Seabees Gather to Honor Fallen Comrades

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (NNS) -- Dozens of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 5 and 74 and members of the First Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Group (I MEG), gathered here May 8 to honor Seabees who paid the ultimate price for the U.S. mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Seven M-16 assault rifles were carefully placed, muzzle down, on the floor of the chapel here, each accompanied by a pair of desert boots and topped with a Kevlar helmet. Tools commonly used by Seabees were laid by the boots.

The brief memorial service began with an address by I MEG's Commodore, Capt. Mark Handley. Handley said that there was inherent risk in Iraq for Seabees and Marines.

"These seven Seabees who lost their lives here in Iraq were directly contributing to improving the conditions for sustained peace. They served us proudly and with distinction, and they have built upon the Seabee legacy, which we all humbly enjoy," said Handley.

The commodore's address was followed by a few words from Master Chief Construction Utilitiesman Peter Beckwith, I MEG's command master chief. Beckwith explained that all Seabees felt the loss of their shipmates.

Chaplain Lt. Marc Massie led the attending Seabees in prayer and read a passage from the Gospel of Luke . He also read a poem about Seabee pride and sacrifice.

The service ended when all Seabees donned their covers and saluted their fallen comrades as Taps played in the chapel. Later in the day, NMCB 14, of which the seven were members, held a separate service at a nearby camp.

The seven Seabees killed were Equipment Operator 3rd Class Christopher Dickerson, Hull Technician 2nd Class Jason B. Dwelley, Builder 2nd Class Michael Anderson, Equipment Operator 2nd Class Trace Dossett, Steelworker 2rd Class Ronald Ginther, Builder 2nd Class Robert Jenkins, and Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Scott McHugh. All were killed in separate attacks April 30 and May 2.

I MEG and its subordinate commands have deployed to Iraq in support of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct civil-military operations in an effort to help Iraqis gain self-sufficiency in a free and stable Iraq.

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