U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 completed a 48-hour Mount-Out Exercise (MOX), in Port Hueneme, Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

This exercise simulates one of the core capabilities of a construction battalion to deploy an 89-person air detachment (AIR DET), along with construction equipment, within 48-hours to any required location around the globe.

Missions could range from major combat operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

"The exercise is important because it tests our unit's readiness to safely and efficiently deploy our AIR DET within a 48-hour timeframe," said Embark Officer, Lt. j.g. Joseph Houston. "Embarkation is a key factor in our unit's ability to provide contingency response and enhance the Seabee legacy."

During the exercise, a mount out control center (MOCC) directed the different elements required to identify the basic supplies to be palletized, wash vehicles, collect weight and balance data for each piece of equipment and prioritize the order of shipment in a staging area. In a real world operation, the vehicles, equipment and pallets would then be transported to a nearby airfield where they would be loaded onto military aircraft.

The mount out requires moving heavy construction equipment and large quantities of support materials. Steelworker Constructionman Alisha Silva said she learned to do her job with a high level of attention to detail so the job is done correctly.

"Our job is to ensure we put the equipment on the aircraft and stabilize the gear so it does not move. If we rush through the job and something moves, it can throw off the aircrafts' balance and could potentially cause a disaster," said Silva. "We have to take the proper precautions by wearing the proper protective equipment and doing the job right because the mission depends on us to get the job done safely and on time."

NMCB 4 provides general engineering, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and civil support to Navy, Marine Corps and Joint operational forces through planned deployments and contingency response.

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For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/.