Scharton Takes Helm at NMCB 28

BARKSDALE AFB, La. (NNS) -- Cmdr. Craig A. Scharton relieved Cmdr. James H. Schroeder as commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 in a change of command ceremony aboard the battalion’s compound on Barksdale Air Force Base Sept. 24.

The ceremony was highlighted by Capt. Terry Wilkerson, commodore, 9th Naval Construction Regiment (9NCR), who took the opportunity to praise both the departing and arriving commanders, and who presented Schroeder with the Meritorious Service Medal for meritorious achievement during his tenure as commanding officer of NMCB 28. Schroeder was cited for consistently performing his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, specifically for his leadership abilities, which transformed the battalion into a mobilization-ready unit in preparation for possible future deployments.

When Schroeder took the podium for his turn to address his troops one last time, he summed up the reasons for NMCB 28’s accomplishments, beginning by specifically thanking several of the junior enlisted members by name, and then by thanking the chiefs and officers, and the active-duty and Reserve staff that served under his command.

Schroeder will report to 1st Naval Construction Division (1NCD) Forward for his next assignment.

Scharton, who has served for the last two years as chief staff officer (CSO) for 9NCR at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, has had the opportunity to work closely with Schroeder.

“In my capacity as CSO, it has been my pleasure to serve with Cmdr. Schroeder. He is a fine officer, a true professional, and has made a very positive impact on the readiness and morale of NMCB 28," Scharton said. "I am honored and privileged to be his successor as commanding officer.”

Scharton thanked NMCB 28 Sailors for welcoming him as the new CO and said he looks forward to building on the battalion's success.

“The old pros of NMCB 28 stepped up to the challenge, and have made me feel very welcome, indeed. I am excited about the opportunity to continue preparing the battalion for mobilization readiness, while building upon the foundation that has already been set. I look forward to our upcoming field exercise (FEX) at Fort Hunter Liggett in April to validate our training, demonstrate the battalion's skills, and develop a plan to identify any areas where we might request supplemental training.”

9NCR has administrative and operational control of NMCB 15 of Belton, Mo.; NMCB 22 of Ft. Worth, Texas; NMCB 25 of Ft. McCoy, Wis.; and NMCB 28 of Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

NMCB 28 is based at Barksdale Air Force Base, with detachments at Naval Reserve Centers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee. Its mission is to provide and maintain a trained, ready, and immediately available Reserve battalion meeting the requirements of the Naval Construction Forces for deployment as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations in the event of war, natural emergency, or when otherwise authorized by law.

For related news, visit the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcb28/.