Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, June 23.

Cmdr. Luke Greene relieved Cmdr. Miguel Dieguez as commanding officer of the battalion.

The guest speaker, Capt. Paul Odenthal, commander, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 2, commended Dieguez on his long-running success as commanding officer of the "Runnin' Roos."

"I have had the honor and the privilege of watching this command as NMCB 133 has excelled over the last two years under skipper Dieguez's magnificent leadership of this battalion," said Odenthal. "Cmdr. Dieguez has shown me drive and passion for his troops and the mission."

During the ceremony, Odenthal presented Dieguez with the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding performance while leading his battalion through two highly successful deployments to the European, African and Pacific theaters, as well as vigorous homeport training cycles.

"Having the privilege to lead the finest men and women in the United States Navy is what I have dreamt of doing since I was an ensign in NMCB 40," said Dieguez. "You (Greene) are about to take command of one of the most storied and decorated Seabee battalions ever. I wish you godspeed and unequivocal success as you lead the best battalion in the Naval Construction Force to even greater heights."

Dieguez, who has been selected for captain, has orders to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Greene transferred from Naval Station Mayport, where he served as the public works officer.

Upon assuming command, Greene stated his optimism for leading the Runnin' Roos as the new skipper.

"It's absolutely an honor for me to be standing here today taking command of this battalion," said Greene. "It's truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of so many great Seabees."

NMCB 133 is currently undergoing the final stages of their scheduled homeport training cycle in order to hone their skills and prepare the battalion for their slated deployment in late 2017. The battalion provides an adaptive and scalable Naval Construction Force ready and capable of executing quality construction in combat or in support of civic action, humanitarian assistance, or disaster recovery around the world.

For more information about Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/nmcb133/Pages/default.aspx.

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