MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Detail Iwakuni will return to their home port, Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Calif., this month.
While deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, the detail was tasked to complete five construction projects. These projects included construction of a communications security wall, six barracks entrance canopies, 12 sidewalk ramps, installation of an airfield transformer and removal of four existing airfield transformers. The detail was comprised of 26 Seabees deployed to Iwakuni for a period of six months.
"The Seabees of NMCB-5 have maintained a constant presence on the base and have enjoyed working with the many Station activities and departments," said Navy Lt. Kenneth Culbreath, NMCB-5 Detail Iwakuni officer in charge. "Detail Iwakuni managed a rigorous work schedule, starting most days no later than (6 a.m.) and often working late beyond evening colors."
According to Culbreath, the Seabees have demonstrated a "can do" spirit throughout their deployment.
"The Seabees of NMCB-5 leaving MCAS Iwakuni should know that they have lived up to their battalion's moniker, 'The Professionals,'" Culbreath said. "Their hard work and sweat resulted in the Station saving $460,000 in labor costs. Had it not been for the cooperation and support received from Col. Dave Darrah and his staff, Cmdr. Dave Sasek, and the entire Facilities division, the Seabees would not have had such a successful deployment."
Culbreath said there were several logistical, material, and transportation challenges the detail overcame by maintaining communications and sharing the common goal of mission accomplishment.
"The relationships established over the past six months will benefit both Seabees and Marines who may likely work together again in their military careers," said Culbreath.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 has turned over the Iwakuni Detail site to NMCB-133, the "Runnin' Roo."
While deployed to Iwakuni, NMCB-133 from Gulfport, Miss. will be tasked with six projects. These include construction of four barracks entrance canopies, one steel canopy, two picnic pavilions, a post office loading dock enclosure and sidewalk ramps.