NMCB 133 Bravo Company CRT Project Underway

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133's Bravo Company marked the start of their first Construction Readiness Training (CRT) project at Camp Shelby, Miss., Feb. 15.

The electricians and utilitiesmen are installing finish electrical work in Pre-Engineered Buildings at the camp that will give them the ability to focus on improving their electrical skills.

Construction Electrician 2nd Class Richard Raftery, the project's lead electrician, said that he is excited to have the opportunity.

"I am really looking forward to in-rate training with some junior electricians and the opportunity to perform electrical work, [especially] since during my last deployment I was primarily assigned as a builder," said Raftery.

CRT projects, like the one at Camp Shelby, provide the battalion's Seabees the freedom to hone construction skills and enhance their knowledge of other trade skills during a homeport. CRT projects provide a similar experience to a battalion's deployment.

NMCB 133 is working on five CRT projects this homeport. These projects can provide more than just construction skills training. There will be lessons learned and the benefits of the knowledge gained will improve the readiness of the entire battalion in preparation for their next deployment.

Builder 3rd Class Jimmy Rizzo said that this is his first opportunity to be a project crew leader.

"I have already learned some valuable lessons about planning, organization and project management," said Rizzo.

NMCB 133 is currently engaged in a homeport training period in preparation for their next deployment.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb133/.