The Navy joins the "Sys admin" future.
NECC Establishes Maritime Civil Affairs Group
Story Number: NNS070403-27
Release Date: 4/3/2007 7:39:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kieshia Savage, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
VIRGINIA BEACH (NNS) -- The Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) officially established its newest command, Military Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) during a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, March 30.
MCAG's mission is to assess, plan and execute civil affairs (CA) activities in the maritime operational environment.
"Our areas of expertise include traditional CA functional areas such as public education and public health, but we are focused on three maritime specific functions: commercial port operations, harbor and channel construction and maintenance, and marine and fisheries resources," said Capt. Ken Schwingshakl, commanding officer for MCAG.
MCAG forces will also serve as first responders for disaster relief operations throughout the world.
"A robust communication suite will be used to establish a Civil Military Operations Cell to coordinate efforts of U.S. government response, host nation forces, and non-government organizations," said Schwingshakl. "This is so recovery efforts aren't duplicated and the situation can be brought under control as soon as possible."
Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Claude Artis, a recent graduate of CA Journal Course, expressed what MCAG's mission will be on a daily basis.
"We will go into other countries, assess the area, look at infrastructure, schools and medical facilities, and report to higher ranking officials with what they actually need," said Artis. "They will then allow us a certain amount of funds to basically go back and help the people rebuild."
MCAG's command currently consists of 40 Sailors, but will increase to 320 by September. The command is headquatered at NAB Little Creek, Va., and will consist of two coastal squadrons, one at Imperial Beach in California and the other at Cheatham Annex in Wiliamsburg, Va.
According to Schwingshakl, MCAG aims to improve the living conditions and atmosphere in less fortunate countries.
"The thinking is that if you can improve someone's standard of living, they're going to be happy with what they have and not work for someone else. This will enable the government to be more stable and then we'll be able to drive out those insurgent elements."
Sailors joining the MCAG command come from all around the fleet and from all different ratings.
"We're looking for Sailors E-5 and above, who have good people skills, not afraid to embark on new relationships, talk to people in foreign countries and who are looking for a little adventure," said Schwingshakl. "We're looking for Sailors who want to do something different in the Navy but at the same time be a part of the Navy team."
Lt. Cmdr. Bruce Farabee, chief staff officer for MCAG said the command will be the interface between Navy and civilians and that they are well prepared to do just that.
"Until now we've been working very hard to reach our initial operations capabilities," said Farabee. "Through this establishment ceremony we have officially stated to the Navy and to the world that we have reached that capability and now is our time to build for the future."
MCAG is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training, and equipping of the Navy Expeditionary Force.
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