Seabees Bridge the Gap

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Members from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 and Underwater Construction Team 1 attended the 31st Seabee Readiness Group's course, Bailey Bridge Construction and Maintenance Jan. 5.

The course consisted of two days of classroom instruction, two days of field instruction and a final exam. The majority of the Seabees who attended the Bailey bridge course are members of NMCB 3's Bridge Detachment.

"I am one of four leaders on the bridge crew. I was delighted I had the opportunity to attend the class. A few individuals had never put a bridge together; it was great experience for everyone," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Gabe Nuejahr. "Many of the people in my team are from different companies, and this was our first opportunity to work together. The time spent building the bridge was a good time for me to see my team in action."

Though it is constructed without special tools, it can be configured to suit just about any requirement and is erected with nothing more than the hard work and sweat of Seabees. The Bailey bridge has more sea time and miles spanned than any other item used by the Naval Construction Force.

The most important concept learned during the week of instruction cannot be found in the field manual but in the field itself, by its crew.

"Teamwork is imperative," said Builder Constructionman Michael Connor. "Every piece of that bridge is heavy and we have to work together to complete our task."

From 1944 to present day, the Seabees have used the Bailey bridge as a staple of field construction. While the Mabey Johnson bridge and Medium Girder bridge (MGB) are becoming the standard, the Bailey bridge has proven to be a quick and effective answer for bridging a gap.

"The way the bridge is assembled, you have to work as a team in order to succeed," Builder 3rd Class Justin Scaife said. "Each team needs to do their part in order to construct the bridge effectively."

NMCB 3 is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements providing host nation construction operations and security in support of the war on terrorism, from the Pacific Southwest region.

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