DVIDS – News – NMCB-5, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 Completes Airfield Damage Repair

U.S. Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 complete part of Operation Turning Point, also known as the Field Training Exercise (FTX) at the Space Force Base from Vandenberg.

Seabees from Vandenberg Space Force Base work hand-in-hand with Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373 to train in airfield repair (ADR). They set up the ADR as a specific mission to fix the track.

Before the Seabees repair the runway, the Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team sets up charges around the runway to create holes for dummy missiles. Then the Seabees and Marines work together to repair the runway for a short time.

The team performs the training to support future missions requiring ongoing repairs, even in locations receiving missile attacks on the airfield.

Their ultimate goal is to repair a minimum mining strip of 600 feet, which would have at least 30 craters, in less than 12 hours. However, they have their challenges, like managing logistics, like maintaining building materials and equipment.

“The construction mechanics worked hard to maintain the equipment,” said Lt. Gerardo Prattsperez, airfield damage repair manager at NMCB-5. “It’s just that things happen; it was expected. That’s why we have a team of mechanics. And I have to see how much cement and aggregate I use. Then, when we have the attacks, I have to balance. This is also one of our main challenges, material management.

Like the rest of the FTX details, the ADR team must support themselves for food, water, sleeping arrangements and security support. They must also maintain communications with the battalion’s main body detachment and airfield commander to provide them with information on when they can land again.

“The reality is that if I’m doing this at a Navy or Navy installation, I’ll have base support in some ways. But if I’m alone on an island with my team, I have to be totally independent and autonomous.

In addition to the ADR site, NMCB-5 has sites throughout Southern California, aboard Naval Air Weapons Station China, Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, and San Clemente Island. . Once the battalion completes the FTX, it will be qualified to deploy.

NMCB-5 is homeported out of Port Hueneme, California. They train in high-quality construction, expeditionary logistics, and combat operations to execute construction and engineering projects for major combat operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.