Navy Constructionman Jared M. Brooks, son of Julie C. Georges of Catawba, Va. and Michael A. Brooks, of Bradenton, Fla., along with Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 were welcomed home by family and friends after a successful seven month deployment to Afghanistan.

NMCB-11 was deployed to U.S. Central Command to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army (ANA) partnering and detachment of units in combined/joint operations area – Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations.

Among the numerous missions, the battalion conducted a large-scale road construction project in southern Helmand province in which they partnered with the ANA, a village stability platform mission in support of Marine Special Forces, construction of helicopter landing zones, in partnership with the Italian army, to facilitate timely medical evacuations, and construction of buildings and facilities for an ANA recruit training command.

Despite being faced with the dangers of operating in a combat zone for the length of the deployment, the Seabees of NMCB-11 are fortunate to have all returned. Thorough training and preparation in the months leading up to the deployment undoubtedly contributed to the battalion’s success.

Following a brief stand-down period to allow Sailors time to rest, spend time with family, and take care of personal matters, NMCB-11 will reorganize and begin a homeport period filled with training and tactical exercises designed to prepare them for the next deployment and increase their in-rate knowledge and skills.

Brooks is a 2003 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School of Bradenton, Fla. and joined the Navy in January 2011.

– Submitted by U.S. Navy Public Affairs