OKINAWA, Japan — Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 was awarded the prestigious Peltier Award for 2011 on Feb. 8. This is the third time the battalion has received the honor.
The Peltier Award is given to the most outstanding active duty construction battalion.
Named in honor of Rear Adm. Eugene J. Peltier, Civil Engineer Corps, U.S. Navy, the Peltier Award was first awarded in 1960. NMCB 40 received it in 1986 and again in 1995.
“I couldn’t be more proud of you all and your accomplishments,” said Commanding Officer Tim J. DeWitt. “Congratulations to you as you continue to receive validation of the tremendous 2011 year!”
This is the third major honor for the battalion over the last few months. NMCB 40 was awarded the Army Valorous Unit Award for its work last year during the command’s deployment to Afghanistan. The battalion also received the FY2011 1st Naval Construction Division’s Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency Award.
“When I was looking for my next set of orders, I had an opportunity to get stationed in Coronado, but I chose NMCB 40 because of the good things I
heard the battalion was doing,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class Francis Villareal. “I can definitely say that I made the right choice and I am proud to be part of this battalion.”
Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Andres Gonzalez said, “For the longest time, I’ve seen Seabees always pushing themselves to do better and get the job done. It was only a matter of time until the battalion was recognized for it.”
NMCB 40’s main body is currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan, with detail sites in Cambodia, Guam, Timor Leste, Korea, Philippines and mainland Japan. The battalion is scheduled to return to Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, this summer.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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