NMCB 133 Command Master Chief Retires

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 held a retirement ceremony for its Command Master Chief at the Seabee Memorial Chapel aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Feb. 24.

Command Master Chief Christopher Sparks retired after 25 years of naval service.

Sparks served with 13 commands across the United States including two tours with NMCB's 4 and 5 in Port Hueneme, Calif.; a tour with the 30th Naval Construction Regiment in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and a tour as the head Seabee detailer with Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn.

Guest speaker Capt. Christopher Kurgan, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Guam Program officer and former commanding officer of NMCB 133, served with Sparks during his assignments to NMCB 4 and 133.

Kurgan said that one of the things of note in Sparks' biography was the fact during his service he never had back-to-back tours in the same geographic region.

"Whenever the navy called, he answered," said Kurgan. "It has never been about him; it's been about his troops and his Chiefs Mess."

Sparks thanked many for their support, including his family, friends and the Sailors of NMCB 133.

"I've always seen it as my duty to be the best leader I can be," said Sparks as spoke to the battalion. "My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you prepare for your upcoming deployment."

With Sparks' departure, NMCB 133 welcomes aboard Command Master Chief David Garcia as the battalion continues homeport training in preparation for its next deployment.

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