In celebration of the U.S. Navy's 240th birthday, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3's Guam detachment held a special physical training evolution based on battle stations-21, the final training evolution at Recruit Training command Great Lakes.

Twenty one stations tested different elements of the detachment's knowledge and skills. Competing in teams of two, they raced for time to complete the battle stations; the first test was to request permission to board.

"I was excited to learn about naval heritage, customs and traditions that we don't necessarily get to practice often," said Construction Mechanic Constructionman Apprentice Keyan A. Vanderpool.

There were 20 stations to complete, including loading and unloading stores, which consisted of passing medicine balls to their partner, weighing anchor, and a low crawl under smoke as they would during a fire emergency. Some stations were aimed at Seabee combat warfare knowledge, three naval history questions, the phonetic alphabet and Seabee rating badge identification.

Several of the stations were based on expeditionary skills Seabees learn during the homeport training cycle such as marksmanship and combat first aid. They also performed a combat injury assessment and treated an upper arm wound.

Many of the events were more physically demanding including a ladder well speed drill and simulated line handling by jumping rope for thirty seconds.

A tire drag represented a life buoy in a man overboard drill where participants had to perform a 30 lbs ammo can carry.

The last battle station was to recite the Sailors Creed and properly fold a flag, honoring the core of Navy traditions.

"It was nice change of pace from regular physical training and the guys got to learn a few things," said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Kerr A. Richmond.

Even out of breath, the Seabees displayed a sense of pride as they recited the Sailor's Creed. Each team showed exceptional respect and attention to detail as they folded the flag.

NMCB 3 currently has 13 members deployed to Camp Covington, Naval Base Guam in support of corrective maintenance. Its mission is to support Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command with construction projects and humanitarian missions in more than 13 different geographical locations.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/.