 |
December 22, 2009
Gulfport Seabees headed for Afghanistan
As part of the White House’s plan to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, at least two battalions of Navy Seabees will head to the region in the coming months, including 580 Seabees from NMCB 133 in Gulfport.
“As a community, our thoughts and prayers are with these brave and selfless men and women,” said Mayor George Schloegel. “Their sacrifices and those of their loved ones here at home are part of that unbroken line of heroism that has allowed freedom to endure in this country for more than two centuries. Our Seabees are the finest in the world, and the people of Gulfport support them 110 percent.”
The Seabees will deploy by March, but may deploy as early as January. As part of its normal rotation cycle, NMCB 133 was originally scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan in February.
"Since World War II, the Seabees have supported the Marine Corps in every major conflict. This is our legacy, and we are proud to be part of this important mission," said Rear Adm. Mark Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division.
The Gulfport Seabees have already completed their required homeport training in preparation for deployment, according to a Navy press release.
"After a successful homeport training cycle, NMCB 133 stands ready to answer the president's call to surge additional forces into Afghanistan," said Cmdr. Christopher Kurgan, commanding officer of NMCB 133. "We appreciate all the responsive support that we have received from across the Naval Construction Force to finalize our training and equipping. We also deeply appreciate the understanding and support of our families as they continue to sacrifice and allow us to answer our nation's call."
Various vehicles, equipment, tools and materials are also being prepared to be shipped from Gulfport to support the mission. Many of the pieces of heavy construction equipment will be armored before they are deployed.
About 2,600 Seabees are currently deployed to nearly 20 different countries around the globe supporting a variety of humanitarian missions and contingency operations.
Seabees were among the first forces in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to upgrade and repair airfields. Portions of two battalions have been deployed there since January 2009.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
