Seabees Enhance Navy Medicine Training With Field Hospital Build
26 June 2025
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB-1) and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE (NMCB-5) supported Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) training at the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center (NEMWDC) by constructing a functional 50-bed field hospital and enhancing the realism of the exercise in May 2025.
Seabees from NMCB-1, based in Gulfport, Mississippi, and NMCB-5, based in Port Hueneme, California, led the effort to assemble a seven-wing EMF tent structure designed to replicate a forward-deployed medical facility. The layout included designated areas for triage, trauma care, surgery, recovery, patient holding, command and control, and medical logistics. They also integrated power distribution, lighting, and climate control to support medical operations in expeditionary conditions.
“It’s not just about putting up a tent,” said Builder 3rd class Robert Winslow, NMCB-1. “We’re creating a space where people are going to train to save lives. Every detail has to be right.”
In addition to constructing the hospital, Seabees built a raised platform deck used by Master-at-Arms personnel to conduct force protection drills, integrating security protocols into the broader medical response scenarios. This demonstrated the critical link between medical operations and base defense in expeditionary settings.
The Seabees also provided ongoing maintenance support during the training evolution, responding quickly to fix minor electrical issues, reinforcing weatherproofing in key areas, and making real-time adjustments to airflow and cooling systems. Their rapid problem-solving ensured uninterrupted training and reinforced their value as on-site support experts.
The Seabees further contributed by volunteering as simulated patients, taking part in trauma simulations and mass casualty drills. Their participation added realism to the scenarios and challenged medical teams to react under pressure.
Equipment Operator Constructionman Nemilyn Espejo was among those who stepped into this unexpected role. “Taking on the role of a patient is quite an interesting experience,” Espejo said. “You get a better appreciation for how demanding the medical environment is. You see how complex it can be to manage injuries while coordinating care with different people under stress.”
The Seabees’ engagement helped elevate the entire training experience, pushing medical teams to improve communication, critical thinking, and situational awareness. The unpredictability of live role players added a level of stress and complexity that prepared participants for real-world challenges.
“It’s been really rewarding. We don’t always get to work side by side with other Navy communities,” said Chief Petty Officer Amanda Miller, NMCB-5, emphasizing the significance of integrated training. “Being here with our electricians, UTs (Utilitiesmen), and EOs (Equipment Operators) shows just how much Seabees are needed across the fleet. This kind of training gives us a better understanding of how our work supports the bigger picture.”
Throughout the evolution, corpsmen and medical officers worked directly alongside the Seabees during the setup process. From unloading materials to securing the tent structure, medical personnel supported the physical build while gaining a firsthand understanding of the logistics behind establishing a fully operational EMF.
“It’s my first time working with Seabees, and honestly, it’s been really eye-opening, said Hospital Corpsman 1st class Wai Chik, EMF Juliet based in Portsmouth, Virginia. “They (Seabees) have the knowledge to build this whole thing from the ground up. Watching them work, and understanding how everything comes together—it’s changed how I look at teamwork in the field. We each bring something different, and it only works when we’re learning from each other.”
For the Seabees, this training provided a rare opportunity to see the downstream impact of their efforts. Building the facility was only the beginning—seeing it used in real-time simulations added meaning to the mission. Their efforts ensured that every aspect of the training—from structure to scenario—was as close to operational conditions as possible.
“The Seabees played a huge role in making this training feel real, said Equipment Operator 1st Class Brandon Cantu, a NEMWDC instructor. Having them act as patients, while also being the team that built the infrastructure, gave our students a better understanding of critical collaboration in the field. They raised the bar across the board.”
As NEMWDC continues to lead the way in expeditionary medical readiness, the integration of Seabees highlights the Navy’s commitment to realistic, team-based training. Whether they are constructing vital infrastructure or supporting high-fidelity simulations, Seabees remain essential to shaping a fully capable and deployable medical force.
NEMWDC, located at Camp Pendleton, is a center of excellence for unit-level medical training to ensure readiness for future operations. The center's training programs are critical to preparing medical personnel for the challenges of combat and contingency operations.