Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 held a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, June 10.
Cmdr. Kemit Spears relieved Cmdr. Chad Brooks as commanding officer of the battalion, which is currently deployed to Japan as part of a six-month deployment to the region.
Brooks assumed command of NMCB 1 in July 2012. Under his direction, the battalion successfully completed two dynamic deployments to the European, African and Pacific theaters. They provided construction support to Combined Task Force 68 and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and successfully completed a homeport training period while implementing force-wide unit level training initiatives. He concluded his tour after planning and executing a uniquely manpower constrained deployment in support of U.S. strategic objectives in the Pacific region.
Cmdr. Kemit Spears comes to NMCB 1 from the OPNAV staff in Washington, D.C.
NMCB 1 provides combat-ready engineer forces in response to Combatant Commander and Naval Component Commander requirements and provides planning and operational support for Seabee employment. The continued operations in the Pacific Command help demonstrate the U.S. commitment to developing enduring relationships, and strengthening local institutions and communities throughout the region.
[mappress] Press Release, June 11, 2014; Image: US Navy