NMCB 22 Seabees Deploy In Support of Nebraska Army National Guard

10 October 2023

From Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Stevenson

In a display of unwavering commitment and support, a formidable force of over 175 US Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWO TWO (NMCB 22) has deployed for the fifth time in as many years to provide essential construction support to the Nebraska Army National Guard (NGNE). The primary objective of their mission is to enhance force operational readiness and training effectiveness by completing crucial infrastructure improvements within a tight 14-day timeline.

Situated at the Camp Mead and Silver Creek training grounds in South East Nebraska, these project sites serve as vital training environments where NGNE soldiers can refine their military occupational specialties and leadership skills. The scope of the Seabees' tasks encompasses pouring concrete foundations, constructing multiple buildings, restoring an inoperative shower facility, building a training bunker, repurposing an abandoned structure as a grenade range, and rehabilitating a nearly quarter-mile stretch of road.

For the Seabees of NMCB 22, these real-world infrastructure projects not only offer invaluable hands-on experience but also address tangible needs. "Our Seabees are passionate about being part of missions like this. They joined with a desire to build and work hard," emphasized Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason Steinke (SCW) of NMCB 22 leadership. "The dedication displayed by our sailors over the past two weeks has been extraordinary. Their efforts will yield lasting results, strengthening our unit's administrative and operational readiness while leaving a positive impact for decades to come."

Headquartered in Port Hueneme, CA, NMCB 22 serves as a versatile engineering and civil support unit for the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operational forces. Renowned as the expeditionary engineering and construction experts of the naval service, the Seabees deliver tailored, adaptable, and combat-ready engineering and construction forces to support global Navy and Force objectives.

Armed with their trademark can-do spirit and exceptional technical skills cultivated through years of combined experience, the Seabee teams swiftly descended upon the Nebraska job sites and immediately tackled the complex challenges that lay before them. Adapting to difficult working conditions, limited resources, and logistical obstacles, these sailors remain undeterred, showcasing their resilience and determination as they carry out ground-up construction operations thousands of miles away from their Southern California home base.

US Army Colonel Christopher Weskamp, the Nebraska National Guard's construction, facilities, and maintenance officer, commended the fruitful partnership between the Army and Navy, which has yielded substantial benefits. "This collaboration has proven mutually advantageous. Together, we are constructing infrastructure that will be utilized by Army Reservists, active-duty Army, Marines, Navy, and even Air Force personnel; all services converge on this site for training. Our soldiers will benefit immensely, and this enhanced training environment will have a long-lasting impact."

Under the scorching Nebraska sun, the NMCB 22 teams exemplify exceptional teamwork and skill, working tirelessly to complete all assigned tasks within the remarkably short two-week timeframe. The improved facilities now facilitate more efficient training exercises, streamlined logistics support, and enhanced overall operational readiness. The shared dedication and hard work of these US Navy Seabees have ensured the successful execution of this ambitious project. While these enhancements may appear modest in scale, they form an integral part of fortifying the capabilities, infrastructure, and preparedness of the United States Armed Forces as a whole.
Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Richard S. Lofgren

Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Acting, Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Admiral Luke A. Frost

Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.

 

 
Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando

Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve/Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet/Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces

Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.

 

 
Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Admiral Gregory K. Emery

Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.

 

 
Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios

Navy Reserve Force Master Chief

Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.

 

 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Master Chief Robert W. Lyons II

Command Master Chief, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command

Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.


 
Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Master Chief Van "Chris" Louvier

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve

Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.


 

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson

Command Master Chief, Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve

Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.

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