nation proudly and with distinction.”

Despite arriving just after midnight, the Sailors were greeted by a number of friends, families, and shipmates at the LAX airport with support provided by the volunteers from Bob Hope Hollywood USO. The USO provided the families and Sailors a warm welcome with games, food, banners, and music. These Sailors finished the night with a final formation to be addressed and congratulated by their chain of command on a job well done.

While deployed, the 107 Sailors worked alongside coalition partners, conducting maritime anti-terrorism and force protection operations for more than 80 high-risk port visits in Djibouti, Africa as well as organic security and intelligence support for six U.S. Navy support ships at sea in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf.

They supported U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command in support of Navy force protection requirements and United Nations counter piracy initiatives.

CRS 11 is a reserve component of the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF), which operates in harbors, estuaries, and bays across the littorals and ashore.

The primary mission of the CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies, and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

The CRF is comprised of units manned, trained, and equipped to conduct port and harbor security, high-value asset security and escort, surveillance and reconnaissance, insertion and extraction of small units and command and control for supporting assigned units.

The CRF is capable of conducting 24-hour operations in all weather conditions and climates anywhere around the world.

For more news from Coastal Riverine Group 1, visit www. navy.mil/local/crg1/.

NECC Units Receive CNO Expeditionary Safety Award

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA

BEACH, Va. -Three Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) commands were selected for the 2016 Chief of Naval Operations Expeditionary Safety Award.

The Chief of Naval Operations announced the aviation, afloat, shore, expeditionary, and safety leadership awards in an April naval message. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) Eleven, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, and Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2 were selected for the annual expeditionary safety award.

“These award winners are recognized for their exceptional professionalism, commitment to excellence, solid leadership and teamwork, and in-depth risk management culture which resulted in safe and efficient operations,” said Commander, Naval Safety Center, Rear Adm. Christopher Murray in a naval message.

Coastal Riverine Squadron Two has continued to underscore the importance of safety on and off duty.

“Our Sailors will continue to train and operate across multiple locations in various and complex conditions.

Our goals will remain facilitation of safe practices, both on and off the job through education and encouragement of sound decision making at every level,” said Cmdr.

Chris Milner, commanding officer, Coastal Riverine Squadron Two. EODMU Eleven’s Sailors initiative to establishing a culture of safety year around contributed to their selection.

“EODMU Eleven’s guiding principles of readiness, unity of effort, accountability and balance is echoed in the performance of each of its Sailors,” said Cmdr. Karl Haywood, commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eleven.

For NMCB 11 involving leadership at all levels and focusing on establishing and maintaining a strong safety incentive program, encouraged lessons learned and fostered a positive culture of safety.

“The command incorporated in-depth safety planning into our aggressive homeport training plan to include multiple challenging certification exercises, in-depth safety planning and continued development of our safety culture, both on and off duty,” said Cmdr. James Brown, commanding officer, NMCB 11.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing seato-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/.

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Post Office Renamed in Honor of Fallen Seabees

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lowell Whitman

Port

Hueneme -- The Port Hueneme post office was renamed the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion “Seabees” Fallen Hero post office during a ceremony, May 31.

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, representative for California’s 26th Congressional District, local leaders, Seabees, veterans, and civilians gathered at the Port Hueneme post office for a group photo.

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, representative for California’s 26th Congressional District, local leaders, Seabees, veterans, and civilians gathered at the Port Hueneme post office for the ceremony to recognize the Naval Construction Force and memorialize Seabees who have died in service to their country with the renaming.

Representative Brownley, whose district encompasses Naval Base Ventura County, introduced H.R. 6138 renaming the post office in honor of fallen Seabees, and the bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Dec. 16, 2016.

Port Hueneme has been a home to the Seabees since two months after their founding on March 5, 1942.

“This designation serves as a reminder of the many brave men and women of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Brownley. “In their 75-year history, the Seabees have served our great nation in times of war and peace with their renowned can-do attitude, and spirit” Capt. Mike Saum, commodore, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, attended as guest speaker during the ceremony, honored the fallen, and spoke of the intimate relationship between the Seabees and the community of Ventura County.

“For 75 years we’ve trained here, worked here, lived here, raised our families here, and deployed from here,” said Saum. “The support we receive from the community is gracious, and it is overwhelming.”

Following the remarks, a plaque was unveiled to be placed at the post office and attendees departed for a reception.

2017 marks the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy Seabees, 150th Anniversary of the Civil Engineer Corps, and 175 years of Naval Facilities Engineering Command.

The Seabees were created after Adm. Ben Moreell, chief of the Navy’s Bureau of Yards and Docks, recognized the need for a militarized construction force. Following Pearl Harbor, the Navy saw the formation of Naval Construction Battalions.

With the motto “we build, we fight” the Seabees have gone on to construct thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, entire bases, and thousands of other projects around the world.

Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1 prepares Pacific Fleet Naval Construction Force units to conduct deliberate construction in support of Combatant Commanders, Numbered Fleet Commanders, Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, and other warfighter requirements.

CBMU 202 Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 changed hands during an official change of command ceremony on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, June 9.

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala- Sailors attached to Construction Battalion Maintenance (CBMU) 202, secure a tent in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, in support of Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17)

Lt. Cmdr. Micah Kiletico relieved Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth Durika during the rite of passage ceremony and discussed the importance of leadership while thanking his predecessor for the phenomenal job during her tenure at CBMU 202.

“It is an honor to be the next commanding officer of CBMU 202 and a great opportunity to be a leader in the Naval Construction Force,” said Kiletico.

and professionalism across the entire command. As a unit we accomplished some impressive goals and I am proud to have been their commanding officer.”

Durika praised her relief stating that under his leadership “CBMU 202 will have even greater success and mission readiness.”

“Lt. Cmdr. Durika has been an excellent leader while in command, and I am humbled to follow in her footsteps. I look forward to joining this team of outstanding Seabees.”

Kiletico, who is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, was previously assigned to NAVFAC Southeast Public Works Department New Orleans prior to taking the helm at CBMU 202.

Durika, who is originally from Herndon, Virginia, will be reporting aboard Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and will be assigned to the N8 department.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with the Seabees of CBMU 202 for the past two years,” said Durika.

“On a near daily basis I was inspired by the drive, dedication

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CJTF-HOA Seabees Build Structures, Bonds to Help Counter Regional VEOs

By Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond

DJIBOUTI – “Back. Front. Back.

Back. Front.”

A muddy trickle of sweat trailed down Petty Officer 3rd Class Lacy P’Pool’s face, her voice gently directing a hand-clapping game with the little boy.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Katelyn Kirkpatrick, a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE Seabee with Combined Joint Task ForceHorn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), uses a grinder to prep metal at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 25.

“Front. Back. Back. Front.” The strikingly dissimilar duo rhythmically patted each other’s hands in sync during the Seabees’ pause from laboring under the oppressive East African sun. The Djiboutian child’s smile mirrored that of his camouflageclad friend who – minutes prior – was vigorously maneuvering mounds of the Arta region’s red, silty soil.

theme of countering transnational threats. A method of accomplishing this is by engaging with partners to deter, disrupt and deny violent extremist organizations (VEOs) in the region.

By informally forging partnerships with the local population through friendly behavior, the CJTF-HOA Seabees are directly helping to deter the recruitment practices of VEOs.

P’Pool, a member of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB 1) deployed to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) here, is one of approximately ten Seabees charged with fabricating a medical clinic to serve the populous. Situated between a quaint school and a cluster of makeshift dwellings housing a cluster of families, the clinic is slated to provide maternity and newborn care.

“What we’re doing here could be looked at as antiterrorism measures in two ways,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Patrice Young, NMCB 1. “First, we are creating a structure that will help keep people healthy. A physically healthy community is going to be more capable in defending itself against acts of terror than one that is physically unable due to illness or disease.

But the CJTF-HOA Seabees are doing more than building a structure; they’re building bonds.

“When we first got to the site, the kids were throwing rocks at us; they didn’t want us here,” said P’Pool. “But that doesn’t happen now. Now, they’re much more trusting and I think they even like seeing us here.”

In the weeks following the project’s revival on May 2, the rapport between military members and local civilians has seen a dramatic shift.

P’Pool continued by explaining that this developing confidence didn’t occur overnight, but took weeks.

Daily, the Seabees arrived to the job site and toiled for hours under cautious review of those around. Eventually, the trust of the local public developed alongside the construction site itself, personifying the growing bonds between the U.S. military members and the locals.

All members of CJTF-HOA support the U.S. Africa Command

“Second, our presence and the way we conduct ourselves serves as proof of what we, as the U.S. military, stand for: we do not have to use weapons to be a force for good.”

While both the facility and friendship continue to be nurtured, the regional public seems to be embracing the budding partnerships.

“At first the kids were a little confused,” said Amin, teacher at the school near the site. “But now that they know what is going on and they see how important it is to have the Americans here.”

Amin continued by stating that he hopes his students grow to remember the positive activities of the U.S. military.

The CJTF-HOA Seabees share that sentiment.

“There’s a part of me that thinks, ‘Maybe if they’re ever approached by al-Shabaab and have to make a decision to do right or wrong, they’ll think about us here,’ “ P’Pool said. “Maybe they’ll remember that we built this clinic for them. Or they might just think about our friendship and make the choice to not participate in a [violent extremist organization].”

NECC Holds the Battle of Midway Commemoration

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGNIA

BEACH, Va. -Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held a Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony in the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic Midway Auditorium, June 5, marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s most significant naval victory.

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, during the National Anthem at NECC’s annual Battle of Midway Commemoration at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story on June 5.

Yearly, commands around the Navy commemorate the anniversary of this poignant battle, which occurred June 4-7, as an opportunity to educate follow-on generations of Sailors about the naval victory in which our Navy demonstrated its superiority and our Sailors demonstrated their fighting power throughout the battle.

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific discussed the significance of the battle citing many examples of toughness on display during the infamous battle.

“Their stories of bravery live on and serve to connect us all to the heroes of the Battle of Midway,” said Brakke, who shared the story of Capt. James Steele to the NECC audience who served on Adm. Chester Nimitz’s staff and noted in the CINCPAC War Diary at the end of the day on June 1942 – “The whole course of the Pacific War may hinge on the developments of the next two or three days.”

Brakke added that this battle fought 75 years ago remains relevant today. “The lessons from that battle are still referred to and something we should never forget.”

Many factors contributed to the decisive victory from the hard work of code breaking, to the aggressive and innovative use of the aircraft carrier, and the bravery and resolve of the Sailors who were there.

Instead of being the victims of an ambush, they had turned

the tables on the Japanese navy and had ambushed them.

The Battle of Midway permanently weakened the Japanese navy and allowed the United States to seize the initiative in the Pacific and go on the offensive.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-toshore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.