By Electronics Technician 3rd Class Andrew Brieno and Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SCW) Brandi Chopie
GULFPORT, Miss (NNS) -- Communications personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 recently completed a four-day communications exercise (COMMEX) designed to test the battalion's ability to establish and maintain communications in a field environment.
Electronics technicians (ETs) and information systems technicians (ITs) from NMCB 133's S6 (communications) shop led the charge, supported by personnel from NMCB 133's communications platoon. The proper setup of antennas, phone networks, tactical data networks and satellite communications were only a few aspects of communications that were under the microscope during COMMEX. Throughout the exercise the battalion was divided into two main personnel groups, Main Body and Air Detachment.
Each unit was evaluated on its ability to communicate with the other as well as with higher commands. To further challenge NMCB 133, the Air Detachment was redeployed twice and each time tasked with re-establishing communications with Main Body and higher. The Main Body was also redeployed once and tasked with sending multiple detachments or groups of personnel into the field, all while maintaining communications to higher echelon commands.
"The exercise was very demanding and pushed our people hard… but with dedication and skill we succeeded, I'm very proud of how everyone performed," said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Michael Pittenger, NMCB 133's S6 chief.
COMMEX 2009 also saw the first use of a new concept in battalion communications, spearheaded by NMCB 133. In the months leading up to COMMEX, NMCB 133's S6 personnel were busy setting up a 20-foot container for use as a mobile antenna farm.
"The box," as it has come to be known, is framed in with two by four wall studs and sheeted with plywood. Electrical outlets and lighting were set up in the box, as well as built-in shelves for the storage of communications gear and racks for storage of Vehicle Radio Communications radios (VRC) 90 and VRC 92s. Cables and components were pre-connected so that communications could be established quickly in the field. The phone switchboard and Tactical Data Network server were also housed in the box. An air conditioning unit was installed to keep all the gear from overheating.
"The box takes all of the communications gear out of the muck and into a controlled environment," said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/SCW) Jeffrey Brink, NMCB 133's ET Shop's leading petty officer. "It allows us to be ready to establish communications immediately rather than waiting to set up a tent. It makes communications overall much more reliable."
NMCB 133 performed exceptionally well on COMMEX 2009 and will soon apply their knowledge, skills and new assets on the Battalion's upcoming Field Training Exercise.
