NMCB 3 Departs Camp Dwyer, Closes Chapter in Seabee History

By Lt. James R. Galloway, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 turned over construction operations in Camp Dwyer to the U.S. Air Force Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operational Squadron (RED HORSE) Jan. 15 and redeployed elsewhere throughout Afghanistan.

In May 2009, NMCB 5 expanded a Forward Operating Base into Camp Dwyer.

Since the creation of Camp Dwyer, there has been a NMCB at the camp to support the base with construction and engineering services. The turnover to RED HORSE marked the end of nearly two years of Seabee presence in Dwyer.

NMCB 3 arrived in November 2010 and made significant improvements to Camp Dwyer. Some of the improvements included the construction of two Southwest Asia (SWA) Huts, a new entry control point (ECP), munitions storage facility, weapons ranges and an expansion of the camp's overall perimeter.

The largest project constructed by the NMCB 3 Camp Dwyer team was a 32 foot by 124 foot SWA Hut, which will be utilized by the Marine Regimental Combat Team (MRCT) 1 for their operations in Southern Afghanistan.

"This project has been great," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Stacy Williams, a crew member for the project. "I have learned a lot about construction and have been able to see how the Seabees support the Marines and the impact that the Seabees have on their mission."

Another complex and challenging project was the construction of the new ECP for the camp. The ECP was the highest priority item for the Seabees. This project consisted of five independent structures. The ultimate impact was improved security for the camp's residents and increased operational efficiency for MRCT 1.

"The amount of determination and motivation these guys had was incredible," said Steelworker 1st Class (SCW) Dustin Sams, the project supervisor. "They consistently met their daily goals because they understood how important the project was, and its impact on the mission at Camp Dwyer."

In addition to the large jobs, the NMCB 3 team improved the quality of life for the Marines of Camp Dwyer through a variety of projects. These projects included constructing new shelves, book cases, pews for the local chapel, installation of new doors for supported commands and the design and construction of a camp fire pit.

"It was very rewarding to be able produce a something that people need and appreciate," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Tiffany Stewart.

Camp life for the Seabees was not strictly centered on construction. In addition to all of the work, troops worked on their Seabee combat warfare specialist (SCWS) qualification, maintained and improved their physical fitness through training and team sports and progressed with their personal goals such as education.

"I appreciated the simplicity of being able to work hard each day and then relax in the evening with a game of volleyball or studying SCWS," said Builder Constructionman Apprentice Zachary Minniear.

As the Seabees of NMCB 3 leave Camp Dywer to take on other missions in Afghanistan, they can be proud of the impact that their hard work has had.

"The Seabees have provided a great service to the Marines aboard Camp Dwyer. They can be counted on to provide the highest quality construction support with timely results. They have performed in the true spirit of the Navy/Marine Corps team and will be missed," said Maj. Scott Gardiner, Camp Dwyer mayor.

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/.