Seabees assigned to U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 concluded the Command Post Exercise (CPX) 3 at Dozer Field on Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, California, July 31.

The intent of the weeklong exercise was to establish command, control, communication, computer and intelligence infrastructure in preparation for the battalion's upcoming field training exercise (FTX) and 2016 deployment to the Pacific area of responsibility (AOR).

"This command and control exercise allows us to practice our tactical and operational capabilities," said NMCB 4 Exercise Officer Lt. Courtney Mattson. "The battalion is able to practice the way we would operate in the field from running different scenarios to receiving orders, sending out missions and how we would react to enemy threats or local civilians as a defensive unit."

Training scenarios included simulated chemical, biological and radiological attacks, mass casualty drills and a camp intruder.

"We simulated an angry goat herder at the [entry control point] and had to show the observers how we would handle this situation," said Utilitiesman Constructionman Christopher Parrilla. "It is important to stay vigilant of your surroundings because you have to be able to relay the information to others in the [combat operations center]."

Mattson added that, regardless of their rate or rank, Seabees are able to share their experiences with one another.

"It is valuable experience for individuals who have never been to CPX or FTX," said Mattson. "We have a lot of knowledgeable Seabees, so this is a time where experienced personnel can give training to those who have not had much time in the battalion."

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.public.navy.mil/necc/1ncd/Pages/NMCB4 or www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.