Commanding Officer

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Executive Officer 4 CONSTRUCTION
Command Master Chief 5 BILE BA
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Alfa Company 8

FOUR
Charlie Company 12
Headquarters Company 13
Convoy Security Element 15
Det. Khilaguy 16
Det. Konduz 17
Volume 10, Issue 4, May 2010

Det. Marmal 18
Det. Meymaneh 19 U.S T
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Contents

Det. Sharana 21
Det. Spann 23
Det. Water Well 24 Commanding Officer
CDR Dean VanderLey, CEC

Executive Officer
LCDR Kent Hendricks, CEC

Front Cover:
Command Master Chief
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan (April CMDCM(SCW) Charles Thomas
23, 2010) BU2(SCW) Brett Hartman
guides a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in Public Affairs Officer
for a landing at the helo landing zone of
MC1(SW/AW) Russell Stewart
FOB Deh Dadi. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1
Russell Stewart)
“Focus on FOUR” is U.S. Naval Mobile
Construction Battalion FOUR’s official
familygram, printed with appropriated
funds in accordance with NPPRP-35.
Opinions expressed are not necessarily
Back Cover: those of the Department of Defense,
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan (May 31, the Department of the Navy or the
2010) CM1 David English and CM2 Jason
Commanding Officer of NMCB FOUR.
Williams raise the first flag flown on FOB
Deh Dadi in remembrance of Memorial Comments and correspondence are
Day. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russell encouraged and may be addressed to:
Stewart) NMCB FOUR PAO
You may also visit us on the web at: Unit 25284
www.facebook.com/nmcb4 FPO AP 96601-4941
Page 2
 Greetings Friends and Families of FOUR,

We have now been deployed for over four

Commanding Officer
months, and it is amazing to witness the work
your Seabee loved ones have completed already.
We have built a 200-acre Forward Operating Base
out of nothing and expanded numerous other
Forward Operating Bases across Afghanistan.
The work is hard but very rewarding, and the
Seabees are making history and building a great
reputation all across Afghanistan.

Mainbody and most of our Details celebrated

our Over-the-Hump parties over the last couple
weeks. The FRG also had a very successful
celebration of the half-way point of deployment.
The Seabees had a great time and a chance to catch
our breath and prepare for the home stretch.

CDR Dean Vanderley

U.S. Navy photo
We recently had to say goodbye to Command
Master Chief Leedom who is transferring to Amphibious Construction Battalion One
in San Diego. Master Chief Leedom has been a truly great Command Master Chief
and played a huge role in our successes over the last 2 years. The best interests of the
troops were always his primary concern, and he has been selfless in his devotion to
our Seabees. For me personally, he was a tremendous advisor and confidante who
helped guide me in the right direction when difficult situations came up. He was as
good a Command Master Chief as a Seabee Battalion could ever hope to have, and
we will miss him.

Finally, for those who have not already found it, NMCB FOUR is on Facebook.
There are many pictures of your Seabees posted and I encourage everyone to log on
and take a tour. The link is: “http://www.facebook.com/nmcb4”

I am very proud of all the great work NMCB FOUR is doing. It is always hard to
describe in words, so the pictures on Facebook do a great job of telling our story.

Thanks for all of your support on the Homefront. We couldn’t do it without you.

God Bless,
CDR Dean VanderLey
Commanding Officer, NMCB FOUR

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

Page 3
 Friends and families of FOUR,

Greetings from northern Afghanistan! We

have officially passed the the halfway point of
deployment, holding over-the-hump parties
at mainbody and all det sites. The homeport
Executive Officer
planning has begun in earnest as we continue to
focus on completing our current mission at hand
while also looking forward to days soon to come
back in California.

The outpouring of support through gifts, letters,

calls, emails and countless other avenues of
showing support have truly touched our hearts.
Thanks to all those who have been a part these
LCDR Kent Hendricks

encouraging actions. It is always a difficult time

to be away from family, but it also reminds us of U.S. Navy photo

all the things back home we have to be thankful

for. Thanks for your support. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Congratulations to our latest Seabee Combat Warfare qualified Seabees. These hard
chargers have been working diligently to get these done prior to coming home. It’s
not an easy thing to accomplish and they should be justifiably proud of their efforts.
Bravo Zulu on this important career milestone to the following Seabees:

EO3 Fredrick Thompson IT2 Janjay Mendoza ET3 James Jones

BU2 Robert Gurin UT2 Jordan Gulvas BU3 Enrique Argote
BU3 Gafayat Akindele EO3 Aaron Gillfranklin LS3 Patrick Joynt
SWCN Augusta Griffiths LS2 Jacob Isbell HM3 Timothy Parks
SHSN Rashaad Younger EO3 Joseph Gibson UT2 Juan Selvera
BU2 Donnette Morrison ISC Bryan Stanley ENS Kyle Strausbaugh
ENS Kristina Allen LT Jeremy Patelzik LT Yogi Patel
LSC Henry Pacete CS3 Daniel Lujan BU3 Alexander Taylor
CE2 Darwin Garza UT3 Jacob Drevecky UTCA Eric Aiello
LSSN Timothy Wells SWCA Derek Shue

Thanks for all you do; your support, sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance is crucial
to our continued success! Thanks for the support from everyone back home! God
bless you.

LCDR Kent Hendricks

NMCB FOUR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Page 4
 As you all know after a few years all Seabees

Command Master Chief

must transfer to a new command. That time
has come for NMCB FOUR’S Command Master
Chief, CMDCM(SCW) Austin Leedom. CMDCM
Leedom has served this Battalion for the last
two years delivering nothing short of the best in
leadership and professionalism. His mentorship
touched every Seabee here in some form or
another, whether it was the fatherly advice or the
sage career guidance he has been known for. He
was a major player in the development of some of

CMDCM(SCW) Charles Thomas

the finest Seabees ever assigned to NMCB FOUR
both officer and enlisted. We all wish him success
as he moves to San Diego and takes the reins
as the Command Master Chief of Amphibious
U.S. Navy photo
Construction Battalion ONE. Master Chief, I
thank you and the Chief’s Mess of NMCB FOUR
thank you for “living the CPO creed” each and every day! You trained this Chief’s
Mess to be self reliant, independent thinkers that are leading from the front. The
success of this deployment is a direct reflection of your unwavering desire to be
the best and lead the best to accomplish more than they thought possible.

“Fair winds and following seas”

 
I’m Command Master Chief Charles “Buck” Thomas. I am a 26-year veteran of
the Seabees and a product, of now, my fifth Battalion tour. You may have already
met my wife Cyndee and three children, Josh 16, Ally 13, and Katey who is 11, at
the many homeport functions. They too are very excited about being part of the
NMCB FOUR family. In May of 2010 I accepted the honor of being the Command
Master Chief of NMCB FOUR. I say honor because it is truly a privilege to return
to NMCB FOUR for a second tour.
One thing about a sea story is you never know if it’s true. I heard many sea
stories about NMCB FOUR and their exploits while in Afghanistan. I can now
attest that all the stories were true! The planning and construction of the largest
Seabee camp since WWII. A 300-acre facility called FOB Deh Dadi, built by the
hands of your many Seabees from a goat pasture to a fully functioning camp.
A truly remarkable effort that made all of us proud!
We are now over the hump and thinking of home. Not all focus is lost as we still
have a lot of work ahead of us. The days are growing hotter and we are looking for
the day when we return to Port Hueneme to reunite with our families and enjoy
the milder temperatures.
Seabees of NMCB FOUR, “Keep living the dream” and let’s continue knocking
this deployment out of the park!

Page 5
 Greetings Friends and Families of FOUR!

We have had a very busy month and have

been very fortunate in our receiving many care
packages.
One organization that sent hundreds of
packages was the “www.forthetroops.org”. We
have also received many wonderful surprises in
Chaplain’s Corner
these care packages. You can tell that with each
box--care and well wishes were packed inside.
Many swaps took place once the packages were
opened. It was very neat to see and hear the “does
anyone have this…or would anyone like this or I’ll
give you this for that.” On occasion I even threw
out the packages, which made them laugh, it gave
them a fun moment without thinking about where
they were, but it also reminded them of you, the
families at home.
So thanks very much Simi Valley For the
Troops, we are most grateful. Some of the other
U.S. Navy photo
LT Catherine Pace

wonderful packages and items have come from

you, the friends and families of FOUR. As seen by this fine Seabee, who is shopping
for a much needed item.
The Bee Free store is functioning very well and we are grateful for the Family
Readiness Group poster that hangs in the background too! From all the Seabees in
these pictures, you can see that we take time to remember you while we work long
hours. Thanks for continuing to remember us all in your
prayers and we look forward to hugging you when we
get back.
Blessings to all!

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

Page 6 U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart
 By BU2 Donald Kenneally

Sailor in the Spotlight

A year and a half ago Builder Constructionman Apprentice Ryan Gillings was
your average high school student at Oshkosh North High School in Wisconsin. In
school he attended such classes as Auto shop, Drafting and Woodshop in addition to
his regular classes. Little did he know that these classes would prepare him well for
his future with the Navy Seabees.
“At first I didn’t want to join the Navy. I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps
and be a Marine, but I checked out the Navy anyway. After I saw what they had to
offer and given my background in high school I made the Navy my choice,” said
Gillings. On July 7, 2009 Constructionman Gillings departed for boot camp and
entered into the Navy. Like most new recruits there was a period of adjustment, but
in no time he was in the swing of things and on his way to being a Navy Seabee.
After completing Boot Camp and Builder “A” School, Constructionman Gillings
took leave to visit friends and family back home; he then reported to NMCB FOUR
in Port Hueneme, CA. Once he was checked in and issued all his gear he was sent to
Camp Mike Spann in Northern Afghanistan to catch up with the Battalion. Gillings

BUCA Ryan Gillings

said that when he arrived in Camp Spann he knew it was exactly where he belonged.
“All my training had led me to this point, expanding a forward operating base for
more American troops; to come here and participate in the troop surge.”
About three weeks later he was
selected to go back to Spann to be a

U.S. Navy photo by LTJG Eric Truemper

crewmember for the construction of a
two-story Tactical Operations Center
for the 1st Brigade 10th Mountain. He
has been living the builder dream, doing
everything, placing over 65 cubic meters
of concrete, laying out and installing
of over 5,000 square feet of walls and
180 trusses. Gillings also assisted with
building a tent floor for the Croatian
Army that are deployed here on a BUCA Ryan Gillings takes measurements to
combined operation with the Minnesota install ceiling sheeting for a Tactical Operation
National Guard. Center (TOC) in northern Afghanistan.
As we hit the half way mark of
the 2010 Afghanistan deployment,
the leadership is starting to plan the
U.S. Navy photo by LTJG Eric Truemper

homeport class schedules and daily

plans. “Constructionman Gillings is off
to a superb start in his Navy career. With a
few classes this homeport, he will be able
to build upon the technical knowledge
he gained from this deployment, and be
a tremendous asset to the Battalion as
we plan for our next on deployment in
2011,” said Builder Chief Kevin Nolan
the Det Spann Assistant Officer In BUCA Ryan Gillings uses a magnesium float to
Charge. finish a concrete pad.

Page 7
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FOUR As I sit here in Afghanistan thinking

U.S about what I have done and seen over

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

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CI F I C F L E E
my 26-year career, I find myself standing
back in awe with what I am seeing
today. Watching all the Alfa Dawgs
mature, gain professional knowledge,
and work together to complete even
the most difficult tasks on a daily basis
Afghanistan

is just amazing. This is the first time in

my career that I have seen a project in
this magnitude. The tasking that we
CMCS Loegering giving his parting remarks to the have been given here in Afghanistan is a
Seabee’s of NMCB FOUR.
dream come true for us.
We have taken an open field and have turned it into
a Forward Operating Base for all coalition forces. We
actually put some of the things that we learned during
Alfa Company

our Field Training Exercise (FTX) into action. We had

to put up a defensive wall, (in this case dirt berms)
and HESCO barriers in order to protect us from direct
fire, set security and continue with the construction
inside the perimeter. When we first moved in it was
just NMCB FOUR. Now we have a few other forces
moving in and helping where they can. I remember
when I came in. We did not have all this equipment
to work with. We had less but were still expected to

U.S. Army photo

provide results.
Today’s Alfa Company is no different than when
I came in. The reasons for joining the military might
be a little different but the type of people that come in FOB Deh Dadi from the air.
hasn’t changed over the years. Everyone wants to come
in, do their job and hopefully do something that will be remembered. This 300-acre
lot that we are currently working will more than likely be remembered for years to
come. Not just with the coalition forces but also with the local population. This base
will remind them that the world stood up to terrorism and this location was used
to help in the efforts. Without the talents of both the older and younger generations
working together, this would not have happened. When we first started there was
just an open-grassy field and with the use of bull dozers, scrapers and excavators,
this base has quickly turned into an area that people can live on. The Equipment
Operator’s (EO) are quickly becoming seasoned professionals while the Construction
Mechanic’s (CM) are keeping up stride-for-stride ensuring that the equipment stays
up and operational everyday. All of these Seabees have learned something. If you
were to compare the first day they hit the ground until now, you would see a huge
difference. They have all taken this challenge by the horns and are proving themselves
everyday of the week. Again, without teamwork within our company, we would not
be successful at what we do. There is not one individual amongst us.
Page 8 (Alfa. continued on page 9)
(Alfa from page 8)
s
I asked CMCN Astin how things were

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going for her. She said that she is really Fa
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U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

enjoying what she is doing. She never

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this type of work. Plus, she can now hold
a good conversation with her father, also a
mechanic, about automotive repair. Even
CM3 Null said he loves the Navy and
the Seabees, especially now that he is on
the water well team. He also stated that

Afghanistan
the most difficult part of the deployment
is leaving family behind while we are EO3(SCW) Aaron Gillfranklin, CM3(SCW)
deployed around the world. I must Jeremy Null, EO1(SCW) Jose Faypon add a new
agree, that has always been and probably section of drill steel at the new water well site.
will remain the most difficult part of the
deployment for our Seabees.
Our Seabees have not changed much
over the years but our Civil Engineer

Alfa Company
Support Equipment (CESE) has. With

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

today’s challenges and weapon’s, our
CESE has been beefed up to handle even
this rough environment. Yes, today’s
CESE are saving our Seabee’s lives. We
have come a long way over the years to
make sure our Seabee’s have what they
need to take care of business and come
back home to their families safely. There
is no better feeling than watching your EOCN Nicholas Byram knocks down an old
Seabees come off the plane from a long berm using his Caterpillar D7G Bulldozer in the
deployment into the arms of their family western expansion area of FOB Deh Dadi.
and friends. That’s when you know you
have done your part.
Finally, I want to thank everyone in Alfa Company and NMCB FOUR to allow me
to end my career on a high note. This is truly the best group of people that I had the
pleasure of working with. Remember, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you
are doing, you will always be an Alfa Dawg. We run as a pack, like a family, and
always take care of each other. We finish assigned tasks that are placed in front of us
with amazing results as a team. I may not physically be with you in the future, but I
will always be there in spirit. HOORAH ALFA DAWGS!!
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Stewart

The “Ever-Expanding” Alfa yard at FOB Deh Dadi. Page 9

 NMCB FOUR Goes Over The Hump
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FOUR Four months after the Advance Party left the safety and comfort of American soil,
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T FOUR’s main body group celebrates their deployment’s half-way point at FOB Deh
Dadi.
On May 7th, FOUR took the day off to play horseshoes
and football and enjoy some picnic food. This year’s
“Over the Hump” Party was put together by the First
Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA). FCPOA
Afghanistan

President, Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW/

EXW/SW/AW/SCI) Jeremy Cabanilla, known to

U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

his junior troops as “The Thrilla”, commented on the
successful event, “The thing that stands out [in my mind
is] the fact that people always talk about how miserable
deployment can be sometimes, all the hard work, all the
blood they poured into this Command and they don’t
feel appreciated. Yet they’re still willing to come to the
Alfa Company

“Over the Hump” Party and play for a change. The

First Classes want them to know that this day was for
them. Historically, OTH is saying the hard part is over.
EA3 Holman Li and YNSN
It’s time to start counting down. The gym starts getting Santiago Robles read a clue for the
crowded because [the troops] want to start looking scavenger hunt
good and getting in shape for when they go home.”
There was also a scavenger hunt in addition to the sports and food. Many of the
Bees in FOUR offered their thoughts on the event as a whole. “It was an opportunity
for the guys to take their minds off the current mission and just enjoy themselves,”
said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class (SCW) Jared Stewart. “It was great to blow
off some steam on the volleyball court with the guys,” said Construction Mechanic
3rd Class (SCW) Frank Skupny. “It was a nice relief
to have a full day off. I played horseshoes for the first
time,” said Construction Mechanic Constructionman
Dylan “Sushi” Cockrell.
Burgers and steaks kept hungry Seabees full and
there were plenty of beverages to wash it all down,
including Becks Non-Alcoholic brew, which drew the
U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

only criticism of the day. “The near beer wasn’t as

good as I hoped. I would have rather had a Corona,”
said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Brian Warlick.
The mainbody Bees had not taken a full day off since
early March and many of the troops expressed relief
for the break that came. “I was so excited about the
“Over the Hump” Party that it made me want to jump
for joy” said Construction Mechanic 2nd Class (SCW)
CMCN Kyle Roman enjoys some Aaron Backlin.
good food
(OTH. continued on page 11)
Page 10
(OTH. from page 10)
When asked if morale had changed after the OTH, “The Thrilla” said, “[From what I s

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leavin’ and they don’t wanna do a half-hearted turnover for the next Battalion. They

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know it’s downhill from here”.

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With full stomachs and batteries recharged, FOUR plunges into the second half of
their high desert deployment. Looking forward to reunions with their loved ones, FOUR
looks to have even more success in the second half of deployment than they did in the
first.

U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

Afghanistan
U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

Alfa Company
EO3 Jimmy Snaric punting a football

U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

HM3 Timothy Parks and his iron
wits playing horseshoes.

BU1 Patrick Posey and BU1 Bruce Spradlin

grilling.
U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

U.S. Navy photo by CMCN Timothy Ryan

ENS Kyle Strausbaugh delivers a

wicked serve. A crowd admires a pick-up football game.
Page 11
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MWR Computer Center
By UT2 Juan Selvera

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U.S. Navy photo by UT2 Juan Selvera

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FOUR Charlie Company Seabees worked

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Welfare and Recreation) center at FOB
Deh Dadi. They had little time to spare,
since the notice to provide power, lights
and connect all cabling came earlier than
SWCN Drew Pollard and BU3 Maira Zaragoza
expected. The job was not impossible it
Afghanistan

building the internet kiosks.

just required the complete dedication of
Camp Maintenance to fulfill the task. The

U.S. Navy photo by UT2 Juan Selvera

job was completed by the next morning
just in time for the contracted personnel
to arrive and install all the computers
Charlie Company

and phones. The MWR has been an

outstanding morale booster for all of our
young warriors. While some members of
this Battalion have only been on-board for
a month, most have been in Afghanistan CE1 Rodney Stephenson preparing the internet
for several months and have lived without kiosks.

recreation activities and limited internet

and phone capabilities.

U.S. Navy photo by UT2 Juan Selvera

The MWR Computer Center
opened for business MAY 1st. With the
new addition to the camp, members are
able to reach out to their families and
loved ones informing them that they are
doing well. Army and Air Force personnel
are also welcomed to enjoy the facilities.
CE2 David Dooley running wires for the internet
Some members of NMCB FOUR were kiosks.
very excited about the opening, BUCN
Labrier “I am happy that we are able to
U.S. Navy photo by UT2 Juan Selvera

use these computers now because I am

able to do web chatting and visit my
favorite web sites like Facebook and
Yahoo! Mail.” Along with computers and
phones, members can play ping pong,
lounge on leather couches, use card tables,
televisions, and gaming consoles.
The completed MWR computer and phone
Page 12 facility.
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Outstanding! Exceptional! Incomparable! What sounds like an ad for opening lo
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night of a major motion picture is actually a list of key words used when discussing

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the efficiency of NMCB FOUR’s Material Liaison Office (MLO). Under the direct

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supervision of ENS Kristina Allen and BUC John Steen, the MLO crew has been
working far beyond their normal boundaries of the possession, inventory, and issuance
of all materials used for homeport training and Field Training Exercise projects.
When the original MLO team arrived
at FOB Deh Dadi, they were amazed at

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

the size of the empty yard given to them

Afghanistan
to manage. They have since transformed
into a well-rounded, self-sufficient force
that is currently operating on about 1/3
of the engineering camp’s perimeter with

Headquarters Company
very little room to spare. Although the
primary tasking of creating an MLO Yard
from the ground up while continuing
SWCN Andree Urroz removes HESCO barriers to maintain operations was successful,
from a shipping container in the MLO Yard in this was simply a stepping stone in what
his 10K Tele-handler Forklift.

has transpired into one of the most

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

impressive operations this deployment
has seen .
Working in support of eight forward
operating bases with 32 projects, to
include tactical operation centers, fuel
points, and concrete pads, BU3 Ian
Wilkinson and BU3 Nicholas Leetch
are constantly coordinating with the
Army’s Movement Control Team
CMCN Sloan Stoltz drives a John Deere Skid
to track the movement of the $120 Loader out of a cargo container under the guidance
thousand worth of materials that are in of BU3 Ian Wilkenson at FOB Deh Dadi.
transit on a daily basis.
Accounting for the movement and
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

staging of about $16-$18 million worth

of materials (eight times the amount of
that accounted for in homeport), Yard
Boss CE2 Patrick Cleary proudly gives
all the credit to his crew. “All of our
personnel are pretty self-sufficient,” he
explains, “They’re like a machine, all I
do is keep them well-oiled so they can
keep moving.” BU3 Max Connely operates a Rugged Terrain
Container Handler to move a cargo container in
the MLO yard at FOB Deh Dadi.
(MLO. continued on page 14) Page 13
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Beardsley recently formed a night crew

FOUR

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

in order to maintain 24 hour operations
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T to keep up with the demanding
responsibilities of the crew.
The evening shift’s primary duties
are to handle the uploading and
preparation of military and local trucks
for the following day’s convoys, as
Afghanistan

well as creating and maintaining yard

organization. The basic daily routine BU3 Ian Wilkenson uses a SkyTrak 11k Boom
Forklift to remove cargo from a container at FOB
consists of convoying to Camp Spann, Deh Dadi.
escorting three trucks at a time through
Headquarters Company

the Entry Control Point to the MLO Yard, downloading, verifying, and offloading
materials, and escorting the trucks off camp. Averaging about nine trucks per day,
that is only a quick glimpse at the crew’s tasks.
One of the major obstacles for the crew has been adapting to the differences
between typical MLO tasks and NMCB FOUR’s MLO tasks. One of the most notable
differences is that NMCB FOUR’s crew is running their own security team, as well as
convoy and escort services, which are normally handled by the Battalion’s Convoy
Security Element (CSE). “Normally, MLO will remain on base and send out expeditors
if necessary,” explains Wilkinson, “but we cannot rely on CSE to make these runs
because their tasks are just as demanding as ours.” Standard regulations require MLO
to have a minimum of six personnel on their escort team, causing them to adjust their
extensive schedule to accommodate the training and licensing processes for drivers
Wilkinson and SWCN Andree Urroz, Assistant Drivers CM3 Sloan Stoltz and UT3
Eric Woolford, and Gunners Beardsley and BU3 Max Connelly. HM3 Timothy Parks,
ITSN Juan Trujillo, and YNSN Derrick Long, who typically serve the administrative
tasks of the Battalion, have also displayed their dedication to the Command’s mission
by acting as yard workers and quickly adapting to the high-tempo operations and
demanding work load.
“I truly appreciate everything these guys do; they are phenomenal,” boasts Chief
Steen of his crew, “Whether they are permanent MLO staffing or on two-month
assignment, we have so many personnel working outside of their rates; we find their
strong point and we utilize it. They’re all amazing.” While continuing with their daily
routine, MLO is currently awaiting a large influx of electrical material that they will
have to sort, ration, and distribute to each project site. Once this critical task is complete,
they will then turn their focus on a smooth turn-over with NMCB FORTY.

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Russ Stewart

Page 14 The massive MLO yard.
By BU3Sherry Clark
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week during one of their routine convoys. All the donations were given to CSE by LT Fa

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Catherine Pace, the NMCB FOUR Chaplain. “All the toys and gifts were sent from

u
o
the good people back home, and various churches. It’s my pleasure to pass it on to the

f
local people who might need them,” commented Pace.

BUC(SCW/SW) Allen Johnson, the convoy commander, placed his MRAP truck
in the back of the convoy on the way to Marmal, and when passing through the
village Deh Dadi, stopped and passed out toys, gloves, beach balls, socks, and stuffed
animals to the local people.

Afghanistan
Johnson started to pass out gifts to
the locals, but the masses came from
U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Sherry Clark

Convoy Security Element

everywhere surrounding him from all
directions. “I looked over and couldn’t
even see Chief, he was surrounded
by dozens of kids,” said BU1( SCW)
Adalberto Corona, who was maintaining
security and slowing traffic to protect
the crowd of kids.

It was little difficult to hand out toys

to so many people on the ground, so Chief Johnson got back in the truck and opened
the little safety hatch and began tossing toys from the top of the truck. Elders and
parents came over got some toys for their kids and speaking in English, thanked the
Seabees for their gifts.

Across the street a couple of Afghan women watched as the kids received gifts.
BU1 Corona had some nice gloves and cautiously headed over to offer them. It’s not
customary for Afghan women to interact with men especially American men. The
women began to walk away as Corona came toward them. “I stopped walking to
them because I could tell they were uncomfortable with my approach. So I stopped
and held out my hands and offered the gloves. They came over and took them but
grabbed them and quickly walked away.”

As the truck pulled away the people

smiled and waved, and kids ran along
the side giving thumbs up and waving
U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Sherry Clark

holding their new toys close in hand.

“It made me feel good, helping out the
people,” said Corona, “I hope we get
a chance to do it again”. CSE Team
ANACONDA continues to run missions
around the area of Mazar-e-Sharif, and is
persistent in their efforts to win the hearts
and minds of the people.

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 The Joy of A Good Meal
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By: CE2 (SCW) Neal Walker
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U.S. NAV

FOUR On a cool summer night, a mix of German Pioneers and Seabees joined together
U.S
. PA
CI F I C F L E E
T in the dining tent to enjoy a dinner hosted by the Germans. Around the tent, loud
laughter, sea stories and language lessons being taught could be heard. Soon after,
their leading enlisted Pioneer Master Sergeant Ruger stood and gave a brief speech
on why hosting the Americans for a dinner was important to them. “I hope tonight
we can all enjoy this food, build friendships, and a working relationship to help one
another. So that we may achieve our goals quickly and become successful towards
Afghanistan

our shared mission”. He also joked that he hoped his English was good enough for
the Americans to understand what he was saying.
As time passed and joint operations continued. Little did the two groups know
that a giant storm was headed their way. The clouds came in, bringing thunder,
lightning and a torrential downpour of hail; causing heavy flooding to both American
and German areas of the new compound. The next
morning the two units walked around to assess the
damage. The trenches that had been dug for drainage
Det Khilaguy

had collapsed, causing backups in water runoff. DET

Khilaguy came to the aid and immediately helped
coordinate methods on how to properly construct
U.S. Navy photo by ENS Christian Martinez

culverts and ditches to prevent the erosion from

happening again. Utilizing the Seabee expertise and
German ingenuity, the problem was resolved.
With all the work that has been ongoing, the two
groups were able to perform exactly what the German
Master Sergeant had hoped for. Friendships did in
fact result, working together, helping complete each
other’s tasking days ahead of schedule. It truly is
amazing what can be achieved through the power of
CM2 Steven Hornback works on top a good dinner.
of the HESCO’s in preparation for
the concrete cap.
U.S. Navy photo by ENS Christian Martinez

U.S. Navy photo by ENS Christian Martinez

EO3 Scott Canaan continues with night EO2 Arcello Venzon continues to operate the
operations by filling the HESCO perimeter with Grader over the muddy conditions.
the Front End Loader.
Page 16
 “Over the Hump” s

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by CE2 Trayvosier Roddy lo
bu
Fa

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NMCB FOUR’s Det Konduz held an

o
f
“Over the hump” party on May 8, 2010,

U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Amber Mann

commemorating passing the mid-way
mark through deployment. A much
deserved day off for the hardworking

Afghanistan
Seabees of NMCB FOUR, Steelworker
Second Class (SCW) Joshua Nenortas
said “Its days like this that brings us
together a unit.” CM2(SCW) Sean Kelly and SW2(SCW) Josh
Nenortas prepare to perform maintenance on
The day “kicked off” with a morning
construction equipment.
game of flag football. Given the limited
available space on the Forward Operating Base (FOB), with cooperation of the Army

Det Konduz
and Seabee ingenuity, the game was held in a vehicle parking area on gravel. The
details two squads were matched up against each other in an extremely competitive
game where the first squad narrowly pulled out a 11 to 9 victory over the second
squad. Builder Third Class Amber Mann was voted the game’s MVP. “Who says a
girl can’t play football,” said BU3 Mann.
U.S. Navy photo by BU2 Lindsay Barnes

U.S. Navy photo by BU2 Lindsay Barnes

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR play a game of flag football during an “over
the hump” party celebrating the half-way through deployment mark.

The remainder of the day was spent relaxing, playing cards, watching movies, and
celebrating a much deserved day off. It was a fun-filled day on FOB Konduz, full of
excitement, competition and laughter.

Page 17
 CON
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ILE BA
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The Seabees of NMCB FOUR, DET

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U.S. NAV

FOUR
Marmal, Afghanistan, had the privilege

U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Nathan Britton

U.S
to tour the German Air Force’s Tornado
. PA T
CI F I C F L E E
Squadron on April 27, 2010. Guiding the
Seabees through the maintenance hangar
of the Tornado’s is First Lieutenant
(1st LT) Braur of the German Air Force
(Luftwaffe). The Tornado is a multi-role
Afghanistan

jet fighter designed in the 1960’s for low

altitude, high speed combat. Capable
1ST Lieutenant Braur of the German Air Force of in-flight refuel, usually by American
gives a tour of the German Tornado Squadron
stationed on Camp Marmal to a group of Seabees fuel planes, however, when the need
of Det Marmal, NMCB 4. arises the Tornado’s have the capability
of refueling each other.
1st LT Braur went on to explain the
operational mission of the Tornado’s
Det Marmal

U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Nathan Britton part of International Security Assistance
Forces (ISAF): the purpose of the use of
flares and how, when and why they use
them. 1st LT Braur took everyone up to
the cockpit, and described the ejection
procedures of the pilot, navigator and
weapons officer. Upon each ejection, the
ejected pilot loses 3cm of their height,
Seabees of NMCB 4, DET Marmal, listen in after which medical will stretch the pilot
as 1st Lieutenant Braur of the German Air
Force explains the operational capabilities and back 2cm, but they will forever lose that
restrictions of the German Tornado. other centimeter.
Among the Seabees attending the
tour were Construction Electrician
Constructionman Kreshaune
U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Nathan Britton

Cervantes and Equipment Operator

Constructionman Melissa Cotham.
Cotham said “I loved the tour, my only
regret is that I wasn’t able to go for a ride!”
Cervantes described the experience to
learn about the jets and interact with the
Germans as exciting and enlightening.
“We see the Tornado’s fly every day,
EOCN Melissa Cotham looks on as 1ST Lieutenant it was a rare experience to see them up
Braur of the German Air Force explains the eject close,” said Cervantes.
function of the German Tornado.
Page 18
 The Flood in FOB
Meymaneh s

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By CE3(SCW) Rostislav Fridhaim b
Fa

U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

r
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On April 19th 2010, a flood occurred

f
at FOB Meymanah, Camp “Griffin”.
The levy which held back the irrigation
water in the farming field adjacent to the
base’s perimeter broke and flooded the
northeast section of the base. The HESCO

Afghanistan
barrier, a perimeter wall at the time,
threatened to collapse in the flooded
section, and the dirt road that runs along Flooded areas of the camp.
the HESCO barrier, had turned into a
river.

The NMCB FOUR Seabees crew that

Det Meymaneh
U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham
is currently manning the FOB, equipped
with shovels, a grader and a front-end
loader, rushed to the scene in an attempt
to contain the flood, and to divert the
current of water away from the perimeter
wall. All hands worked together as a
team, united by the unexpected peril,
to combat against the raging waters

U.S. Navy photo by BU3 Nathan Britton

and save their perimeter wall. In the
process, the grader became trapped in Attempting to free a sunken grader.
the mud and immobilized. It was later
recovered with the skillful use of a front-
end loader.

After approximately an hour of work,

U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

the flow of water was successfully diverted

and the flood had ceased. All the water
which had run into camp, approximately
7,000 gallons, accumulated in and around
the drainage well. Utilizing pales and
trash cans it took a team of Seabees four
days to remove all remnants of the flood.
Once again the NMCB FOUR Seabees
of DET Meymaneh have successfully
EO2 Chance Keiter working atop of the dirt pile
accomplished the mission with their clearing ground for new perimeter wall
eternal “Can Do” spirit.
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 OB
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Improving the Quality of Life

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By CE3(SCW) Rostislav Fridhaim

AL
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FOUR The Seabees of NMCB FOUR DET

U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

U.S
. PA T
Meymaneh, in addition to their main
CI F I C F L E E
mission of the Forward Operating Base
(FOB) expansion, are also developing a
series of side projects aimed at improving
the overall morale of the DET’s troops.
Projects include a small break area
known as “Seabee Alley”, conveniently
Afghanistan

located between the two berthing tents

where the troops gather after work to
spend time together and to discuss the
events of another successful work day; Det Meymaneh and visitors enjoying the “Over
an internet connection that runs to both the Hump” BBQ.
berthing tents, and soon to come AFN TV
via satellite. In addition, individual troops have built various furniture pieces such
as chairs, a card table and various types of organizers and rodent proof containers to
Det Meymaneh

enhance their quality of life.

The execution of those improvements
U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

is conducted under the guidance and

supervision of BU1(SCW/SW) Selvera.
In addition, BU1 Selvera is training
different troops in the Builder’s rate thus
developing their professional growth.
Here in this small FOB, little concessions
which improve morale and the quality
of life for the troops seem to be crucial
for a positive working atmosphere.
Nevertheless, with or without those
SW2 Matthew Long giving the performance of concessions, the Seabee’s “Can Do” spirit
his life with EA3 Thomas Clark as his faithful is the main component in the successful
audience. accomplishments of the missions and
tasks.
U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

U.S. Navy photo by CE3 Rostislav Friedham

EO2 Chance Keiter faking out EO3 Justin Meadors With a smile on his face, CMCN Steven McAlister
during a friendly game of touch football. receives a care package sent out to all the troops.
Page 20
 Seabees in East Aghanistan
Celebrate Over the Hump

U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

s

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Deployment Mark Fa

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By BUCN Jenell Chase

o
f
On Forward Operating Base Sharana,
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion (NMCB) FOUR - Detail RC-East,
have passed the half-way point for the
LCDR Rafael Miranda addressing the troops. deployment. To celebrate, the First Class

Afghanistan
Petty Officer Association hosted an “Over
the Hump” party during a much needed

U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

day off.
“Coming to Afghanistan, after having
our hearts set on deploying to PACOM,
can really cut into the morale of the troops.
Though the troops have bounced back

Det Sharana
and put their hearts into each project, they
really earned a day off to relax and enjoy
BUC Nicholas Christilaw and LT Jeremy Nevin
themselves,” said SW1(SCW) Richard
Armstrong.
“Detail RC-East really deserved to
U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

have a good time. Our motivation for

coordinating the celebration came from the
hard work each Seabee had put into every
project,” said BU1(SCW) Jason Busby.
The Over the Hump party consisted
of various activities and events, such as
the sledge-hammer toss, the HMMWV
push, tug-of-war, volleyball, flag
Game on! football, ultimate frisbee, and horseshoe
tournaments.
The day began with the sledge-hammer
U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

toss where each Seabee was given the

chance to see how far they could toss a
seven pound sledge hammer.
“I wasn’t the strongest out there, but I
watched the others and tried a different
strategy. I just focused on throwing as
straight and as far as I could. It felt good
ET3 Mikel Carpenter to come out on top and win an extra day
to sleep in,” said ET3 Mikel Carpenter.
(OTH. continued on page 22) Page 21
 (OTH. from page 21)
STRUCTIO

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U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

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a cookout, giving everyone a break from

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the monotonous food of the base galley.
The barbecue was set up and managed
U.S
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CI F I C F L E E
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by YN1(SCW) Robert Nogales who was
helped by BU1(SCW) Eric Laposi and
SW1(SCW) Samuel Ruby, grilling hotdogs,
hamburgers, chicken, and fish, all served
with macaroni salad, chips and sodas.
1st Platoon, 2nd Squad, aka team SW1 Samuel Ruby and BU1 Eric Laposi.
Afghanistan

SLATM (Senior Leadership Against The

Man), won the Tug-of-War Championship.

U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

Team SLATM pulled together by calling
cadences and powered through all
opponents.
“We started off as just a DET, but once
we got into our groove on the project site,
Det Sharana

we realized we were Team SLATM. We

can still work hard as a crew and pull
anything off, especially if it’s Tug-of- Tug-0-War
War!” said Ruby.
“Making it half-way through my first

U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

deployment is an exciting realization, and
a huge milestone in my career. The over
the hump party was a great ‘first’ for me.
As a Seabee, deployment is what we are
all about; once we are done I will have my
own stories and tricks of the trade to share
with our future Seabees,” said CECN Brett
Collins.
SWCR Caleb Lundy in the “HumVee” pull.
U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

U.S. Navy photo by BUCN Jenell Chase

CECN Brett Collins. SW3 Troy Franklin and BU3 Ilia Nikiforov.

Page 22
 Helping a Dream
By SW2 Richard Saltenberger s

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Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction

r
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Battalion FOUR take time to support the

f
U.S. Navy photo by BUC Kevin Nolan
library on camp in northern Afghanistan.
The Florence B. Choe Memorial Library,
located on Camp Mike Spann, was
named after Lieutenant Florence B.
Choe, USN, who was fatally wounded

Afghanistan
by enemy fire on 27 March 2009 on
Camp Shaheen. SWCN James McMahan and UTCN Robert
The library was recently moved to Stadtler show off a book shelf they constructed
for the Lieutenant Florence B. Choe Library in
a larger facility and the majority of the
Northern Afghanistan.
books were still in boxes since there
were not enough shelves at the new location for the quantity of books. With a few
sheets of plywood, some tools and a rainy day, members of Detail Spann set off to

Det Spann
construct book shelves and magazine racks. In a day’s work BU3 Thorson and his
crew were able to get a large quantity of books off the floor and out of boxes and on
to shelves, so that all service members will be able to use them. “With the right tools
and mindset there is always time to give back and remember the people who have
sacrificed all,” said Builder Chief (SCW) Kevin Nolan.
To help remember Lieutenant Choe
there is a dedication plaque in the library
U.S. Navy photo by BUC Kevin Nolan

that reads:
“During her tour at Camp Mike
Spann, Mazar-e- Sharif, Afghanistan,
LT Choe dedicated herself to making
a difference in the lives of the Afghan
people, she mentored Afghan doctors,
nurses and administrative staff of
BU3 Joshua Hanover, BUCN Kevin Geiger and
SWCN James McMahan install new book shelves the ANA regional hospital on Camp
they constructed for the Lieutenant Florence B. Shaheen, additionally, she launched
Choe Library in Northern Afghanistan.
various Camp Spann MWR events,
initiated the creation of the first ever ARSIC North MWR coin, and instituted the
United Through Reading and the Navy Professional Reading Programs. LT Choe
made a big difference in the lives and morale of the US and Coalition Forces, and the
Afghanistan people.”
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 STRUCTIO
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Mud was being tested…

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U.S T
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The rig was drilling and all operations were normal...

Afghanistan

And they had not a care in the world

Det Water Well

But then something broke

Something really small as it turned out But that small piece goes in this big piece, and with-
out the top head you can’t drill! Luckily, a replace-
ment was found and the team got back to drilling

But then these bearings went bad and

there wasn’t such an easy fix After hearing that replacement parts would be
2 months coming in, morale took a down turn
Page 24
 s

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Making things even more amazing, they
got the new top head on a flight to the
team the same day it was found!

Afghanistan
But then word was received that it
wouldn’t be 2 months after all, and that a
new top head was already in country. The
mood went quickly went from frustrated
to incredulous but happy!

Det Water Well

The team quickly made repairs and got And soon the drilling rig was
the new top head installed. ready to get going again

All the team members got back to work

And the quest for water goes on…

Page 25