Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Conclude 21-day Ebola Monitoring

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Dobbs, U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

HAMPTION, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 concluded a 21-day controlled monitoring period at the Langley Transit Center on Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Dec. 4.

The group of 15 Seabees was deployed to West Africa to aid in the construction of medical facilities for Ebola-stricken Liberia. While none of them had direct exposure to any Ebola patients, they underwent three weeks of monitoring as a precautionary measure covering the length of the virus' incubation period.

Fleet Master Chief Chuck Clark of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Force Master Chief Lance Kitchens, force master chief at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visited the Sailors to thank them as they concluded their monitoring period.

Clarke said these Sailors have impacted the entire Navy with what they've done.

"They're building infrastructures and runways and to them, it's just an average day," said Clarke. "Seldom do you get the opportunity to show your appreciation to people for what they do, so today is a great day."

Clarke and Kitchens greeted the Sailors of NMCB-133 as they arrived at the Langley Inn and thanked them for their service.

"One out of 10 people who walk into a recruiting station actually get the opportunity to serve, and an even smaller number deploy," said Clarke. "I know what you guys do. We thank you for what you've done and what you will continue to do."

The Sailors will enjoy a few days of liberty before returning to their regularly scheduled deployment in Djibouti.

Clarke and Kitchens helped the Seabees carry their bags from the bus to Langley Inn. "After all they've done for the Navy, this is the least we could do," said Clarke.

Among the group of returning Seabees were Builder 3rd Class James Doherty and Construction Electrician 3rd Class William Stephens, who will be advanced to petty officer 2nd class on Tuesday.

During the 21-day controlled monitoring period the Sailors were able to Skype and Facetime with their families.

"The connection here was much better than it was in Liberia. It was the fastest WI-FI ever," said Doherty.