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NECC Looks Back on its First Year
Story Number: NNS070113-01
Release Date: 1/13/2007 10:37:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth R. Hendrix, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Jan. 13 marks the one-year anniversary since the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., began its mission to organize, train and equip our forces to meet the maritime security operations and joint contingency operations requirements.
Rear Adm. Jamie Barnett, NECC's deputy commander, pointed out how the command has set an ambitious pace in its first year of operations.
“We started off with 15 people at our headquarters and now we’re up to a staff of 146. In that time period we have stood up a Riverine Group equipped with two squadrons, a Maritime Civil Affairs Group (MCAG), and an Expeditionary Training Command (ETC),” said Barnett.
NECC also focused internally, looking at its existing units and making changes within to better serve its Sailors.
“In the area of community management and expertise we’ve created a new EOD and divers rate," said Barnett. One of the biggest things we’ve done in a very short period of time is we’ve created the enlisted expeditionary warfare (EXW) pin.”
To integrate better training for the expedionary fight and the individual augmentees who often support it, NECC helped to create the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC), which began operations Oct. 10.
“It’s been monumental for the Sailors that are forwarded as Individual Augmentees, because in the past they just went somewhere for training and they didn’t have any type of command liaison on location that could provide them administrative support on location,” said Cmdr. Laura Venable, ECRC executive officer
NECC served to integrate expeditionary efforts under one command, effectively increasing maritime security and improving warfighting effectiveness.
“We took capabilities that the Navy has had for a while and we’re regenerating some new capabilities and everything now operates together,” said Barnett. “In the past some things were kind of off by themselves, but now we can provide an umbrella for them both from an administrative stand point, and also in theatre, which helps our Navy and joint partners.”
Barnett said with the NECC concept of operation togetherness, they've contributed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and the Horn of Africa.
“NECC has been able to be a major contribution to the concept of maritime security, making us a major part of the Navy’s contribution to the joint operations and integrations,” said Barnett.
Over all, 2006 was a triumphant year for NECC and Barnett expects and sees nothing less than another perfect year in 2007 and in the years to come.
“This is a growth industry,” said Barnett. “It is fascinating; we’re having a lot of interest from Sailors that want to get into this and we’re going to do our best to provide great careers in expeditionary combat.”
NECC integrates all warfighting requirements for expeditionary combat and combat support elements. This transformation allows for standardized training, manning and equipping of Sailors who will participate in the maritime security operations and the GWOT as part of the joint force.
For related news, visit the NECC Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/necc/.
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