Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
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| Navy Expeditionary Combat Command | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Navy Expeditionary Combat Command |
| Caption | Emblem of the command |
| Dates | 2006–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Expeditionary forces |
| Role | Maritime security, expeditionary warfare |
| Garrison | Little Creek–Fort Story |
| Motto | "Ready, Relevant, Responsive" |
| Notable commanders | Admiral John B. Nathman |
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command is a United States Navy component established to organize, train, equip, and deploy expeditionary forces for littoral and maritime operations. The command integrates specialized units from across the United States Navy alongside interservice partners such as the United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, United States Army, and allied forces including Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. NECC units have supported major operations including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and multinational maritime security initiatives like Combined Task Force 151 and Operation Atalanta.
History
The command was established in 2006 following lessons from Global War on Terrorism operations, counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, and maritime security requirements highlighted by incidents such as USS Cole and piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Senior leaders including Admiral John B. Nathman and Secretary Donald Rumsfeld influenced force posture reforms that led to consolidation of disparate expeditionary elements from the Naval Coastal Warfare Community, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) assets, and Seabee construction battalions. Post-2006, NECC adapted to challenges posed by Somalia, Horn of Africa, and Persian Gulf contingencies, coordinating with commands like United States Central Command and United States Africa Command.
Organization and Structure
NECC is organized into component groups that align with functional warfare communities, linking to shore installation commands such as Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and higher headquarters including United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Pacific Fleet. Subordinate elements include coastal warfare units, amphibious construction battalions like NMCB 1, logistics detachments associated with Military Sealift Command, and explosive ordnance units tied to EODMU 1. The command’s staff interfaces with joint staffs at United States Transportation Command and maritime task groups such as Carrier Strike Group 2.
Mission and Roles
NECC’s mission supports expeditionary maritime operations, littoral maneuver, and maritime security, contributing forces to theater commanders including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Roles encompass expeditionary maneuver warfare in coordination with the United States Marine Corps Forces Command, port and harbor security alongside Coast Guard Districts, counter-piracy alongside EU NAVFOR, and explosive ordnance disposal in support of NATO operations. The command also provides security for critical infrastructure such as Pearl Harbor and Naval Station Norfolk when tasked by Secretary of the Navy authorities.
Units and Capabilities
Key units under NECC include Coastal Riverine Forces derived from Riverine Squadrons, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadrons, Expeditionary Combat Camera detachments, and EOD Mobile Units such as EODMU 2. Construction capability is provided by Seabees organized into Naval Mobile Construction Battalions with heavy equipment and bridging capabilities used in humanitarian efforts like responses to Hurricane Katrina and 2010 Haiti earthquake. Security and force protection capabilities are augmented by Naval Facility Protection units and explosive ordnance technicians who collaborate with Special Operations Command elements and multinational partners such as Combined Maritime Forces.
Operations and Deployments
NECC elements have deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom port clearance, Operation Enduring Freedom route clearance, and counter-piracy patrols off Somalia under Combined Task Force 151. Riverine squadrons supported inland waterways operations during the Iraq War, while Seabees provided infrastructure reconstruction in Afghanistan and humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean following natural disasters. Maritime security detachments have escorted merchant vessels in transit corridors such as the Gulf of Aden and coordinated with coalition task forces during Operation Active Endeavour and Operation Ocean Shield missions.
Training and Personnel
Personnel pipelines for NECC draw recruits and officers from communities trained at Officer Candidate School, Naval ROTC, and enlisted training centers like CENEODDIVE and the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Training includes joint exercises with Joint Readiness Training Center, multinational exercises such as RIMPAC, and interagency drills with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of State. Specialized schools for riverine warfare, coastal defense, and construction are conducted at facilities such as Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Naval Station Great Lakes, and regional training centers supporting interoperability with allies like Canada and United Kingdom.
Equipment and Logistics
NECC units employ platforms including small boat fleets like Mark VI patrol boat, riverine craft, EOD diving systems, and construction equipment operated by Seabees such as bulldozers and bridging pontoons. Logistics support is coordinated with Military Sealift Command for sealift, Defense Logistics Agency for supply chain sustainment, and afloat prepositioning under programs like Maritime Prepositioning Force. Maintenance and lifecycle management interface with naval shipyards such as Norfolk Naval Shipyard and depot-level facilities associated with Naval Sea Systems Command to ensure readiness for expeditionary deployments.