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Seabee Earns Marvin G. Shields Award for Service in Iraq, Afghanistan
Story Number: NNS090411-01
4/11/2009

By Lt. Jeffery Turner

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command selected a former member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, as the 2008 Marvin G. Shields Award winner; the award will be presented during a ceremony in May.

The award, named in honor of Congressional Medal of Honor winner Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields, is presented annually to recognize a Seabee who made extraordinary contributions to the mission of the naval construction force (NCF) and upheld the highest traditions and legacy of the United States Navy Seabees.

Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Jesse Scherer was nominated for his superb leadership, unmatched contingency construction expertise, loyal devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Navy and NCF. He earned the award due to his superior service while deployed for seven months as part of Task Force Sierra, which provided engineering support to multiple joint task forces operating in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

He served as project officer in charge with Task Force Sierra Detail 4 in Afghanistan and spearheaded the safe and efficient completion of two remote forward operating bases, which allowed Afghan forces to take the fight directly to the Taliban insurgency. He also served with distinction as the detail's safety and quality control program manager.

"Without a doubt, Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) Jesse Scherer is the most professional and trusted individual, both by senior and junior troops, that I've ever worked with," said Master Chief Constructionman (SCW) Martin Yingling, Task Force Sierra Detail 4 senior enlisted advisor. "His selection was no surprise to me, and I can't think of anyone else more deserving than him."

His constant engagement in the planning and execution process enabled the timely and safe completion of myriad projects designed to enhance the operational capability, safety and morale of personnel serving with the joint task force. His intrusive and energetic leadership style motivated and focused his troops, ensuring the use of safe construction practices while deployed to an austere, high threat combat environment and consistently delivering the highest quality craftsmanship under demanding conditions, despite material and logistical challenges.

"I'm really kind of embarrassed about this because this award really belongs to the troops of NMCB-3," said Scherer. "They did, without question, whatever was asked of them and had trust in my leadership abilities."

The competition for this award is always tight, and the 2008 selection was no exception.

Scherer was chosen from a group of more than 20 outstanding active-duty and Reserve components nominees across the NCF. The award will be presented during the Society of American Military Engineer's Joint Engineer Training Conference, held in May in Salt Lake City.

For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/30NCR/.