View source for Seabee

{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{short description|Member of the US Naval Construction Forces}}
{{About|a part of the U.S. Navy|the aircraft|Republic RC-3 Seabee}}
{{Use dmy dates |date=April 2017}}

{{infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Naval Construction Battalions
| image                         = USN-Seabees-Insignia.svg
| image_size                    =
| caption                       = The Seabee logo
| start_date                    = 1942
| country                       = {{flagcountry|US}}
| allegiance                    =
| branch                        = {{flagicon image|Flag of the United States Navy.svg}} [[United States Navy]]
| type                          = [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command|Expeditionary Forces]]
| role                          = [[Military engineering]]
| size                          = {{Unbulleted list | 7,000+ active personnel | 6,927 Reserve personnel | Around 14,000 total}}
| nickname                      = Seabees
| patron                        =
| motto                         = {{Unbulleted list |{{langx|la|Construimus, Batuimus}} for "We build, We fight" |"Can Do"}}
| colors                        = {{Flag|United States Navy |1864}}
| mascot                        = [[Bumblebee]]
| battles                       = {{tree list}}
* '''[[World War II]]'''
** [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal]]
** [[Battle of Bougainville|Bougainville]]
** [[Battle of Cape Gloucester|Cape Gloucester]]
** [[Battle of Los Negros|Los Negros]]
** [[Battle of Guam (1944)|Guam]]
** [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu]]
** [[Battle of Tarawa|Tarawa]]
** [[Battle of Kwajalein|Kwajalein]]
** [[Battle of Saipan|Saipan]]
** [[Battle of Tinian|Tinian]]
** [[Battle of Iwo Jima|Iwo Jima]]
** [[Philippines Campaign (1944–45)|Philippines]]
** [[Battle of Okinawa|Okinawa]]
** [[North African campaign|North Africa]]
** [[Allied Invasion of Sicily|Sicily]]
** [[Battle of Anzio|Anzio]]
** [[Operation Overlord|Normandy]]
* '''[[Korean War]]'''
** [[Inchon landing]]
* '''[[Vietnam War]]'''
** [[Battle of Khe Sanh|Khe Sanh]]
** [[Battle of Dong Xoai|Dong Xoai]]
** [[Chu Lai]]
** [[Con Thien]]
* '''[[Desert Storm]]'''
* '''[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]'''
* '''[[Enduring Freedom]]'''
{{tree list/end}}
| anniversaries                 = {{start date|1941|12|28}} formation requested,<br /> {{start date|1942|3|5}} formation authorized
| website                       = https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/seabees/
| notable_commanders            = Admiral Ben Moreell
}}

[[File:The Seabee expression.jpg|thumb|CB Navy Yard Bougainville with the Seabee Expression]]
[[File:Bougainville Seabee and Marine Raider 1.jpg|thumb|3rd Marine Div. 2nd Raider's sign on Bougainville. 53rd CB was the shore party to the 2nd Raiders of Green Beach, D-Day.]]

'''United States Naval Construction Battalions''', better known as the Navy '''Seabees''', form the '''U.S. Naval Construction Forces''' ('''NCF'''). The Seabee nickname is a [[heterograph]] of the initial letters "CB" from the words "Construction Battalion".<ref name="Bases.Ch6">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-6.html |chapter=Chapter VI: The Seabees |title=Building the Navy's Bases in World War II: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume= I |publisher=U.S.GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |via=HyperWar |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Depending upon context, "Seabee" can refer to all enlisted personnel in the USN's occupational field 7 (OF-7), all personnel in the Naval Construction Force (NCF), or Construction Battalion. Seabees serve both in and outside the NCF. During World War II they were [[plankowner|plank-holders]] of both the [[Naval Combat Demolition Units]] and the [[Underwater Demolition Team]]s (UDTs). The men in the NCF considered these units to be "Seabee".<ref>37th Seabees cruisebook, Seabee Museum Archives website, Port Hueneme, CA, Jan. 2020, p. 12-16</ref> In addition, Seabees served as elements of Cubs, Lions, Acorns and the [[United States Marine Corps]].<ref>U.S. Marine Corps WWII Order of Battle, Gordon L. Rottman, Greenwood Press, Westport, CT, 2002, p. 32</ref> They also provided the manpower for the top secret CWS [[Chemical Warfare Service: Flame Tank Group Seabees|Flame Tank Group]]. Today the Seabees have many special task assignments starting with [[Camp David]] and the Naval Support Unit at the [[Department of State]]. Seabees serve under both Commanders of the Naval Surface Forces Atlantic/Pacific fleets as well as on many base [[Public Works]] and USN diving commands.
{{multiple image
 | align = right

| image1 = CEC Insignia.jpg
 | width1 = 160
 | alt1 = CEC Insignia
 | caption1 = CEC Insignia

| image2 = Supply Corps Insignia.jpg
 | width2 = 143
 | alt2 = Supply Corps Insignia
 | caption2  = Supply Corps Insignia

| footer = WWII Naval Officers assigned to Naval Construction Battalions from the [[Civil Engineer Corps]], [[Medical Corps]], [[Dental Corps]] and [[Supply Corps]] had a Silver Seabee on their Corps insignia. The WWII CEC insignia is used today as the emblem of the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation.
}}

Naval Construction Battalions were conceived of as replacements for civilian construction companies in combat zones after the attack on [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]]. At the time civilian contractors had roughly 70,000 men working U.S.N. contracts overseas. International law made it illegal for civilian workers to resist an attack. Doing so would classify them as [[guerrillas]] and could lead to [[summary execution]].<ref name="Formation">{{cite web|title= Seabee History: Formation of the Seabees and World War II|url= https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/h/history-of-seabees/ww2.html|website=NHHC|date= 2017|access-date= 15 March 2017}}</ref> The formation of the Seabees amidst the aftermath of the [[Battle of Wake Island]] inspired the backstory for the World War II movie ''[[The Fighting Seabees]]''. They also feature prominently in the wartime musical drama (and subsequent film) ''[[South Pacific (musical)|South Pacific]]''.

[[Admiral (United States)|Adm.]] [[Ben Moreell|Moreell]]'s concept model CB was a [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] trained military equivalent of those civilian companies: able to work anywhere, under any conditions or circumstances.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seabeesmuseum.com/seabee-history/admiral-ben-moreell |title=Admiral Ben Moreell, CEC, USN |website=[[Seabee Museum and Memorial Park]] |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=15 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115112718/http://www.seabeesmuseum.com/seabee-history/admiral-ben-moreell |url-status=dead }}</ref> They have a storied legacy of creative field ingenuity,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemuseum.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/coca-cola-and-the-art-of-seabee-acquisition/|title=Coca-Cola and the Art of Seabee "Acquisition"|date=May 15, 2019|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> stretching from [[Normandy]] and [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]] to [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Adm. [[Ernest King]] wrote to the Seabees on their second anniversary, "Your ingenuity and fortitude have become a legend in the naval service."<ref name="NHB">{{cite web |url=https://www.navalhistory.org/2012/02/29/seabees-name-and-insignia-officially-authorized |title=SeaBees Name and Insignia Officially Authorized |date=29 February 2012 |website=Naval History Blog |publisher=[[U.S. Naval Institute]] |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>  They were unique at conception and remain unchanged from Adm. Moreell's model today. In the October 1944 issue of ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'', the Seabees are described as "a phenomenon of WWII".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n29lcdffPWgC&pg=PA261|title=The Seabees |magazine=Flying (magazine)|volume=35 |number=4 |date=October 1944 |page=261 |access-date=18 October 2017 }}</ref>

== Naval construction history ==

'''CB Conceptual Formation'''

In the 1930s [[Bureau of Yards and Docks]] (BuDocks) began providing for "Navy Construction Battalions" (CB) in contingency war plans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge342/SeaBees-Revised.pdf|title=U.S. Navy Seabees During World War II|last=Rogers|first=J.|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> In 1934, Capt. Carl Carlson's version of the CB was approved by [[Chief of Naval Operations]]<ref name="intro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/seabee-history.html|title=Seabee History - Introduction|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> In 1935, [[Rear admiral (United States)|RADM.]] Norman Smith, head of BuDocks, selected Captain Walter Allen, [[United States Department of War|War Plans Officer]], to represent BuDocks on the War Plans Board. Capt. Allen presented the bureau's CB concept with the Board including it in the [[United States color-coded war plans#Rainbow plans|Rainbow]] war plans.<ref name="intro"/> The Seabees named their first training center for Capt. Allen.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Docks|first=United States Bureau of Yards and|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WuIpaOBGXKsC&q=The+Seabees+name+their+first+training+center+for+Capt.+Allen&pg=PA138|title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC, 1940-1946|date=1947|publisher=U.S. GPO}}</ref> A criticism of the proposal was CBs would have a dual command; military control administrated by fleet [[line Officer]]s while construction operations would be administrated by [[Civil Engineer Corps]] officers.<ref name="intro"/> Additional criticisms were no provisions for the [[military organization]] or [[military training]] necessary to provide unit structure, [[Military discipline|discipline]], and [[esprit de corps]]. In December 1937, RADM. [[Ben Moreell]] became BuDocks Chief and the lead proponent of the CB proposal.<ref name="intro"/>

In 1941, the Navy and BuDocks decided to improve project oversight of civilian contractors by creating "Headquarters Construction Companies".<ref name="intro"/> These companies would have 2 officers and 99 enlisted, but would do no actual construction.<ref name="intro"/> On 31 October 1941, RADM. [[Chester Nimitz]], Chief of the [[Bureau of Navigation (United States Navy)|Bureau of Navigation]], authorized the formation of the 1st Headquarters Construction Company.<ref name="intro"/> Recruiting began in November while [[boot training]] began [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|7 December 1941]] at [[Naval Station Newport]].<ref name="intro"/> By 16 December, four additional companies had been authorized, but Pearl Harbor changed everything.<ref name="intro"/>

The Seabee [[skillset]] became multi-[[Faceted classification|faceted]] with all advanced [[military training]] being USMC instruction.  That training led to CBs being tasked as [[Pioneer (military)|USMC Pioneers]] (Shore party)<ref>[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shore%20party#:~:text=%3A%20a%20task%20organization%20formed%20to,gasoline%20drums%20on%20the%20beachhead shore party definition, Merriam Webster, 2023]</ref> in multiple [[Amphibious assault|landings]].  They added pontoon [[New product development|development]], [[Manufacturing|fabrication]], and combat utilization.<ref>Bridging the Gap from Ship to Shore, Frank A. Blazich Jr., Naval History Magazine Volume 35, Number 4, August 2021 [https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/august/bridging-gap-ship-shore]</ref> The military training added frontline combat with both the Marine Corps and the Army during WWII and the Marines and [[United States Army Special Forces|Army Special forces]] during [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]].  It also led to combat as [[machine gun]]ners on USN [[LCVP (United States)|LCVP]] and [[PT boats]] during WWII.  On the construction side of their toolbox the NCF CBs were formed with skilled [[tradesmen]] making the NCF competent in all types of vertical and horizontal civil construction as well as the associated [[Civil Engineering|engineering]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Challeen |first1=Steven G. |title=Construction management training the Navy Seabees |url=https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=20bbb9a9bed3db6b710cc06b80f4adf701e00289 |website=Calhoun: The NPS Institutional Archive |publisher=Dudley Knox Library at the Naval Postgraduate School |access-date=16 February 2025 |date=1992}}</ref> The newly formed Naval Construction Force (NCF) [[toolbox]] quickly focused on [[airfield]] and [[harbor]] [[construction]].  The toolbox was expanded to include [[underwater construction]], [[demolition]], as well as the related combat applications used by the Seabees that comprised the NCDU's and [[Underwater Demolition Teams|UDT]]s.  The toolbox was further expanded by the creation of [[Public works]] units to maintain the facilities they constructed.  In addition [[mosquito]]/[[malaria]] control was added to their Public works skillset.  The NCF added traditional [[ship salvage|fleet salvage]], [[ship repair|repair]], and maintenance as  needed.  [[Combat engineering]] was added to the toolbox when CBs were transferred to the Marine Corps as elements of USMC engineering regiments. War demands added [[stevedoring]] to the toolbox both in USMC [[amphibious landing|assault operations]] and at forward operating facilities.  [[Weapons development]] and [[Arms industry|manufacture]] were added by the [[United States Army|USA]] [[Chemical Warfare Service]].  [[Arctic|Polar]] [[petroleum exploration]] and construction were specialties that were also added. Postwar the [[National Science Foundation]] would take advantage of those skillsets.  Ingenuity and resourcefulness were tools they became famous for.<ref>Thinking Outside the Box: Ingenuity is Key to Seabees' Success, Steve Forbes, CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation, PO Box 657, Gulfport, MS [https://seabeehf.org/thinking-outside-the-box/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210182836/https://seabeehf.org/thinking-outside-the-box/ |date=10 February 2023 }}</ref><ref>Pontoons – Magic Boxes Nothing Short of a Miracle, CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation,  March 2016 [https://seabeehf.org/pontoons-magic-boxes-nothing-short-of-a-miracle/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210182836/https://seabeehf.org/pontoons-magic-boxes-nothing-short-of-a-miracle/ |date=10 February 2023 }}</ref>  Postwar assignments with the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] and [[United States Department of State|State Department]] added further to the toolbox in [[Electronic warfare|electronic]] fields related to [[national security]].

Their official [[motto]] is "We build, we fight." The NCF also adopted the motto "Can Do" as the force believed it could do anything it was tasked with.  The Seabees boasted of this by posting signs reading: "The difficult we Can Do now, The impossible takes a little longer".<ref>[https://archive.today/20140606081111/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/personnel/seabees/seabee1.html Seabees -- their simple motto tells the story: "We build, we fight".], U.S. Navy official website, accessed May 11, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://seabeemuseum.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/a-memorial-to-those-that-can-do/ A Memorial to those that "CAN DO!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103231425/https://seabeemuseum.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/a-memorial-to-those-that-can-do/ |date=3 January 2023 }}, By:  Julius Lacano, Historian, US Navy Seabee Museum.</ref>

== World War II ==
{{main|Seabees in World War II}}
[[File:Flag of the United States Navy (1864–1959).svg|thumb|right|The Naval Infantry Battalion Flag was mandated by Naval Regulation as the [[military colors]] for the Construction Battalions.<ref name="NTP-13">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/images/ntp13b.pdf|title=Flags, Pennants & Customs, NTP 13 (B), Naval Computer And Telecommunications Command, Washington, DC, section 17.11, p. 17-5|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>]]
[[File:Peary1943BayonetCrpd6996985447 054ffcd41d k.jpg|thumb|USMC-directed fixed bayonet drill at [[Camp Peary]] NTC, VA in 1943]]
On 28 December 1941, Adm. Moreell requested authority to commission three Naval Construction Battalions. His request was approved on 5 January 1942 by [[Admiral Nimitz]].<ref name=intro/> The 1st HQ Construction Company was used to commission the 1st Naval Construction Detachment, which was assigned to [[Operation Bobcat]].<ref name="Bases Op30 p 415">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Admin-Hist/021-AdvanceBases/AdvanceBases-4.html |chapter=Chapter IV: Bobcat |title=Dept. of the Navy Office of Naval Operations: The Logistics of [[US Naval Advance Bases|Advance Bases]]: The Base Maintenance Division Op30 (Op415) |publisher=U. S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |via=HyperWar |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> They were sent to [[Bora Bora]] and are known in Seabee history as "Bobcats".<ref name="Bases Op30 p 415"/>

Concurrently, the other requested companies had been approved. BuDocks took Companies 2 & 3 to form the 1st Naval Construction Battalion at Charleston, South Carolina. HQ Companies 4 & 5 were used for the 2nd CB.<ref name=intro/> All four companies deployed independently. CBs 3, 4, & 5 were deployed the same way.<ref name="Seabee Unit Histories">{{cite web |url=http://nmcb62alumni.org/pdf/SeabeeUnitsHistory.pdf |title=Seabee Unit Histories |website=The NMCB 62 "Minutemen" |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125024211/https://www.nmcb62alumni.org/pdf/SeabeeUnitsHistory.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> CB 6 was the first battalion to deploy as a Battalion.<ref name="Seabee Unit Histories" />

Before all this could happen, BuDocks had to address the dual command issue. [[United States Navy Regulations|Naval regs]] stated unit command was strictly limited to [[line officer]]s. BuDocks deemed it essential that CBs be commanded by [[Civil Engineer Corps|CEC]] officers trained in construction. The [[Bureau of Naval Personnel]] (BuPers) was strongly opposed. Adm. Moreell took the issue directly to the [[Secretary of the Navy]], [[Frank Knox]]. On 19 March 1942, Knox gave the CEC complete command of all NCF personnel. Almost 11,400 would become CEC during WWII with 7,960 doing CB service. Two weeks earlier, on 5 March all CB personnel were officially named "Seabees".

The first volunteers were tradesmen that received advanced rank for their trade skills. This resulted in the Seabees being the highest-paid group in uniform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge342/SeaBees-Revised.pdf |first=J. David |last=Rogers |title=U.S. Navy Seabees During World War II |website=[[Missouri University of Science and Technology]] |page=8 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> To recruit these men, age and physical standards were waived up to age 50. Until November 1942 the average Seabee was 37, even so, all received the same [[physical training]].<ref name="dailypress.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypress.com/features/history/dp-nws-evg-camp-peary-seabees-20171110-story.html|title=Training the Fighting Seabees of WWII at Camp Peary, Daily Press, E-newspaper 3 Dec 2017, Mark St. John Erickson, Newport News, VA.|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805112612/http://www.dailypress.com/features/history/dp-nws-evg-camp-peary-seabees-20171110-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December, [[Franklin D. Roosevelt|FDR]] ordered the [[Selective Service System]] to provide CB recruits. Enlistees could request CB service with a written statement certifying that they were trade qualified.<ref name="Bases.Ch6"/>{{rp|136}} This lasted until October 1943 when voluntary enlistment in the Seabees ceased until December 1944.<ref name="Bases.Ch6"/>{{rp|136}} By war's end, 258,872 officers and enlisted had served in the Seabees. They never reached the Navy's authorized quota of 321,056.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6oLtZBuRZH4C|title=The King Bee: A Biography of Admiral Ben Moreell|first=Olsen|last=Olsen|date=November 24, 2011|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=9781612511085 |accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref>

In 1942, initial CB boot was at [[Camp Allen]] in [[Norfolk, Virginia]], which moved to Camp Bradford, which moved to [[Camp Peary]] and finally moved to [[Camp Endicott]] in [[Quonset Point, Rhode Island]]. CBs 1–5 were sent directly overseas for urgent projects. CBs that followed were sent to [[US Naval Advance Bases|Advance Base Depots]] (ABDs) for deployment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kshs.org/index.php?url=archives/47223|title=129th Seabees collection - State Archives - Kansas Historical Society|website=www.kshs.org|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref> Camp Rousseau at Port Hueneme became operational first and was the ABD to the Pacific. The Davisville ABD became operational in June with NTC [[Camp Endicott]] commissioned that August.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Schroder|first1=Walter K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wFoJ2b0nTowC&q=seabees+The+Davisville+AND+became+operational+in+June+1942&pg=PA7|title=Davisville and the Seabees|last2=Emma|first2=Gloria A.|date=1999|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=9780738501062|language=en}}</ref> Other CB Camps were [[Camp Parks]], Livermore, Ca.,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i-smAQAAIAAJ&q=CB+Camps+were+Camp+Parks%2C+Livermore%2C+Ca+seabees&pg=RA6-PA46|title=Navy Civil Engineer|date=1962|publisher=NAVFAC Engineering Command|language=en}}</ref> and Camp Lee-Stephenson, Quoddy Village, [[Eastport, Maine]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Battalion, 30th|first=United States Navy Construction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ChtqwRfiKvEC&q=Camp+Lee-Stephenson%2C+Quoddy+Village%2C+Eastport%2C+Maine.&pg=PA261|title=The 30th Log, 1942-1944|date=1945|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum|language=en}}</ref> and Camp Holliday, [[Gulfport, Mississippi]].

CBs sent to the Pacific were attached to one of the four Amphibious Corps: I, III, and V were USMC. The [[VII Amphibious Force]] was under General [[Douglas MacArthur]], [[Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers|Supreme Commander]]. MacArthur said the only problem he had with the Seabees was that he didn't have enough of them.

'''Advance Bases'''

The Office of Naval Operations created a code identifying Advance Base (AB)<ref name="AdvanceBases-6">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Admin-Hist/021-AdvanceBases/AdvanceBases-6.html |chapter=Chapter VI: AB Units – Lions, Cubs, Acorns |title=Dept. of the Navy Office of Naval Operations: The Logistics of ABs: The Base Maintenance Div. Op30 (Op415) |publisher=U. S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |via=HyperWar |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> construction as a numbered metaphor for the size/type of base. That code was also used to identify the "unit" that would be the administration for that base.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zaEWw_itW80C&pg=PA120|chapter=Chapter XXVI: Bases in the Southwest Pacific |title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=I |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |page=120 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> These were Lion, Cub, Oak and Acorn with a Lion being a main Fleet Base (numbered 1–6).<ref>{{cite book |last=Rottman |first=Gordon L. |title=World War II Pacific Island Guide: A Geo-military Study |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ChyilRml0hcC&pg=PA78|date=2002 |location=[[Westport, CT]] |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |page=78 |isbn=9780313313950 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Cubs were Secondary Fleet Bases 1/4 the size of a Lion (numbered 1–12).<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cI7rEUDQ6lEC&pg=PA264|title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=II |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |page=264 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Oak and Acorn were the names given air installations, new or captured (airfield or airstrip).<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-5.html |chapter=Chapter V: Procurement and Logistics for ABs |title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=I |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |via=HyperWar |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Cubs quickly gained status. The speed with which the Seabees could make one operational led the Marines to consider them a [[Military tactics|tactical]] component. Camp Bedilion shared a common fence-line with Camp Rousseau at Port Hueneme and was home to the Acorn Assembly and Training Detachment (AATD)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.militarymuseum.org/CBCPtHueneme.html|title=Historic California Posts: Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme|website=www.militarymuseum.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> As the war progressed, BuDocks realized that logistics required that Advance Base Construction Depots (ABCDs) be built and CBs built seven.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zaEWw_itW80C&pg=PA120|title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=I |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |page=130 |date=1947 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> When the code was first created, BuDocks foresaw two CBs constructing a Lion. By 1944 an entire Regiment was being used. The [[invasion of Okinawa]] took four Construction Brigades of 55,000 men. The Seabees built the infrastructure needed to take the war to Japan. By war's end CBs had, served on six continents, constructed over 300 bases on as many islands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/navydata/personnel/seabees/seabee1.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140606081111/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/personnel/seabees/seabee1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2014|title=Seabees, U.S. Navy Official website, 12 August 2009|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> They built everything: airfields, airstrips, [[pier]]s, [[wharves]], [[breakwaters]], [[PT boat|PT]] & [[seaplane]] bases, bridges, roads, com-centers, fuel farms, hospitals, barracks and anything else.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-25.html |chapter=Chapter XXV: Campaign in the Solomons |title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=II |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |via=HyperWar |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>

In the Atlantic the Seabees biggest job was the preparations for the [[Normandy landing]]. After which CBMUs 627, 628, and 629 were tasked to facilitate the crossing of the [[Rhine]]. For CBMU 629 it was front-line work.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/b/building-the-navys-bases/building-the-navys-bases-vol-2.html|title=Building the Navy's Bases, vol. 2 (part III)|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The Pacific is where 80% of the NCF deployed.

===African American Service: the Seabee stevedores===
[[File:"Group of CBs acting as stretcher bearers for the 7th Marines. Peleliu.", 09-1944 - NARA - 532537.jpg|thumb|"17th Special" Seabees with the 7th Marines on Peleliu made national news in an official U.S. Navy press release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_peleliu|title=Antill, Peter (2003), Peleliu, battle for (Operation Stalemate II) – The Pacific War's Forgotten Battle, September–November 1944, "Hitting the Beach 3rd paragraph"|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> NARA-532537]]
[[File:Lt Cmdr. Edward Swain Hope CEC.jpg|thumb|[[MIT]] grad Lt Cmdr. [[Edward S. Hope]] CEC was the most senior African American officer in the United States Navy during WWII.]]
In February 1942 [[Chief of Naval Operations|CNO]] Admiral [[Harold Rainsford Stark]] recommended African Americans for ratings in the construction trades. In April the Navy announced it would enlist African Americans in the Seabees. Even so, there were just two CBs that were "[[colored]]" units, the 34th and 80th.<ref name="AACB"/> Both had white Southern officers and black enlisted. Both battalions experienced problems with that arrangement that led to the replacement of the officers. The men of the 34th went on a hunger strike which made national news. The Commander of the 80th had 19 enlisted dishonorably discharged for sedition. The [[NAACP]] and [[Thurgood Marshall]] got 14 of those reversed.

In early 1943 the Navy commissioned its first African American officers.<ref name="Hope">{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/civil-engineer-corps-history/lcdr-edward-s--hope.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507002604/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/civil-engineer-corps-history/lcdr-edward-s--hope.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2017|title=LCDR Edward S. Hope|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The first to enter the Seabees officer corps was [[MIT]] graduate [[Edward S. Hope]].<ref name="Hope"/> In May 1943 he completed CEC training at Camp Endicott and was posted as the Public Works officer at Manana barracks Hawaii Territory.<ref name="Hope"/> That same year, the Navy drew up a proposal to raise the number of colored CBs to 5 and require that all non-rated men in the next 24 CBs be colored. The proposal was approved, but not acted on.

The lack of stevedores in combat zones was a huge issue for the Navy. Authorization for the formation of cargo handling CBs or "Special CBs" happened mid-September 1942.<ref name="CBHistory">[http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dod live.mil/326-2/ This week in Seabee History, Sept 17–23, Seabee Online Magazine, NAVFAC Engineering Command, Wash. Navy Yard, DC.]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> By wars end 41 Special CBs had been commissioned of which 15 were "colored". Neither the Navy or NCF used that label, the units were simply segregated in the men assigned to them. The Special CBs were the first fully integrated units in the U.S. Navy.<ref name="AACB">{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/06/building-for-a-nation-and-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/|title=Building for a Nation and Equality: African American Seabees in World War II|first=Seabee|last=Magazine|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510055729/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/06/building-for-a-nation-and-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/|url-status=dead}}</ref> V-J Day brought the decommissioning of all of them. The Special CBs were forerunners of today's [[Navy Cargo Handling Battalion]]s of the [[Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (United States)]]. The arrival of 15 African American Special CBs in Pearl Harbor made segregation an issue for the [[14th Naval District]].<ref name="CCB">[https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/files/2018/11/Quonset-Hut-33-Naval-Aviation.pdf Historical Content Significance, Naval Aviation Supply Depot Hut 33 at Waiawa Gulch, Peral City, U.S. Dept of Interior, Nat. Park Service, p. 10 ]</ref> For a protracted period the men lived in tents, but the disparity of treatment was obvious even to the Navy.<ref name="CCB"/> The 14th Naval District Command felt they deserved proper shelter with at least separate but equal barracks.<ref name="CCB"/> Manana Barracks and Waiawa Gulch became the United States' largest "colored" installation with over 4,000 Seabee stevedores barracked there.<ref name="CCB"/> It was the site of racial strife to the point that the camp was fenced in and placed under armed guard.<ref name="CCB"/> The Seabees were trucked to and from the docks in cattle trucks.<ref name="CCB"/> Two naval supply depots were located at Waiawa Gulch. At wars end 12,500 African Americans would serve in the Construction Battalions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/04/building-for-a-nation-and-for-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/#:~:text=Over%2012%2C500%20African%20Americans%20served,a%20group%20largely%20forgotten%20today|title=Building for a Nation and for Equality: African American Seabees in WWII, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Naval History and Heritage Command, Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., March 4, 2014|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501025525/https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/04/building-for-a-nation-and-for-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/#:~:text=Over%2012%2C500%20African%20Americans%20served,a%20group%20largely%20forgotten%20today|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The 17th Special CB was one of the segregated Specials and was at [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu]] in September 1944. The unit is not listed in the USMC order of battle at [[Battle of Peleliu|Peleliu]] despite being attached to the 1st Marine Pioneers. On D-day, the [[7th Marines]] had a situation where they did not have the men to man the [[front line|lines]] and [[Medical evacuation|get the wounded to safety]]. Coming to their aid were the 2 companies of the 16th Marine Field Depot (segregated) and the 17th Special CB. The Japanese mounted a [[Banzai charge|banzai]] [[counter-attack]] at 0200 hours that night. By the time it was over, nearly the entire 17th had volunteered to carry [[ammunition]] to the [[front lines]] on the [[stretchers]] they brought the wounded back on. They filled the line where the wounded had been, manned [[37 mm gun M3|37mm guns]] that had lost crews and volunteered for anything the Marines needed. The 17th remained with the 7th Marines until the [[Flanking maneuver|right flank]] had been secured D+3.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/specials-cruisebooks/17%20Special.pdf |title=17th Special NCB cruisebook |website=NHHC |pages=29, 30 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldwar2database.com/gallery/wwii1431 |title=Seabees of 17th Special Naval Construction Battalion wait to assist wounded of 7th Marines |website=World War II Database |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815100834/http://worldwar2database.com/gallery/wwii1431 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldwar2database.com/gallery/wwii1429 |title=African-American Marines of 16th Field Depot Rest on Peleliu |website=World War II Database |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315222635/http://worldwar2database.com/gallery/wwii1429 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://historicperiodicals.princeton.edu/historic/cgi-bin/historic?a=d&d=MarineCorpsChevron19441202-01.2.34&e=-------en-20--1--txt-IN-----|title=Marine Corps Chevron 2 December 1944 — Historical Periodicals|website=historicperiodicals.princeton.edu|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>Peleliu, 33rd Seabee Cruise-book, p.23, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA. 2024 [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/ncb-cruisebooks/33rd%20NCB%2C%201943-1945.pdf]</ref> There is nothing comparable in USMC history. According to the Military History Encyclopedia on the Web, "were it not for the Black Marine shore party---the (banzai) on the 7th Marines would not have been repulsed".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_peleliu.html|title=Peleliu, battle for (Operation Stalemate II) - The Pacific War's Forgotten Battle, September-November 1944|website=www.historyofwar.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>  The 17th had five men killed in action and 28 Purple Hearts awarded by Vice Admiral J.H. Hoover and Brig. General H.D. Campbell USMC. 
* On Peleliu, shore party detachments from the 33rd and 73rd CBs received Presidential Unit Citations as did the primary shore party (1st Marine Pioneers).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/n/navy-mc-awards-manual-rev1953/pt2-unit-awards.html|title=Pt. 2 - Unit Awards|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The Commander of the 17th Special CB received the same commendatory letter as the Company Commanders of the 7th Marine Ammunition Co. and the 11th Marine Depot Co. Before the battle was even over, [[William H. Rupertus|Maj. Gen. Rupertus, USMC]] wrote to each: {{blockquote|text="The [[Negro|negro race]] can well be proud of the work performed [by the 11th Marine Depot Co./ 7th Marine Ammunition Co./ 17th Special CB]. The wholehearted co-operation and untiring efforts which demonstrated in every respect that they appreciated the privilege of wearing a Marine uniform and serving with the marines in combat. Please convey to your command these sentiments and inform them that in the eyes of the entire division they have earned a 'well done'."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/npswapa/extcontent/usmc/pcn-190-003132-00/sec10.htm|title=The Right to Fight: African-American Marines in World War II (Peleliu and Iwo Jima)|website=www.nps.gov|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arI0HSFXwLkC&dq=commendation+letter+16th+Marine+Field+Depot+on+Peleliu&pg=PA480|title=African Americans at War: An Encyclopedia|first=Jonathan|last=Sutherland|date=May 11, 2004|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9781576077467 |accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref> The Department of the Navy made an official press release 28 November 1944 of the 17th CB's copy of this letter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/specials-cruisebooks/17%20Special.pdf |title=17th Special NCB cruisebook |website=NHHC |page=29 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>}}
* African American Seabees<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/04/building-for-a-nation-and-for-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/|title=The Sextant, Building for a Nation and for Equality: African American Seabees in World War II – 4 March 2014, Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=6 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035342/http://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/03/04/building-for-a-nation-and-for-equality-african-american-seabees-in-world-war-ii/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemuseum.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/breaking-down-barriers-the-34th-naval-construction-battalion/|title=Breaking Down Barriers: The 34th Naval Construction Battalion|date=February 7, 2018|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>

===Seabee North Slope Oil Exploration 1944===
[[File:Winterized wildcat Seabee 1 in NPR 4,at Umiat, Alaska.jpg|thumb|Winterized [[Wildcat well|wildcat]] Seabee#1 at Umiat]]

Construction Battalion Detachment (CBD) 1058 was formed from "screening Camp Peary and the NCF for [[geologist]]s, [[petroleum engineer]]s, [[driller (oil)|oil drillers]], [[tool pusher]]s, [[roustabout]]s and [[roughneck]]s" and later designated 1058.<ref name="NPR4">[https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0301/report.pdf Exploration of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 and Adjacent Areas Northern Alaska, 1944–53 Part 1, History of the Exploration By John C. Reed, CDR, USNR, Geological Survey Professional Paper 301 Prepared and published at the request of and in cooperation with the U. S. Dept. of the Navy, Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves, US GPO, Washington: 1958, pp. 4, 23]</ref><ref name="CBD1058">{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/cbd-cruisebooks/1058%20%20CBD.pdf| title = ComIcePac, CBD 1058, 1945, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA}}</ref> Additional personnel were chosen for their [[arctic]] experience with CBs 12 and 66.<ref name="NPR4"/> They mustered at Camp Lee Stephenson for Operation Pet 4. Congress put $1,000,000 aside to wildcat for oil in U.S. Navy Petroleum Reserve No. 4 (NPR-4) in 1944. NPR-4 had been created and placed in the [[Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves|oil reserve]] in 1923.<ref name="NPR4"/> Today NPR-4 is the [[National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska]]. The detachment's mission was:
* Do a detailed geologic study at Umiat and [[Smith Bay|Cape Simpson]]
* Drill test and core holes
* Drill a deep well
* Do complete aerial and overland [[Pipeline transport|pipeline]] surveys for NPR 4.<ref name="NPR4"/>
* Build a base camp with a runway at Point Barrow
* Build field camp runways at Umiat and [[Bettles, Alaska|Bettles]]

On July 19 the [[USS Spica|USS ''Spica'']] headed north with the [[List of Liberty ships (Je–L)|SS ''Jonathan Harrington'']] for [[Point Barrow]] and [[Cape Simpson]]. The det's base camp was constructed at [[Point Barrow]]. Four [[Caterpillar D8|D-8]]s with twenty sleds of supplies were prepped for the 330-mile trek to Umiat once the [[tundra]] had frozen.<ref name="Kiska">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-23.html|title=HyperWar: Building the Navy's Bases in World War II [Chapter 23]|website=www.ibiblio.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The first tractor train delivered supplies, the second, heavy well equipment.<ref name="Kiska"/> The D8s would make eight trips total. When summer arrived a wildcat was drilled to 1,816' before the cold shut down operations. The hole was designated [[Oil wells#By purpose|Seabee#1]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://certmapper.cr.usgs.gov/data/pubarchives/of00-200/WELLS/SEABEE1/SE1DOC.HTM|title=Dept. of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Selected Data from Fourteen Wildcat Wells in the NPR in Alaska, USGS Open File Report 00-200, Wildcat Well Seabee 1, Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Central Region Energy Resources Team, Denver, CO|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211005952/https://certmapper.cr.usgs.gov/data/PubArchives/OF00-200/WELLS/SEABEE1/SE1DOC.HTM|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was near four known [[petroleum seep|seeps]] at [[Umiat]] in the very south-east of NPR 4.<ref name="NPR4"/><ref name="Kiska"/> The rock strata there was from the [[Upper Cretaceous]] and a [[stratum]] of it was named the "Seabee Formation".<ref name="Geolog">[https://dggs.alaska.gov/webpubs/dggs/pir/text/pir2008_001.pdf Div. of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Preliminary Interpretive Report 2008-1, Preliminary Results Of Recent Geologic Field Investigations in the Brooks Range Foothills and North Slope, Alaska by Marwan A. Wartes and Paul L. Decker, March 2008, Released by State of Alaska, Dept. of Natural Resources, Div. of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, AK.]</ref> On the coast the Seabees drilled test holes at Cape Simpson and Point Barrow.<ref>[https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0301/report.pdf Exploration of the Petroleum Reserve No. 4 and Adjacent Areas, Northern Alaska 1944–53, Part 1, History of the Exploration, John C. Reed, Cdr, CEC, Geological Survey Professional Paper 301, U.S. Gov. Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1958, pp. 21–46 ]</ref> Once the runways were completed additional supplies were flown in. In March 1946 civilians took over the project. Some Seabees of CBD 1058 were hired immediately upon discharge to continue doing the work they had been doing"<ref name="Geolog"/> The Navy applied the cold weather experience from CBD 1058 for [[Operation Highjump]] and [[Operation Deep Freeze]]. Seabee #1 remains a [[USGS]] monitor well today.<ref>[https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/PublicRoom_Alaska_Legacy_Wells_Summary_Report_2004.pdf Alaska Legacy Wells Summary Report:NPR Alaska, Rob Brumbaugh, Stan Porhola, BLM/AK/ST-05/004+2360+941, November 2004, U.S. Dept. of Interior Bureau of Land Management ]</ref>

'''Land surveys'''

Twice the Seabees have been tasked with large-scale land surveys. The first was done by CBD 1058 for a proposed NPR 4 pipeline route to Fairbanks. The [[Trans-Alaska Pipeline System|Trans-Alaskan pipeline]] follows a portion of their survey from roughly the [[Arctic Circle]] to Fairbanks. The second would be done by a Seabee team from MCB 10. They went to Vietnam in 1956 to survey and map the existing [[road network]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Koejt5WIaFAC&dq=Seabee+team+1956+survey+of+Vietnam+roads&pg=PA16|title=Southeast Asia: Building the Bases: The History of Construction in Southeast Asia|first=Richard|last=Tregaskis|date=May 11, 1975|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum|accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref> That survey was extensively used during the [[Vietnam War]].

'''Malaria and Epidemic Control Group'''

[[Bureau of Medicine and Surgery|Navy Medicine]] created the Malaria and Epidemic Control Group to deal with insect-borne diseases. Between August 1942, and February 1943, American troops in the Pacific averaged 10 [[malaria]] cases for every combat injury. Seabees oiled, drained and sprayed mosquito breeding areas and inspected and fumigated ships and aircraft transiting malaria-infested areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmrc/Pages/NMRD.aspx|title=News Releases, R & D Chronicles - The Mosquito Fighters, Part VIII: Malaria Control in the Pacific War, BUMED, Naval Medical Research and Development Enterprise Laboratories, André B. Sobocinski Released: 11/18/2016|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118005725/https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmrc/Pages/NMRD.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was an important task that absolutely needed to be done in order for the United States to field an effective combat force. On Guadalcanal the 63rd CB had malaria control as its primary task.<ref>[https://archive.today/20121212033725/http://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwii/Malaria/chapterVIII.htm Malaria Control, Chapt. 8, Office of Medical History, U.S.Army Medical Department, P.A. Harper MD, W.C. Downs MD, P.W. Downs MD, N.D. Levine MD.]</ref> At Gulfport a school was established to train Battalions for the Malaria and Epidemic Control Group.

== World War II Seabees outside the NCF ==
[[File:53rd NCB.jpg|thumb|53rd Construction Battalion sign]]
[[File:19th NCB.jpg|thumb|upright|19th CB Plaque produced while designated 3rd Battalion 17th Marines]]
[[File:Seabee Logo Figure.jpg|upright|thumb|CB insignia worn on USMC issue garrison cap.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=885203|title=Photo of a vet wearing CB insignia on USMC issue, U.S. Militaria Forum webpage|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref><ref name="USMC-CB"/>]]
[[File:Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.svg|upright|thumb|[[Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia]] for Seabees and Corpsmen.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter5/Pages/5301.aspx |chapter=Chap. 5: Identification Badges/Awards/Insignia: #5319: Miscellaneous Devices |title=USN Uniform Regulations |publisher=NAVPERS |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>]]
During World War II Seabees were tasked outside the NCF in the USMC, NCDUs, and UDTs.

===Marine Corps===
USMC historian Gordon L. Rottman wrote "that one of the biggest contributions the Navy made to the Marine Corps during WWII was the creation of the Seabees".<ref>{{cite book |title=USMC WWII Order of Battle: Ground & Air units in the Pacific War, 1939–1945 |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |location=Westport, CT |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2002 |page=31}}</ref> In exchange, the Corps would be influential upon the CB organization and its history. After the experience of [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal]] the [[United States Department of War|Department of War]] decided that the Marines and Seabees would make all subsequent landings together.<ref name="WHNW">{{Cite web|url=https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2020/01/04/the-u-s-navys-seabees-bulldozing-a-road-to-victory/|title=The U.S. Navy's Seabees: Bulldozing a Road to Victory|date=January 4, 2020|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> That arrangement led to numerous Seabee claims that they had landed first, even leaving signs on the beach asking the Marines "What took you so long?"<ref name="WHNW"/> The Seabees in the UDTs made an effort of this<ref name="WHNW"/> of which their mates in the CBs approved.

When the first three CBs were formed the Seabees did not have a base of their own. Upon leaving [[Recruit training|boot]] the recruits were sent to [[National Youth Administration]] camps in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia to receive military training from the Marine Corps.<ref name="Bases.Ch6"/>{{rp|138}} The Marine Corps listed CBs on their [[Table of organization]]: "D-Series Division" for 1942,<ref>Rottman (2002), Fig. 4.2.</ref> "E-Series Division" for 1943,<ref>Rottman (2002), Fig. 4.3.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K2KHCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT55|title=US Marine Corps Pacific Theater of Operations 1943–44|first=Gordon L.|last=Rottman|date=February 20, 2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9781472801579 |accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref> and "Amphibious Corps" for 1944–45.<ref>Rottman (2002) Fig. 4.2.1</ref>

When CBs were created the Marine Corps wanted one for each of the three Marine Divisions, but were told no because of war priorities. Even so, early Seabee units were connected with Marine Corps ops. The 1st Naval Construction Detachment (Bobcats)<ref name="Bases Op30 p 415"/> together with and A Co CB 3 was transferred to the Marines and redesignated 3rd Battalion [[22nd Marines]].<ref name="history.navy.mil">{{cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Online%20Reading%20Room/Seabee%20FAQs/SeaBees%20and%20the%20US%20Marine%20Corps%20II.pdf |title=The Beginning of Seabees and the US Marine Corps: We Remember |website=Seabee Museum Archives |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> The Bobcats had deployed without receiving advanced military training. The 22nd Marines took care of that.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-24.html|title=HyperWar: Building the Navy's Bases in World War II [Chapter 24]|website=www.ibiblio.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The 4th Construction Detachment was attached to the 5th Marine Defense Battalion for two years.<ref name="Seabee Unit Histories"/>

By autumn, the 18th, 19th and 25th CBs<ref>{{cite web |url=http://carol_fus.tripod.com/navy_hero_25th_ncb.html |first=John J. |last=Ratomski |title=The 25th NCB |website=WWII Stories in Their Own Words |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> had been transferred to the Corps as combat engineers.<ref name=Rottman>Rottman (2002), pp. 218–220.</ref> Each was attached to a composite engineer regiment,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eCwVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA13|title=Battle Orders: USMC Pacific Theater of Operations 1943–44 |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2004 |page=13 |isbn=9781472802217 }}</ref> redesignated as 3rd Battalion:<ref name=Rottman /> [[17th Marine Regiment]], [[18th Marine Regiment]], [[19th Marine Regiment]], and [[20th Marine Regiment]]. The 18th and 19th CBs each claim to have been the first CBs authorized to wear standard USMC issue.<ref name="USMC-CB">{{Cite web|url=http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=1196923|title=Photo of: Marine with early Seabee insignia WWII, U.S. Militaria Forum|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403215843/http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=1196923|url-status=dead}}</ref> Both received their military training and USMC [[duffle bag]] at MTC [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune|New River, NC]]. There is no record of how many CBs received USMC issue. It is known that the 31st, 43rd,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seabee-rvn.com/They-Served-Before-Us-WWII/World-War-II-1/i-47gtcBp/A |title=43rd Seabees Wearing USMC Uniforms – Maui, Hawaii |website=seabee-rvn.com |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> 76th,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angelfire.com/md2/patches/uniform/ww2unifcb.html |title=Navy Seabees in Marine Corps Service Uniform |website=Uniforms of WWII |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> 121st and 133rd CBs received partial or complete issues.<ref name="121stNCB">{{cite web |url=http://carol_fus.tripod.com/navy_hero_121st_ncb.html |first=John J. |last=Ratomski |title=121st NCB |website=WWII Stories in Their Own Words |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> On 15 January 1944 the 142nd CB was commissioned at New River,Camp Lejeune. On 2 February that Battalion arrived at Camp Pendelton for further training, mounting out 19 April.

After Guadalcanal amphibious operations became joint USMC/Seabee pairings. The 6th CB joined the [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]] after combat had started on Guadalcanal. The 18th CB was sent to join them from [[Fleet Marine Force]] depot Norfolk.<ref name="seabees93.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.seabees93.net/GI%20Naval%20Construction%20Battalions.htm|title=Seabee Battalion List|website=seabees93.net| access-date=18 October 2007}}</ref> Many more would follow. The 6th Special CB was tasked to the 4th Marines Depot in the [[Russell Islands|Russells]].<ref name="Seabee Unit Histories"/> November saw the 14th CB tasked to the 2nd Raider Bn on Guadalcanal. In June, the 24th CB had been tasked to the 9th Marine Defense Bn on [[Rendova]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.npshistory.com/publications/wapa/npswapa/extContent/usmc/pcn-190-003121-00/sec2.htm/parkhistory/online_books/npswapa/extcontent/usmc/pcn-190-003121-00/sec2.htm |first=Charles D. |last=Melson |series=Marines in World War II Commemorative Series |title=Up The Slot: Marines in the Central Solomons |chapter=The Munda Drive and the Fighting 9th |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |date=2013 |access-date=18 October 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The 33rd and 73rd CBs had dets tasked to the 1st Pioneers as shore party on [[Peleliu]]<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://www.thomas5.com/tribute/Vets10.html |title=Peleliu Shore Party |first=John J.|last=Ratomski |website=Tribute to Michael A. Lazaro and all other Peleliu Veterans |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> as was the 17th Special CB [[colored]]. At Enogi Inlet on [[Munda, Solomon Islands|Munda]], a 47th det was shore party to the 1st and 4th [[Marine Raiders]].<ref name="history.navy.mil"/> The 3rd Marine Div. made the Commander of the 71st CB shore party commander on Bougainville. His 71st had support from the 25th, 53rd, and 75th CBs.<ref name="71USNCB">{{cite book |title=71st U.S. NCB |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AVZ2Wq35HQwC&pg=PT103|publisher=Seabee Museum |page=14}}</ref> At [[Cape Torokina]] the 75th had 100 men volunteer to make the assault of the 3rd Marines.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://ww2f.com/threads/seabees.4526/ |title=Seabees! |website=WWII Forums |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Also at Bougainville, the 53rd provided shore parties to the 2nd Raiders on green beach and the 3rd Raiders on [[Cape Torokina|Puruata Island]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/forumnew/index.php|title=Forums|website=www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The 121st was formed at the CB Training Center of MTC Camp Lejuene as 3rd Bn 20th Marines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.witnesstowar.org/detail_photos/20 |title=WWII Seabees photos |website=Witness to War |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> They would be shore party to the 23rd Marines on Roi-Namur, Saipan, and Tinian.

When the Marine Engineer Regiments were inactivated in 1944, CBs were then tasked to Marine Divisions. For [[Iwo Jima]], the 31st and 133rd were attached to the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions. The 133rd was shore party to the [[23rd Marines]].<ref name="4thMarDiv">{{cite web |url=http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll8/id/1191 |title=4th Marine Div. Ops Report, Iwo Jima, 19 Feb. to 16 Mar., 1945 |website=Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library |access-date=18 October 2017}} PDFs 6 and 7, Appendix 1 Annex Dog (Shore Party Log D-Day–D+18)</ref> while the 31st CB was in the 5th Shore Party Regiment. The 31st demolitionsmen attached directly to the Division.<ref>Annex Uncle, 5th Marine Div. Operations Report, April 1945, NARA, College Park, Md.</ref><ref name="5th">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/fifthmarinedivis00chap|title=The Fifth Marine Division in World War II|first=John C.|last=Chapin|date=May 11, 1945|publisher=[Washington?] : Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps|accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> The 8th Marine Field Depot was the shore party command eschelon for Iwo Jima. They requested 26 heavy equipment operators and received volunteers from CB 8.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/ncb-cruisebooks/8TH%20NCB%201943-1943.pdf 8th NCB cruise book, 1946, Seabee Museum Archive, Port Hueneme, CA. p. 83/142 ]</ref> Okinawa saw the 58th, 71st, 130th, and 145th CBs detached from the Navy and tasked to the Marine Corps 6th, 2nd, and 1st Marine Divisions respectively.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/NCB/058%20NCB.pdf 58th CB History file, Seabee Museum Archives webpage, Prot Hueneme, CA., Jan 15, 2015 ]</ref>

From Iwo Jima the 5th Marine Div. returned to [[Camp Tarawa]] to have the 116th CB attached.<ref name="5th"/> When Japan fell the 116th CB was part of the occupation force. [[V-J day]] left thousands of Japanese troops in China and the III Marine Amphibious Corps was sent there to get them home. The 33rd NCR was assigned to III Marine Amphib. Corps for this mission.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cI7rEUDQ6lEC&pg=PA470|title=Building the Navy's Bases in WWII: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=II |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |page=470 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>

CBs were also tasked individually to the three USMC Amphibious Corps. The 19th CB started out with the [[I Marine Amphibious Corps|I MAC]]<ref name="seabees93.net"/> prior to joining the 17th Marines. The 53rd CB was attached to I MAC as Naval Construction Battalion I M.A.C. When I MAC was redesignated [[III Amphibious Corps]] the battalion became an element of the [[1st Provisional Marine Brigade]].<ref>{{cite book |title=53rd Naval Construction Battalion: the Marine Seabee 1st M.A.C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nkm07Z0YhUsC&pg=PA49|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum |pages=14 & 106}}</ref> For Guam, III Amphibious Corps had the 2nd Special CB, 25th, and 53rd CBs. The CO 25 CB was shore party commander for the 3rd Marines on beaches Red 1 and Red 2. The 3rd Marines would award 25's shore party 17 bronze stars.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/ncb-cruisebooks/25%20NCB%201942-45.pdf 25th NCB cruisebook, p. 97]</ref> [[V Amphibious Corps]] (VAC) had the 23rd Special and 62nd CBs on Iwo Jima. On Tinian the 6th Construction Brigade was attached to V Amphibious Corps.<ref name="Picssr">{{cite web |url=http://picssr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/page52?nsid=60248384@N05 |title=USN Seabee Museum Archives |website=Picssr |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=25 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325065014/http://picssr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/page52?nsid=60248384@N05 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Two sections of CBMU 515 saw combat with the 22nd Marines on Guam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-28.html|title=HyperWar: Building the Navy's Bases in World War II [Chapter 28]|website=www.ibiblio.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>
* When the decision was made to construct Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton in 1942, BuDocks issued the main contracts to civilian contractors. However, the base project was so large that some smaller contracts were awarded to the Seabees, one of which was a Quonsent Camp for USMC instruction of Naval Construction Battalions in area 25(Vado del Rio).<ref name="MCBCP"/> Seabees were also involved in the construction of Camp Del Mar in area 21 and erected a temporary construction camp close by while they were assigned.<ref name="MCBCP">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mciwest.marines.mil/Portals/62/Docs/Government%20Affairs/INSTALLATION%20HISTORIES%20-%20MCIW.pdf|title=1st Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Installations-West, Installation Histories, USMC Official website p.2, 4|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929010357/https://www.mciwest.marines.mil/Portals/62/Docs/Government%20Affairs/INSTALLATION%20HISTORIES%20-%20MCIW.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

When the war ended the Seabees had a unique interservice standing with the U.S. Marine Corps.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Can Do! |first=Charles |last=Kester |magazine=Leatherneck |date=January 1963 |page=30 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hbfvAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA30|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Seabee historian [[William Bradford Huie]] wrote "that the two have a camaraderie unknown else-wheres in the U.S. military".<ref>{{cite book |title=Third Marine Division's Two Score and Ten History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AZP9T9wr690C&pg=PA162|author=Third Marine Div. Assoc. |date=1992 |publisher=Turner Pub. Comp.|page=162 |isbn = 9781563110894|access-date=18 October 2017 }}</ref> Even though they are "Navy" the Seabees adopted USMC fatigues with a Seabee insignia in place of the EGA. At least 10 CB units incorporated USMC insignia into theirs. Admiral Moreell wrote, tongue in cheek, that the Marines were the best fighting men in the Pacific, but one had to serve 90 days with the Seabees to qualify to as a "Junior Bee".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GWlrJTKd5lAC&dq=The+navy+civil+engineer%2C+September+1963&pg=RA11-PA28|title=Navy Civil Engineer|date=May 11, 1963|publisher=Naval Facilities Engineering Command|accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref>

===Naval Combat Demolition Units===
[[File:Naval Combat Demolition Unit 45.jpg|thumb|"NCDU 45", Ensign Karnowski (CEC), ChCarp. Conrad C. Millis, MMCB2 Lester Meyers and three gunners mates. The unit received a Presidential Unit Citation with Ens. Karnowski earning the [[Navy Cross]] & French [[Croix de Guerre]] with Palm, while MM2 Meyers received a [[Silver Star]].<ref name="KarnowskiNCDU-45">{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/06/06/opening-omaha-beach-ensign-karnowski-and-ncdu-45/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=Opening Omaha Beach: Ensign Karnowski and NCDU-45 |date=6 June 2014 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=Navy Facilities Engineering Command |location=Washington Navy Yard, DC |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=3 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903115317/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/06/06/opening-omaha-beach-ensign-karnowski-and-ncdu-45/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two men were wounded and one killed.]]

In early May 1943, a two-phase "Naval Demolition Project" was ordered by the [[Chief of Naval Operations]] "to meet a present and urgent requirement" for the [[invasion of Sicily]]. Phase-1 began at Amphibious Training Base (ATB) [[Solomons, Maryland]] with the creation of Operational Naval Demolition Unit # 1. Six Officers led by Lt. Fred Wise CEC and eighteen enlisted reported from Camp Peary dynamiting and demolition school.<ref name="seabeemagazine.may14">{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/05/12/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-may-14/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of May 14) |date=12 May 2017 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=Navy Facilities Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=5 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805062249/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/05/12/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-may-14/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Seabees called them "Demolitioneers".<ref name="specwarnet.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.specwarnet.net/americas/NCDU.htm |title=Naval Combat Demolitions Units |website=SpecWarNet.net |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
[[Naval Combat Demolition Units]] (NCDUs) consisted of one junior CEC officer,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navysealmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/6B94AEB7-9A2E-4CED-8EA7-546476702240|title=1988.0022.23 - B&W photo of Navy officers &#124; UDT-SEAL Museum Association|website=navysealmuseum.pastperfectonline.com|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> five enlisted, and were numbered 1–216.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/06/03/this-week-in-seabee-history-june-3-june-9/|title=This Week in Seabee History: 3–9 June, Official Online Magazine of the U.S. Navy Seabees, Naval Facilities Engineering Command.|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016081358/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/06/03/this-week-in-seabee-history-june-3-june-9/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After that first group had been trained, Lt. Commander [[Draper Kauffman]] was selected to command the program. It had been set up in Camp Peary's "Area E"(explosives) at the dynamiting and demolition school. Between May and mid-July, the first six NCDU classes graduated at Camp Peary. While the program was at Camp Peary the men were given head-of-the-line privileges at the mess hall. The program was moved to [[Fort Pierce]] where the first class began mid-July.<ref name="specwarnet.net"/> Despite the move, Camp Peary remained Kauffman's primary recruit center. "He would go back to the dynamite school, assemble the (Seabees) in the auditorium and say, ''"I need volunteers for hazardous, prolonged and distant duty."''<ref name="dailypress.com"/> Fort Pierce had two CB units assigned, CBD 1011 and CBMU 570. They were tasked with the construction and maintenance of obstacles needed for demolition training.

The [[invasion of Normandy]] had 34 NCDUs. When the first ten arrived in England they had no CO. Lt. Smith (CEC) assumed the role, splitting them up to train with the 146th, 277th and 299th [[Combat Engineers]].<ref name="NCDU Report"/> As more NCDUs arrived they did the same, with 5 combat engineers attached to each NCDU.<ref name="ALLHands">{{Cite web|url=https://digital.evpl.org/digital/collection/p16848coll2/id/4511|title=evpl-lst325bk-147-0028|website=digital.evpl.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> Group III (Lt. Smith) did [[research and development]] and is credited with developing the Hagensen Pack.<ref name="NCDU Report"/> NCDUs had a 53% casualty rate at Normandy.<ref name="dailypress.com"/> Four from Utah beach later took part in [[Operation Dragoon]].

With Europe invaded, Admiral Turner requisitioned all available NCDUs from Fort Pierce for integration into the UDTs for the Pacific. That netted him 20 NCDUs that had received Presidential Unit Citations and another 11 that had gotten Navy Unit Commendations.<ref name="NHHC"/> Prior to Normandy 30 NCDUs<ref name="UDT Cold"/> had embarked to the Pacific and another three had gone to the [[United States Eighth Fleet|Mediterranean]]. NCDUs 1–10 were staged at Turner City on [[Florida Island]] in the beginning of 1944.<ref>WWII USN Special Warfare Units, Eugene Lipak, Osprey Publishing, New York, 2014, p. 25</ref> NCDU 1 was briefly in the [[Aleutians]] in 1943.<ref name="NCDU">{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Ah_online/ftrStory.asp?id=106553|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327195036/https://www.navy.mil/Ah_online/ftrStory.asp?id=106553|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2019|title=Navy SEAL History Part One, A Glance at the Origins of Naval Special Warfare, Aug. 2018, MC2 Taylor Stinson, Defense Media Activity, All Hands Magazine, Defense Media Activity, U.S. DOD|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> The first NCDUs in combat were 4 and 5 with the 4th Marines on [[Green Island, Papua New Guinea]] and [[Emirau Island]].<ref name="NCDU"/> Later, NCDUs 1–10 were combined to form the short-lived UDT Able. NCDUs 2, 3, 19, 20, 21 and 24<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navysealmuseum.org/about-navy-seals/seal-history-the-naval-special-warfare-storyseal-history-the-naval-special-warfare-story/seal-history-origins-of-naval-special-warfare-wwii|title=SEAL History: Origins of Naval Special Warfare-WWII|website=National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> were assigned to MacArthur's 7th Amphibious Force and were the only NCDUs remaining at the war's end.

see Notes

===Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT)s===
[[File:Seabee Demolition UDT 3.jpg|thumb|Seabees in both UDT 3 and 4 made signs to greet the Marines assaulting Guam. Lt. Crist confiscated this sign.<ref name="Fane"/> However, Team 4 was able to leave theirs on the beach for the Marines to see that the Seabees had been there first.]]
[[File:Lt Luehrs CO UDT 3.jpg|thumb|Lt Luehrs was one of the 30 Officers from the 7th NCR that Lt. Crist staged for UDTs 1 & 2. He and Chief Acheson were the first UDT swimmers.]]
[[File:Charp W. H. Acheson CEC.jpg|thumb|Carp. W. H. Acheson Silver Star ceremony for UDT 1 action at Engibi where he stripped down to swim trunks and did reconnaissance in broad daylight on a hostile beach becoming a role model of UDTs being swimmers.]]
[[File:80-G-244701 Lt Crist, Lt Cmdr. Kauffman, and Lt Carberry awards.jpg|thumb|Lt. Crist(CEC), Lt. Cmdr. Kaufmann, and Lt. Carberry right to left at Silver and bronze stars awards]]

Prior to [[Operation Galvanic]] and Tarawa, V Amphibious Corps had identified [[coral]] as an issue for future [[amphibious operations]]. RADM [[Richmond K. Turner|Kelly Turner]], commander V Amphibious Corps had ordered a review to get a grip on the problem. VAC found that the only people having any applicable experience with the material were men in the Naval Construction Battalions. Lt. Thomas C. Crist, of CB 10, was in Pearl Harbor from [[Canton Island]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.viewoftherockies.com/UDT1andUDT2.html|title=UDT1and2|website=www.viewoftherockies.com|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>UDTs 1 & 2, The Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, Roi-Namur, Eniwetok, U. S. Naval Special Warfare Archives]</ref> where he had been in charge of clearing [[coral|coral heads]]. His being in Pearl Harbor was pivotal in [[Underwater Demolition Team|UDT]] history. While there he learned of the Adm. Turner's interest in coral blasting and met with him. The Admiral tasked Lt. Crist to develop a method for blasting coral under combat conditions and putting together a team to do it.<ref name="UDT Cold"/> Lt. Crist started by getting men from CB 10, but got the remainder from the 7th Construction Regiment.<ref name="CB301">{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/wwii-cruisebooks/cruisebooks-ncb.html|title=Naval Construction Battalions|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> By 1 December 1943 he had close to 30 officers and 150 enlisted at [[Waipio]] Amphibious Operating Base on Oahu.<ref name="UDT Cold"/>

In November the Navy had a hard lesson with coral and tides at [[invasion of Tarawa|Tarawa]]. It prompted Adm. Turner to request the creation of nine [[Underwater Demolition Teams]] to address those issues.<ref>[https://visitpearlharbor.org/the-underwater-demolition-teams-of-the-pacific/ The Underwater Demolition Teams of the Pacific, Pearl Harbor Visitors Bureau] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906165016/https://visitpearlharbor.org/the-underwater-demolition-teams-of-the-pacific/ |date=6 September 2019 }},</ref> Six teams for VAC in the Central Pacific while the other three would go to III Amphibious Corps in the South Pacific. UDTs 1 & 2 were formed from the 180 men Lt. Crist had staged. Seabees make up the majority of the men in teams 1–9, 13 and 15.<ref name="Rockies">{{cite web |url=http://www.viewoftherockies.com/UDTWWII.html |title=The Teams in World War II |website=View of the Rockies |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> How many Seabees were in UDTs 10 and 12 is not listed, for UDT 11 they composed 20% of the team.<ref name="Rockies"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.66145/transcript?ID=sr0001|title=Interview Transcript: Wright S. Travis: Veterans History Project (Library of Congress|website=memory.loc.gov|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>
UDT officers were mainly CEC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/09/12/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-sept-11/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of September 11) |date=12 September 2016 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=NavFac Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013172300/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/09/12/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-sept-11/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> UDT 10 had 5 officers and 24 enlisted originally trained as OSS [[Operational Swimmer Groups|Maritime Unit: Operational Swimmer Group II]],<ref name="UDT10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/oss-in-action-the-pacific-and-the-far-east.htm|title=OSS in Action The Pacific and the Far East (U.S. National Park Service)|website=www.nps.gov|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> but the OSS was not allowed to operate in the [[Asiatic-Pacific Theater|Pacific Theater]]. Adm. Nimitz needed swimmers and approved their transfer from the OSS to his control. The MU men brought with the [[swimfins]] they had trained with and the Seabees made them a part of UDT attire as quickly as the [[Navy Supply Corps|Supply dept]]. could get them.<ref name="UDT10"/> In the Seabee dominated teams the next largest group of UDT volunteers came from the joint Army-Navy [[Scouts and Raiders]] school that was also in Fort Pierce. Additional volunteers came from the [[Explosive ordnance disposal (United States Navy)|Navy's Bomb disposal School]], Marine Corps and U.S. Fleet.<ref name="UDT Cold"/><ref name="Rockies"/>

The first team commanders were Cmdr. E.D. Brewster (CEC) UDT 1 and Lt. Crist (CEC) UDT 2. Both Teams were "provisional" totaling the 180 men Lt Crist had put together from the 7th NCR.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viewoftherockies.com/UDT1and2.html |title=WWII UDT One & WWII UDT Two |website=View of the Rockies |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="CB301"/> Those men were put through five weeks of training by a [[United States Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion|Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion]]. They wore fatigues, life-vests and were expected to stay in their rubber boats like the NCDUs. At Kwajalein Adm.Turner ordered daylight [[reconnaissance|recon]]. It was apparent to the Seabees that staying in the boats would not get the Admiral the [[military intelligence|intel]] he wanted. Cmdr. Brewester's men all wore swim trucks under their [[Combat uniform|fatigues]]. [[Ensign (rank)|Ensign]] Lewis F. Luehrs, and Charp. Bill Acheson spent 45 minutes in the water in broad daylight and were the first team members recovered.<ref name="UDT Cold"/> Still wet and in their trunks they reported directly to Adm. Turner. He concluded what they had done was the only way to get accurate intelligence on submerged obstacles and conveyed that opinion to [[Chester Nimitz|Adm. Nimitz]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hoyt |first=Edwin P. |title=SEALs at War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fDvNvnMrc1QC&q=seabee+dynamiting+and+demolition+school&pg=PT25 |year=2011 |publisher=Random House Publishing |page=25|isbn=9780307570062 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> At [[Engebi]] Cmdr. Brewster was wounded.<ref name="UDT Cold"/> The success of UDT-1 not following USMC Recon protocol rewrote the UDT mission model and training regimen.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kelly |first=Orr |title=Brave Men, Dark Waters: The Untold Story of the Navy SEALs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3c-1AwAAQBAJ&q=Lewis+F+luehrs&pg=PT30 |date=24 June 2014 |publisher=Open Road Media |page=30 |isbn=9781497645639 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Ens. Luehrs and Charp. Acheson were each awarded a [[Silver Star]] for their initiative while unintentionally creating the UDT "naked warrior" image.<ref>The Water is Never Cold), James Douglas O'Dell, Brassey's, Dulles, VA, 2001, p. 136</ref> Diving masks were uncommon in 1944 and some men had tried using goggles at Kwajalein.<ref name="Fane1">Naked Warriors, Cdmr. Francis Douglas Fane USNR (Ret.), St. Martin's Press, New York, 1996, p. 828</ref> Diving masks were a rare item in Hawaii so Lt. Crist and CB Chief Howard Roeder had requested supply get them.<ref name="Fane1"/> A fortuitous observation by one of the men spotted a magazine [[advertisement]] for diving masks. A priority dispatch was made to the States that appropriated the store's entire stock.<ref name="Fane1"/> The UDTs adopted goggles independent of the OSS. When UDTs 1 and 2 returned to Hawaii Chief Acheson and three other UDT Officers were transferred to the 301st dredging CB.<ref name="CB301"/> The 301st had 12 dredges saving Teams from blasting channels, but needed divers to get the job done. Ensign Leuhrs made Lt. and was a member of UDT 3 until he was made XO of team 18. Commander Brewster's purple heart got him out of the UDTs and elevated to Commander 7th NCR instead of back to CB 10.

Adm. Turner also requested the formation of a Demolition Training Center at [[Kihei]]. It was approved. The actions of UDT 1 provided the training model, making UDT training distinctly different from Fort Pierce's NCDU program. Lt. Crist was briefly the first training officer and emphasized swimming and recon until he was made CO of UDT 3. When UDT 3 returned from Leyte in the fall of 1944 it became the school instructors with Lt. Crist again OIC of training.<ref name="Rockies"/> The classes now included: [[Night operations (military)|night ops]], weapons, [[bivouacking]], small [[Military tactics|unit tactics]], along with coral and [[lava]] blasting. In April 1945, team 3 was sent to Fort Priece to instruct there. Lt. Crist was promoted to Lt. Cmdr. and sent back to Kihei. Team 3 would train teams 12–22.<ref name="Rockies"/> UDT 14 is called the first "all fleet team" even though it had Seabees from Team Able and the CO and XO were both CEC. UDT 15 was the last team formed of NCDUs. Teams 12–15 were sent to Iwo Jima. Three cleared the shoreline for five days, D+2-D+7. After July 1944 new UDTs were only USN. In 1945, CBMU 570 was tasked to the UDT coldwater training center at ATB Oceanside, CA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBMU/CBMU%20570.pdf|title=CBMU 570 Records, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref>

On Guam team 8 requested permission to build a base.<ref name="UDT8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.viewoftherockies.com/UDT8.html|title=UDT8|website=www.viewoftherockies.com|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> It was approved by AdComPhibsPac, but disapproved by Island Command.<ref name="UDT8"/> Team 8 turned to the CBs on the island and got everything needed.<ref name="UDT8"/> Coral paving got placed the night before Admiral Nimitz inspected, giving teams 8 & 10 a glowing review.<ref name="UDT8"/>

By V-J day 34 teams had been formed.
Teams 1–21 saw actual deployment with the Seabees providing over half of the men in those teams. The Navy did not publicize the existence of the UDTs until post-war and when they did they gave credit to Lt. Cmdr. Kauffman and the Seabees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah194510.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617175403/http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah194510.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2015|title=Underwater Demolition, "All Hands", The Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin, October 1945, NAVPERS-0 Number 343 pp. 12–15|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> During World War II the Navy did not have a rating for the UDTs nor did they have an insignia. Those men with the CB rating on their uniforms considered themselves Seabees that were doing underwater demolition. They did not call themselves "UDTs" or "[[Frogmen]]", but rather "Demolitioneers"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navysealmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/photo/6A9D1E48-3FAE-48BC-94F3-951428987292|title=2018.0033.2 - B&W photo of NCDU216, Morrow's Demolitioneers in combat uniforms. These men became part of WWII UDT-15 &#124; UDT-SEAL Museum Association|website=navysealmuseum.pastperfectonline.com|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> reflecting where Lt. Cmdr. Kauffman had recruited them from, the CB dynamiting and demolition school.

UDTs had to be of standard recruiting age, Seabees older could not volunteer. Mid-year 1945, in preparation for the cooler waters around Japan, a cold water training center was created. With it came a more demanding [[physical examination|physical]]. Team 9 lost 70% of the team to this change.

Postwar, MCB 7 was tasked with projects at the UDT training facility on [[St. Thomas, Virgin Islands]]

see Notes

== Cold War ==
When World War II ended the [[Cold War]] began. Seabee service during this period supported a broad spectrum of the national interest; nuclear testing, two wars, embassy security, space race, CIA, military communications, international relations, pure science, and Camp David.

===Postwar interlude: Siberia-China===
On V-J-Day CB 114 was in the Aleutians. In September 1945 the battalion sent a detachment to the [[USSR]] to build a Fleet Weather Central.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4nwmm4QfSXQC&dq=Construction+battalion+114+Russia&pg=PA123|title=The 114th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion|first=United States Navy Construction|last=Battalion, 114th|date=May 11, 1945|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum|accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/09/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-september-30-october-6/|title=This Week in Seabee History 30 Sept – 6 Oct, Seabee museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119010851/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/09/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-september-30-october-6/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was located {{convert|10|mi|km}} outside [[Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky]] on the [[Kamchatka Peninsula]].<ref name="Yanks">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/3640708|title=Yanks in Siberia: U.S. Navy Weather Stations in Soviet East Asia, 1945|author=March, G. Patrick|year=1988|journal=Pacific Historical Review|volume=57|issue=3|pages=327–342|accessdate=May 11, 2022|doi=10.2307/3640708|jstor=3640708 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The original agreement gave the Seabees 3 weeks to complete the base. Upon arrival the Russians told them they had 10 days and were amazed it was done in 10.<ref name="Yanks"/> It was one of two that [[Stalin]] agreed to.

V-J-Day brought about [[Operation Beleaguer]] and the repatriation of the Japanese Army from [[China]]. Elements of the 33rd CB Regiment were involved: CBs 83, 96, 122 and 32nd Special.<ref name="China">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-31.html|title=HyperWar: Building the Navy's Bases in World War II [Chapter 31]|website=www.ibiblio.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> These units landed at [[Qingdao]] and [[Tanggu District|Tanggu]] in November 1945 attached to the 6th Marine Division. CB 42 and A Co. 33rd Special landed at [[Shanghai]] with Naval Advance Base Unit 13.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/SPECIALS/33%20SNCB.pdf 33rd Special Naval Construction Battalion file, 1946, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> With the war over, the ongoing discharge men eligible left only enough for one CB and the two CB Specials. The men were consolidated in the 96th<ref name="China"/> with the other CBs decommissioned. In December the 96th started airfields at Qingdao and [[Qinhuangdao]] in support of III Marine Amphibious Corps operations.<ref name="China"/> May 1946 CB III Marine Amphibious Corps was ordered to inactivate the 96th CB on 1 August. The 96th was transferred to the 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division and deactivated from them.

===Nuclear tests===
[[File:Seabees build camera tower on Bikini Atoll.jpg|thumb|The 53rd CB erecting camera towers on Bikini Atoll for filming the tests.]]
In early 1946 the 53rd NCB was deployed with [[Operation Crossroads]] for the [[nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cI7rEUDQ6lEC&pg=PA470|title=Building the Navy's Bases in World War II: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=II |publisher=U.S. GPO|location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |page=416 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> It was designated Task Unit TU 1.8.6.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/o/operation-crossroads/composition-of-joint-task-force-one.html|title=Composition of Joint Task Force One|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> 53's project list included observation, instrument and communication towers, [[radio beacon]]s, seismic huts, photo reference crosses, general base and recreational facilities, as well as [[dredging]] the [[lagoon]]. In addition, recreational facilities were constructed on Japtan Island for the ships crews of the Operation. The Battalion also assisted the relocation of the natives. They disassembled both the Community center and church for reassembly on [[Rongerik Atoll]]. In August the battalion was decommissioned with men transferred to CBD 1156 that was then commissioned on Bikini.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|title=Operations Crossroads, DNA 6032F, prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency, pp. 190–91|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325000914/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The TU 1.8.6 designation transferred to the CBD. CBD 1156 remained for nine days after the second test.<ref name="Rottman224">{{cite book |title=U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle: Ground and Air units in the Pacific War, 1939–1945 |url=https://archive.org/details/usmarinecorpswor00rott |url-access=limited |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |location=Westport, CN |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2002 |page=[https://archive.org/details/usmarinecorpswor00rott/page/n238 224] |isbn=9780313319068 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/07/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-july-30-august-5/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of July 30 - August 5) |date=30 July 2017 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=Navy Facilities Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807023659/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/07/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-july-30-august-5/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

UDT 3 was designated TU 1.1.3 for the operation. On 27 April 1946, seven officers and 51 enlisted embarked at CBC Port Hueneme for Bikini.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|title=Operations Crossroads, DNA 6032F, prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency, p. 189|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325000914/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their assignment was to retrieve water [[sample (material)|sample]]s from [[ground zero]] of the Baker blast. In 1948, the displaced bikinians put in a request that a channel to the island [[Kili Island|Kili]] where they had been relocated be made. This was given to the Seabee detachment on Kwajelin who requested UDT 3 assist.

The 121st CB was decommissioned in December and re-designated CBD 1504.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBD-Post-WWII/CBD%201504.pdf Naval Construction Battalion Detachment 1504 file, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> In January 1947 CBs 104 and 105 were reactivated. The 30th NCR was home-ported on Guam composed of CBDs 1501-13 and NCB 103. In 1949, the 103rd was made a Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) while CBs 104 and 105 were made Amphibious Construction Battalions(ACBs). From 1949 until 1968 CBs were designated MCBs. In 1949, MCB 1 was reactivated at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, VA. In June 1950 the NCF totaled a few thousand.

===Korean War===
[[File:Yo Do Island ACB 1 refueling Corsairs.jpg|thumb|Yo Do Island airfield constructed behind enemy lines by ACB 1. It was credited with saving 60 aviators. Seabees in photo are refueling Corsairs on 15 July 1952.<ref>[http://www.seabeecook.com/history/korea/crippled_chick.htm Operation Crippled Chick, ACB 1 Builds Emergency Airstrip Behind Enemy Lines, By Steve Karoly, The Seabeecook]</ref><ref name="SERT5">[https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2003_2.pdf SERT, Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team, Andrew G. Wright, Engineering News-Record, Seabee Magazine Special Commemorative Double Issue 2003, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Attn:  SEABEE Online (Code PA), Washington Navy Yard, DC, p. 69.]</ref> (USN)]]
[[Image:NAS Cubi Point and NS Subic Bay.jpg|thumb|[[Naval Air Station Cubi Point]] left, [[U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay]] right. Seabees leveled a mountain that civilian contractors said could not be done. (USN)]]
[[File:NMCB 5 CCAD.jpg|thumb|[[Suspension bridge]] built by NMCB 5 CCAD in Timor-Leste 2015 (Seabee Museum)]]

The outbreak of the [[Korean War]] led to a call-up of 10,000 from the Seabee Reserve. Seabees landed at [[Battle of Inchon|Inchon]] during the assault, installing causeways dealing with enormous tides and enemy fire. Their actions there and elsewheres underscored the necessity of having CBs. During that war the authorized size of a CB was 550 men. When the truce was declared there was no CB demobilization as there had been at the end of World War II.

During the Korea, the U.S. realized the need of an air station in the region. [[Naval Air Station Cubi Point|Cubi Point]] in the Philippines was selected. Civilian contractors were approached for bids. After seeing the [[Zambales Mountains]] and the maze of jungle, they claimed it could not be done. The Navy then turned to the Seabees. The first to arrive was CBD 1802 to do the surveying. [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three|MCB 3]] arrived on 2 October 1951 to get the project going and was joined by MCB 5 in November. Over the next five years, MCBs 2, 7, 9, 11 and CBD 1803 all contributed to the effort. They leveled a mountain to make way for a nearly {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=mid|long}} runway. NAS Cubi Point turned out to be one of the largest earth-moving projects in the world, equivalent to the construction of the [[Panama Canal]]. Seabees there moved {{convert|20|e6cuyd|e6m3|abbr=off}} of dry fill plus another 15 million that was [[hydraulic fill]]. The $100&nbsp;million facility (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|100000000|1956|r=-8}}}} in {{inflation-year|US}} dollars) was commissioned on 25 July 1956, and comprised an air station and an adjacent pier that was capable of docking the Navy's largest carriers.

'''Seabee Teams'''
The World War II precursor to Seabee teams was the PT Advance base Detachment of the 113th CB. Each man was cross-trained in at least three trades with some qualified as corpsmen and divers.<ref>[https://www.seabees93.net/LINK-NCB%20113-PT.htm The Forgotten Fifty Five, NCB93: 113RD Seabees detachment assigned to PT Squadrons, Seabees93.net]</ref> During Vietnam the requirement of being skilled in three trades was continued.<ref name="NAM"/> The first Seabees referred to as "Seabee Teams" were CBDs 1802 and 1803.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBD-Post-WWII/CBD%201802.pdf Construction Battalion Detachments 1802, 1803, NHHC, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme Ca]</ref> They were followed by Detachments Able and Baker. The [[U.S. State Department]] learned of the teams and concluded they could have a [[Cold War]] purpose. They could be U.S. "Good Will Ambassadors" to third world countries to counter the spread of [[Communism]], a military version of the [[Peace Corps]]. These 13-man teams would construct schools, drill wells or build clinics creating a positive image for the U.S. They were utilized by the [[United States Agency for International Development]] and were in S.E. Asia by the mid-1950s. Then in the early sixties, the [[U.S. Army Special Forces]] were being sent into rural areas of South Vietnam to develop a self-defense force to counter the Communist threat and making use of the Seabee teams at these same places made sense<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/vietnam.html "Seabee History: South east Asia", Naval History and Heritage Command Online reading room, published 16 Apr 2015]</ref> to the [[CIA]]. To start, twelve "Seabee teams, with Secret Clearances, were sent with the Army's Special Forces in the CIA funded [[Civilian Irregular Defense Group program]] (CIDG)"<ref>Seabee Teams in Vietnam 1963–69, Thomas A. Johnson, Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010, {{ISBN|9781461192107}}</ref><ref name="CBTEAM">[https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZXwbHcoDOkC&pg=SA4-PA17 Commander Naval Construction Battalion U.S. Pacific Fleet, Tân Sơn Nhất, Republic of Vietnam, Completion Report 1963–1972.]</ref> in the years 1963–1965. By 1965 the U.S. Army had enough engineers in theater to end Seabee involvement with Special Forces. At first teams were called Seabee Technical Assistance Teams (STAT) and were restricted to two in theater at a time. Teams after STAT 1104 were renamed Seabee Teams and by 1969 there were 17 in theater.<ref name="CBTEAM"/> As a military force Seabee Teams received many awards for heroism.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZXwbHcoDOkC&pg=SA4-PA17 Commander Naval Construction Battalion U.S. Pacific Fleet, Tân Sơn Nhất, Republic of Vietnam, Completion Report 1963–1972. p. 4-7 /4-12 ]</ref> Teams were sent to other nations as well. The Royal Thai government requested STATs in 1963 and ever since the Seabees have continued to deploy teams.

'''Construction Civic Action Details''' or CCAD<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/01/04/civic-action-team-building-friendships/|title=Civic Action Team: Building Friendships|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093328/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/01/04/civic-action-team-building-friendships/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
CCADs or "See-Kads" are larger civic action units of 20–25 Seabees<ref>[http://themilitaryengineer.com/index.php/tme-articles/tme-magazine-online/item/504-building-an-enduring-presence "Building and Enduring Presence"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120904/http://themilitaryengineer.com/index.php/tme-articles/tme-magazine-online/item/504-building-an-enduring-presence |date=19 January 2018 }}, The Military Engineer, [[LTJG]] Frances Hunter & Lt. James A. Harder (NMCB 11), Nov–Dec 2017, Society of American Military Engineers, Alexandria, VA</ref> with the same purpose as Seabee Teams. The CCAD designation is not found in the record prior to 2013.

===Camp David===
Camp David is officially known as [[Camp David|Naval Support Facility Thurmont]], as it is technically a [[military installation]]. The base is staffed by the CEC, Seabees,<ref name="David">{{Cite web|url=https://aboutcampdavid.blogspot.com/2013/08/working-at-camp-david.html|title=Working at Camp David|first=About Camp|last=David|date=11 August 2013}}</ref> and Marines. "In the early 1950s, Seabee BUs, UTs and CEs took over routine maintenance of the base and additional rates were added for administrative functions. Today Seabees still man the base public works and see that the [[Groundskeeping|grounds]] are in an impeccable condition."<ref>[https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/ndw/installations/nsf_thurmont/about/H2/ CNIC, Naval Support Facility Thurmont website, P.O. Box 1000, Thurmont, MD 21788-5001]</ref> "Selectees undergo a single scope [[Background check|background investigation]] to determine if they qualify for a [[Security clearance|Top Secret Sensitive Yankee White (YW) clearance]]. All personnel in Presidential support activities are required a "Yankee White" security clearance. The tour lasts 36 months."<ref name="David"/> When the base has a larger construction project a Construction Battalion from the fleet can be tasked. NMCBs [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5|5]] and [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133|133]] have drawn these assignments.

===Antarctica: Science===
[[File:Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.jpg|thumb|Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, constructed by NMCB 71, dia. 165' x 54' height]]
[[File:Nuke pm3a tank U.S.Navy.jpg|thumb|Tank for PM3a nuclear reactor built by MCB 1 at McMurdo Station]]

'''Operation Highjump'''
{{Main|Operation Highjump}}
In December 1946, 166 Seabees sailed from Port Hueneme on the [[USS Yancey|USS ''Yancey'']] and [[USS Merrick|USS ''Merrick'']] assigned to [[Operation Highjump]]. They were part of Admiral [[Richard E. Byrd]]'s Antarctic expedition. The U.S. Navy was in charge with "Classified" orders "to do all it could to establish a basis for a (U.S.) land claim in Antarctica".<ref name="Smithsonian">[https://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/operation-highjump-18223476/ "Operation Highjump" ''Air & Space Magazine'', July 2007, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC]</ref> The Navy sent the Seabees to do the job starting with the construction of [[Little America (exploration base)]] IV as well as a runway for aerial mapping flights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/17/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-17/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of Jan. 17)|first=Seabee|last=Magazine|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093330/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/17/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-17/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This Operation was vastly larger than [[International Geophysical Year|IGY]] [[Operation Deep Freeze]] that followed.<ref name="Smithsonian"/>

'''Operation Deep Freeze'''
{{Main|Operation Deep Freeze}}
[[File:MCB 1 Sled train departing Little America for traverse to Byrd Station.jpg|thumb|MCB 1 Sled train departing Little America for traverse to Byrd Station (646 miles) or the South Pole (850 miles). The Navy special ordered SD-LGP D8s (SD=stretched dozer, LGP=low ground pressure)<ref name="The Sun Antarctic online paper">{{cite web |url=http://www.icepeople.net/mark/d8.html |title=Heavy duty champ turns 50 |first=Mark |last=Sabbatini |website=The Antarctic Sun |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> with the frames extended 4 feet and tracks 54 inches wide<ref name="The Sun Antarctic online paper"/> resulting in a ground pressure of 4.30 psi and blades 18.5 feet wide. There were two types of sleds: 10 ton or 20 ton that could be hitched in multiples. (U.S. Navy).]]

In 1955, Seabees were assigned to [[Operation Deep Freeze]] making Antarctica an annual deployment site. Their task was the construction and maintenance of scientific bases for the [[National Science Foundation]]. The first "wintering over" crew included 200 Seabees. They cleared an {{convert|6000|ft|adj=on}} ice runway at [[McMurdo Sound|Mcmurdo]] for
the advance party of Deep Freeze II to fly to South Pole Station. [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1|MCB 1]] was assigned for Deep Freeze II.

Antarctica added to the Seabee's list of accomplishments:
* Tractor train [[Traverse (climbing)|traverses]] covering hundreds of miles.
* Bases built: [[McMurdo Station]], [[South Pole Station]], [[Byrd Station]], [[Palmer Station]], [[Siple Station]], [[Ellsworth Station]], [[Brockton Station (Antarctica)|Brockton Station]], Eights Station, [[Plateau Station]], [[Hallett Station]], and [[Little America (exploration base)|Little America IV and Little America V]]
* MCB 1s construction of a [[nuclear power plant]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2014/ph241/reid2/ |title=Nuclear Power at McMurdo Station |first=Tyler |last=Reid |date=21 March 2014 |website=[[Stanford University]] |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> which got them a Navy Unit Commendation.
* NMCB 71s construction of a [[Buckminster Fuller]] [[Geodesic dome]] at So. Pole Station.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/27/rendezvous-with-penguins-construction-of-the-south-pole-dome/ |title=Rendezvous with Penguins: Seabee Construction of the South Pole Dome |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |date=27 August 2014 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=NAVFAC Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=19 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519022455/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/27/rendezvous-with-penguins-construction-of-the-south-pole-dome/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It became a symbolic icon of the United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP).

===Vietnam War===
[[File:STAT 1104.jpg|thumb|STAT 1104 in Port Hueneme L-R standing: John Klepher, Dale Brakken, William Hoover KIA, Ltjg Peterlin, Cmdr L.W.Eyman, Douglas Mattick, James Keenan, J.R. McCully, Marvin Shields KIA, kneeling: Richard Supczak, F.J. Alexander Jr, James Wilson, Jack Allen. For their actions in the [[Battle of Dong Xoai]], STAT 1104 received a [[Navy Unit Commendation]] a Medal of Honor, 2 Silver Stars, 6 Bronze Stars with Vs and 9 purple hearts. (USN)]]
[[File:Vietnam era Seabee Equipment Operator collar devices.jpg|thumb|Vietnam era EO3 – EO1 collar devices]]

Seabees were in Vietnam twice in the 1950s. First in June 1954, as elements of [[Operation Passage to Freedom]] and then two years later to [[surveying|survey]] and map the  roads. Seabee teams 501 and 502 arrived January 1963 as the first Seabees of the [[Vietnam War]]. They went to Dam Pau and [[Tri Ton]] to build Special Forces camps.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/02/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-february-14/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of February 14)|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093327/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/02/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-february-14/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1964 small 14 man Seabee groups were tasked to the U.S. Army advisors in the Special Operations Group. ACB 1 was the first CB in the theater that year.   In 1965 the Marines arrived, making an amphibious landing at Chu Lai, with Seabees attached.  Entire Naval Construction Regiments followed.<ref name="NAM">Seabees in Action in Vietnam, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, U.S. GPO 1968 O-323-015.</ref> Seabees supported the Marines at Khe Sanh and [[Chu Lai Base Area|Chu Lai combat base]]s.  The U.S. had many civilian contractors in the country, however the Seabee construction included numerous aircraft-support facilities, roads, and bridges. For every mile of road they improved, they built 100' of bridge-deck.<ref name="NAM"/> They also worked civic action projects throughout the country. In June 1965, Construction Mechanic 3rd Class [[Marvin Glenn Shields|Marvin G. Shields]] of Seabee Team 1104 was at the [[Battle of Dong Xoai]]. He was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] and is the only Seabee to receive the award. Seabee Teams were part of a [[propaganda]] program to promote support for the RVN through positive community engagement, typically building schools, clinics, or drilling wells. In 1966, Seabees repaired the airfield at [[Khe Sanh Combat Base|Khe Sahn]] covering an area of 3,900'x60' with aluminum matting in four days. [[General Westmoreland]] "called it one of the most outstanding military engineering feats of the war."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/opinion/the-largest-military-construction-project-in-history.html |title=The Largest Military Construction Project in History, Vietnam '67|work= [[The New York Times]]|author= Mel Schenck, Vietnam|date= January 16, 2018}}</ref> MCB 4 had a det at [[Con Thien]] whose actions were a near repeat of [[Battle of Đồng Xoài|Dong Xoai]].

In 1968, the Marine Corps requested that the Navy make a change. The Marines were using "MCB" for "Marine Corps Base" while the Navy was using "MCB" for "Mobile Construction Battalion", it was causing confusion in logistics. The Navy agreed and added "Naval" to MCB creating the NMCBs that now exist. During that year the 30th NCR had five battalions in the Da Nang area and two at Chu Lai. The 32nd NCR had three battalions tasked near Phu Bai and one at Dong Ha. In May 1968 two reserve battalions RNMCB 12 and 22 were activated, bring the total number of battalions in Vietnam to 21. Both ACBs were in theater as well as CBMUs 301 and 302. In 1968, NMCB 10 drew an atypical Seabee "task" supporting the [[101st Airborne]]. It happened again in 1969 when CBs 10, 40 and 121 sent EOs to Fire base Fury. During 1969 the number of Seabees in theater reached 29,000, from there their draw-down began.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor-last=Tucker |editor-first=Spencer C. |title=Seabees |encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History |edition=2nd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qh5lffww-KsC&pg=PA1023|year=2011 |location=Santa Barbara, CA |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=978-1-85109-961-0 |page=1023 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> The last battalion withdrew late 1971 with the last Seabee teams out a year later. When it was over they had sent 137 Seabee teams, built 15 CB camps, and deployed 22 battalions.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mPJRDwAAQBAJ&dq=Seabees+railroads+vietnam&pg=PA171 ''U.S. Navy Seabees{{Snd}} The Vietnam Years'', Terry Lukanic, ', 2017]</ref> [[Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302|CBMU 302]] became the largest CB ever at over 1400 men and was homeported at [[Cam Rahn Bay]]. On 23 April 1975 it was announced that U.S. involvement in Vietnam was over.
That day CB 4 started construction of a temporary camp for [[Operation New Life]] on Guam. In seven days 2,000 squad tents were erected and numbered 3,500 when done.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://denix.osd.mil/cr/legacy/factsheets/reports-and-other-products/regional-cold-war-history-for-department-of-defense-installations-in-guam-and-the-northern-mariana-islands-legacy-09-454/ |title=Temporary Facilities, 4.5.1.1 Role in the Cold War, Regional Cold War History for DOD Installations in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, Jayne Aaron, July 2011, DOD Legacy Program, p. 4–26 (94/198) |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801014121/https://denix.osd.mil/cr/legacy/factsheets/reports-and-other-products/regional-cold-war-history-for-department-of-defense-installations-in-guam-and-the-northern-mariana-islands-legacy-09-454/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During Vietnam the Seabees had a few uniform variations. One was the stenciling of unit numbers across the back of the field jacket M-65.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB/nmcb1-cruisebooks/NMCB%201_1966.pdf| title = MCB 1 Cruisebook 1966, p. 57–58, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA}}</ref> Another was the collar and cover devices for enlisted E4-E6. The Navy authorized that the "crow" be replaced by the rating insignia of each trade. Nametags were another, they started out white with a multicolored seabee. In 1968, the USMC OD green pattern was copied. The NAVCATs became the only Seabees to ever be authorized to wear a shoulder patch.<ref>[http://cqrcengage.com/Washingtonrollcall/app/document/16106529;jsessionid=crywbfgxui3s55usnlwbfpms USN Seabees to drop anchor in Walla Walla Oct. 6-9, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, 2016-09-28]</ref>

'''NAVCATs Naval Construction Action Teams'''

CBMU 302 had 23 NAVCATS(Naval Construction Action Teams) total with 15 the most active at one time.<ref>[https://www.ljmilitaria.com/navypatches/749eb35e0.jpg NAVCAT 12 patch, Lee-Jackson Militaria, San Jose, CA]
</ref> Teams were numbered 1-23. They were Vice Admiral [[Elmo Zumwalt]]'s expansion of the Seabee Team concept. He submitted it in November 1968 to General [[Creighton Abrams]] commander of [[Military Assistance Command, Vietnam]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Koejt5WIaFAC&q=CBMU%20310%20NAVCAT&pg=PA459 Southeast Asia, Building the Bases, Richard Tregaskis, U.S. GPO, 1975, p. 403]</ref>

'''Agent Orange'''
Many Seabees were exposed to the [[defoliant]] [[herbicide]] while in Vietnam. NCBC Gulfport was the largest storage depot in the United States for [[Agent Orange]]. From there it was shipped to Vietnam.<ref name="WLOX">[http://www.wlox.com/story/22793893/agent-orange-clean-at-navy-seabee-base-is-the-focus-at-public-meeting/ Agent Orange clean at Navy Seabee base is the focus at public meeting, reported by Natalie Campen, WLOX TV, Gulfport, MS, July 9, 2013 at 3:04 PM CDT]</ref> In 1968, the NCBC received 68,000 [[barrel]]s to forward.<ref name="Orange">[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302510859_Monitoring_Studies_of_Former_Agent_Orange_Storage_Sites_in_Mississippi_and_Johnston_Island ''The History, Use, Disposition and Environmental Fate of Agent Orange'', Chapt 7: Monitoring Studies of Former Agent Orange Storage Sites in Mississippi and Johnston Island, Alvin L. Young, Springer Publishing, 2008]</ref> Long term barrel storage began in 1969. That lasted until 1977. The site covered 30 [[acre]]s and was still being cleaned up in 2013.<ref name="WLOX"/><ref>[https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/navalconstructionbattalioncentergulfport/ncbcgulfportfinalrelease041205.pdf Public Health Assessment, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, Facility ID No. MS2170022626, April 2005, prepared by: Federal Facilities Assessment Branch, Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry]</ref>

===Space race: NASA/Tektite I===
[[Image:Tektite I exterior.jpg|thumb|Tektite I assembled by ACB 2]]

In 1960, a MCB 10 detachment built a [[Project Mercury]] [[telemetry]] and [[Ground station|ground instrumentation station]] on Canton island.<ref>[http://www.militarymuseum.org/PortHuenemeHist.pdf United States Navy and Marine Corps Bases: Domestic, Paolo E. Coletta, Greenwood Press, Westport, CT, 1986. p. 495]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB%2010_1963,pdf.|title=MCB10 cruisebook 1963, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On 28 January 1969 a detachment of 50 men<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah196906.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618025524/http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah196906.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 June 2015|title=''All Hands'', June 1969, Number 629, Navy Dept. Washington, DC. p. 39}}</ref> from [[Amphibious Construction Battalion 2]] plus 17 Seabee divers began installation of the [[Tektite habitat]] in Great Lameshur Bay at [[Lameshur, U.S. Virgin Islands]].<ref>Seabeemagazine online [http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/25/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-24/ Seabeemagazine online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704094300/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/25/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-24/ |date=4 July 2017 }}</ref> The Tektite program was funded by [[NASA]] and was the first scientists-in-the-sea program sponsored by the U.S. government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uw360.asia/project-tektite-the-aquanauts-that-lived-in-the-sea/|title=Project Tektite: The Aquanauts That Lived in the Sea|date=11 August 2016}}</ref> The Seabees also constructed a 12-hut base camp at Viers that is used today as the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station.<ref>[https://stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/crystal-blue-view-of-tektite-ii/ St. John Historical Society, St. John, US Virgin Islands, Crystal Blue View of Tektite II]</ref> The project was a by product of the [[Space Race]]. It caused the U.S. Navy to realize the need for a permanent Underwater Construction capability that led to the formation the Seabee Underwater Construction Teams".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/ |title=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum online magazine, "Project Tektite and the Birth of the Underwater Construction Teams" by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., Historian, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152519/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At present{{When|date=October 2022}} NASA is working on the [[Human mission to Mars|Moon to Mars]] program. In 2015, ACB 1 was involved in moving the Orion's [[Boilerplate (spacecraft)|Boilerplate]] Test Article (BTA).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/05/30/acb-1-helps-nasa-lift-off/ |title=ACB 1 Helps NASA Lift Off, MC3 Eric Chan, Public Affairs Office ACB 1, Seabee Magazine Online, 2016, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926065026/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/05/30/acb-1-helps-nasa-lift-off/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ACB 1 was tasked in August 2019 in a test recovery exercise of the [[Orion spacecraft]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/acb-1-teams-up-with-nasa/ |title=ACB-1 Teams-Up with NASA, MC2 Brianna Jones ACB 1 Public Affairs Office, Seabee Online, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA. |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815200737/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/acb-1-teams-up-with-nasa/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ACB 2 was put through the same task a year later in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/27/phibcb-two-supports-nasa-capsule-recovery-operation/ |title=PHIBCB TWO SUPPORTS NASA, MC3 Taylor Mohr, Public Affairs Office ACB 2, Seabee Online, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA. |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204181645/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/27/phibcb-two-supports-nasa-capsule-recovery-operation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===CIA and Naval Intelligence/Communication support===
* After the Seabees left Camp Peary the CIA moved into the base and now refer to it as "the Farm".
* During World War II NAS Tanapag, Saipan was a "major propaganda site of the [[Office of War Information]]" (OWI).<ref>[http://www.psywarrior.com/PSYOPRobertSheeks.html The Incredible Psyop of USMC Lt. Robert Bruce Sheeks on Saipan, Perspectives, Journal of the Psychological Operations Association, Fall 2018, Cold War Covert Activities on Saipan, SGM Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.), William H. Stewart, Posted Dec 21 2004]</ref> In 1947, CBD 1510 began maintaining NAS Tanapag for the NTTU (Naval Technical Training Unit).<ref>[http://www.pacificworlds.com/cnmi/memories/memory3.cfm Naval Technical Training Unit (NTTU), Northern Mariana Islands, Tanapag website.]</ref><ref name="Saipan">[https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/a1c6be2c-1dfb-11e4-aedf-250bc8c9958e/ Cold War covert activities on Saipan, elsewhere in the region| Posted on Dec 21 2004, Saipan Tribune]</ref> In 1948, CBD 1510's men were transferred to CBD 1504 when it was replacing CB 121 as island Public Works. That year the CIA created the NTTU as a "cover" and made access highly restricted to the base. The CIA station had [[Capitol Hill, Saipan|Capitol Hill]] constructed to administer its operations at a cost of $28 million. The station covered the northern half of Saipan including, [[East Field (Saipan)|Kagman Field]], [[Marpi Point Field]], and the four radio towers.<ref name="Saipan"/> "Brig. Gen. [[Edward G. Lansdale]], Pentagon expert on [[guerrilla warfare]], shared with Gen. [[Maxwell D. Taylor]], [[President Kennedy]]'s military adviser, on "Resources for [[Unconventional Warfare]] in SE. Asia."....that the "CIA maintains a field training station on the island of Saipan ... the installation is under Navy cover and is known as the Naval Technical Training Unit. The primary mission of the Saipan Training Station is to provide physical facilities and competent instructor personnel to fulfill a variety of training requirements including [[Espionage|intelligence tradecraft]], communications, [[counter-intelligence]] and [[psychological warfare]] techniques. Training is performed in support of CIA activities conducted throughout the Far East area."<ref>[http://minagahet.blogspot.com/2017/12/nttu-saipan.html NTTU Saipan, December 25, 2017, "The Pentagon Papers", Gravel Edition, Volume 2; (2) Prados, John, "President's Secret Wars", William Morrow Company, New York, 1986; John Wilson Sr., NTTU-1959–'62]</ref> The Seabees cease listing the Public Works assignments at NAS Tanapag in 1953 while the CIA remained until 1962. However, MCB 9 deployed to Saipan in 1954 with one of their projects being the up-grading of the Public Works shops.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB/nmcb9-cruisebooks/NMCB%209_1954.pdf| title = Cruise Book, MCB 9, Detachment Able, Saipan 1954}}</ref> MCB 10 Det Bravo deployed to Saipan from July 1957 until February 1958 with projects unlisted.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/nmcb/NMCB%20010.pdf Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 10, NHHC, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme CA.]</ref>
[[File:Swan Islands.jpeg|thumb|CIA runway by MCB 6 Det Alfa on Swan Island]]
* A year before the [[Bay of pigs]] and [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] the CIA took a "top secret" urgent/immediate project to the Seabees.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/06/20/swan-island-seabees-fifty-three-years-ago/ |title=Radio Swan: Seabees Part of Cold War History, Seabee Magazine online, Kenneth Van Belkum, Cmdr. CEC (retired), OIC of Det. Tango, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602203803/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/06/20/swan-island-seabees-fifty-three-years-ago/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The agency wanted two 220' [[radio towers]] with a supporting airstrip, dock, and quonsets erected on [[Swan Islands, Honduras|Swan Island]], built asap, with no construction plans for the Seabees.<ref name="CIA"/> The station would be independent-self sufficient. Det Tango of MCB 6 was given the project.<ref name="CIA"/> LSTs 1046 and 1056 delivered men and materials from CBC Quonset Point.<ref name="CIA"/> The Seabees had the CIA's "[[Radio Swan]]" on the air in short order.<ref name="CIA"/>

'''Naval Intelligence: NAVFACs'''

The Navy built 22 Naval Facilities (NAVFACs) for its [[Sound Surveillance System]] (SOSUS) to track Soviet submarines. They were in service 1954–79 with Seabees staffing all the Public works. In the 1980s the number of tracking stations was halved with the advent of the Integrated Underwater Surveillance System (IUSS). The NAVFACs were decommissioned by further advances in technology, the end of the Cold War and disclosures by [[John Anthony Walker|John Walker]] to the Soviets.

The Seabees have also been tasked building Naval Communication facilities. One at [[Nea Makri]] Greece was built by MCB 6 in 1962 and upgraded by NMCB 133. [[United States Naval Communications Station Sidi Yahya El Gharb|Naval Comm Station Sidi Yahya]] was first built in World War II another is NavCommSta Guam. It started out on the island as the Joint Communications Agency (JCA) in 1945.

===Naval Support Unit: Department of State/Embassy security===

[[File:Diplomatic Security photo.jpg|thumb|Naval Support Unit Seabees securing a diplomatic compound in Dec. 2010. (Dept. of State)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2017/04/20/en/critical-mission-providing-diplomatic-security-through-eyes-us-navy-seabee|title=The Critical Mission of Providing Diplomatic Security: Through the Eyes of a U.S. Navy Seabee|website=DipNote}}</ref>]]

In 1964, at the height of the Cold War, Seabees were assigned to the State Department because listening devices were found in the [[Embassy of the United States in Moscow]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-april-16/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of April 16)|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211192300/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-april-16/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Those initial Seabees were "Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, Detachment November".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20181119214507/https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/280937.pdf History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the United States Department of State, Chapter 5 –  Spies, Leaks, Bugs, and Diplomats, written by State Department Historian's Office, pp. 179–80, U.S. State Department]</ref> The U.S. had just constructed a new embassy in [[Warsaw]]. After what had been found in Moscow Seabees were dispatched and found many "bugs" there also. This led to the creation of the Naval Support Unit in 1966 as well as the decision to make it permanent two years later.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| title = Chapter 1, US Navy Basic Military Requirements for Seabees| access-date = 19 November 2017| archive-date = 30 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=9QJEAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22seabees%22+national+security+agency&pg=PA6 Department of State, Justice, Commerce, the Judiciary and related Agencies appropriations for 1966, Hearings...Dept of State, p. 6]</ref> That year William Darrah, a Seabee of the support unit, is credited with saving the U.S. Embassy in [[Prague, Czechoslovakia]] from a potentially disastrous fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/08/26/this-week-in-seabee-history-august-26-september-1/ |title=August 26, This Week in Seabee History (August 26 – September 1), by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr, NHHC, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Washington Navy Yard, DC |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=11 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211164859/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/08/26/this-week-in-seabee-history-august-26-september-1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1986, "as a result of reciprocal expulsions ordered by Washington and Moscow" Seabees were sent to "Moscow and Leningrad to help keep the embassy and the consulate functioning".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/25/us/washington-to-send-a-us-support-staff-to-missions-in-soviet.html "Washington to Send a U.S. Support Staff to Missions in Soviet Union", Bernard Gwertzman, ''The New York Times'', October 25, 1986]</ref>

The Support Unit has a limited number of special billets for select NCOs, E-5 and above. These Seabees are assigned to the [[Department of State]] and attached to [[Diplomatic Security]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/protection/c8760.htm |title=Protecting Information |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Those chosen can be assigned to the [[Regional Security Officer]] of a specific embassy or be part of a team traveling from one embassy to the next. Duties include the installation of [[alarm systems]], [[CCTV cameras]], [[electromagnetic lock]]s, safes, vehicle barriers, and securing compounds. They can also assist with the [[security engineering]] in sweeping embassies (electronic counter-intelligence). They are tasked with new construction or renovations in security sensitive areas and supervise private contractors in non-sensitive areas.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| title = US Navy Basic Military Requirements for Seabees, Chapter 1, p. 11| access-date = 19 November 2017| archive-date = 30 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref> Due to Diplomatic protocol the Support Unit is required to wear civilian clothes most of the time they are on duty and receive a supplemental clothing allowance for this. The information regarding this assignment is very scant, but State Department records in 1985 indicate department security had 800 employees, plus 1,200 Marines and 115 Seabees.<ref>{{cite book |last=Barker |first=J. Craig |title=The Protection of Diplomatic Personnel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=siGgCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA92|date=2016 |location=New York |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-01879-7 |page=92 }}</ref> That Seabee number is roughly the same today.<ref>[https://www.stripes.com/news/from-bugs-to-bombs-little-known-seabee-unit-protects-us-embassies-from-threats-1.524076 "From bugs to bombs, little-known Seabee unit protects US embassies from threats", ''Stars and Stripes'', 26 April 2018]</ref>

===Cold War winds down===
As the [[Cold War]] wound down, new challenges and changes came for the Seabees starting with the increased incidence of terrorism. This was in addition to ongoing Seabee support missions for USN/USMC bases worldwide. Cold War Facilities still required support, like the [[UGM-27 Polaris|Polaris]] and [[UGM-73 Poseidon|Poseidon]] submarines at [[Holy Loch]], [[Naval Station Rota, Spain|Rota]]. In 1971, the Seabees began the huge project on [[Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia|Diego Garcia]]<ref name="NHHC-CB">[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/after-vietnam.html Seabee History: After Vietnam, Published: 16 Apr 2015, NHHC, Official U.S. Navy web site]</ref> in the [[Indian Ocean]]. It was completed in 1987 at a cost of $200&nbsp;million. With the extended construction timeline, it is difficult to inflation-adjust that cost into today's dollars. The complex accommodates the Navy's largest ships and cargo planes. The base served as a staging facility for Operations [[Desert Shield]] and [[Desert Storm]]. Additionally, Seabees were also tasked upgrading and expanding [[Naval Air Station Sigonella]], Sicily for the [[United States Sixth Fleet]].

In 1983, a truck bomb demolished the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombings|Marine's barracks in Beirut]], Lebanon.<ref name="NHHC-CB"/> From the [[Beirut International Airport]] [[Druze]] militia artillery harassed the Marines. NMCB-1 was in Rota and sent its AirDet to construct bunkers for the Marines.<ref name="NHHC-CB"/> EO2 Kirt May became the first Seabee post-Vietnam to receive a [[Purple Heart]] while on this mission.

CN Carmella Jones became the first female Seabee when she cross-rated to Equipment Operator during the summer of 1972.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Online%20Reading%20Room/Seabee%20FAQs/Women%20in%20the%20CEC%20and%20Seabees.pdf| title = Woman in the CEC and the Seabees, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, Ca}}</ref>

== International terrorism ==
The Cold war did not end until 1991 and [[9/11]] was further off yet, but SW2 [[Robert Stethem]] was executed by the Lebanese [[Shia Islam|Shia]] militia [[Hezbollah]] when they hijacked [[TWA Flight 847]] in 1985. Stethem was a [[Navy diver (United States Navy)|diver]] in UCT 1. The Navy named {{USS|Stethem|DDG-63}} in his honor. On 24 August 2010, during a shipboard ceremony, Stethem was posthumously honored to the rank of [[Steelworker (United States Navy)|Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM)]] by the [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy]] and given the [[Prisoner of War Medal]].

===Persian Gulf War===
[[File:A member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 stands watch while other Seabees uses a bulldozers to prepare an area for camp during Operation Desert Storm. Exact Date Shot Unkno - DPLA - 65396919dda05883162b3002734439b3.jpeg|thumb|Seabees do base site prep during Operation Desert Storm.]]
Over 5,000 Seabees served in the [[Gulf War]]. In August 1990 the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) was assigned NMCBs 4, 5, 7, and 40.<ref name="NHHC-CB1">[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/desert-shield-desert-storm.html Seabee History: After Vietnam, Apr 2015, NHHC, Official USN web site]</ref> The first Seabees in theater were a Det from ABC 1, followed by a Det from ACB 2<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/> and then CBUs 411 and 415.<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/> Mid September Air-Dets from the four battalions deployed to construct air fields for Marine Air Groups (MAG) 11, 13, 16, and 25 of the [[3rd Marine Air Wing]].<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/> NMCB 7 was the first Battalion to arrive. Camp Nomad was a NMBC-74 project at Ras Al Mishab for [[MAG 26]]. Camps were constructed for both the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions as well as Hq complexes for MEF I and II.<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/> In [[Saudi Arabia]], Seabees built numerous camps, galleys, [[runways]], aprons, [[helicopter|helo]] zones, plus two 500-bed Fleet Hospitals near [[Jubail|Al-Jubayl]]. The 3rd NCR was activated to provide a command echelon. NMCBs 24 and 74 also deployed in support of the Marines.<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/>

===Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror===
{{multiple image
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 | image1    = US Navy 041208-N-4614W-001 U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Two Three (NMCB-23), secure a severely damaged school in Fallujah, Iraq.jpg
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Operation Karsha Pa Rago Kee 110529-A-WA427-032.jpg
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}}

Seabees deployed in both initial invasions of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)|Afghanistan War]] and [[War in Iraq|Iraq War]]. All active and reserve NMCBs and NCRs were deployed to building to work on civil [[infrastructure]].<ref name="NHHC-CB2">[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/us-navy-operation-enduring-freedom-2001-2002.html Seabee History: The US Navy in Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001–2002: 18 Aug. 2017, NHHC, Official U.S. Navy web site]</ref> One of the most visible tasks assigned to the NCF was the removal of statues of [[Saddam Hussein]] in [[Baghdad]].

In Afghanistan, the Seabees' main task was the construction of multiple [[forward operating base]]s. NMCB 133 deployed to FOB [[Camp Rhino]] and help build [[Kandahar Airfield]] where a detention facility was constructed as well.<ref name="NHHC-CB2"/>

Since 2002, Seabees have provided civic action support in the Philippines,<ref name="NHHC-CB2"/> most notably near [[Abu Sayyaf]]'s jungle training area in the southern Philippines. Seabees work with Army, Marines, and Air Force under the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines.<ref name="NHHC-CB2"/>

Seabees have supported the [[War on Terror]] ever since the invasion with numerous deployments over the years.

== Disaster Relief and Recovery ==

[[File:US Navy 060821-N-7770P-002 A team of U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB 5), attached to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA), set up tents.jpg|thumb|NMCB 5 attached to [[Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa]] set tents for displaced flood victims in [[Ethiopia]]. (2006)]]
* [[Hurricane Camille]] hit NCBC Gulfport, Mississippi, NMCB-121 was in homeport and was tasked with base cleanup, rescue, and community outreach.
* [[Cyclone Ofa]] in 1990 NMCB 133 sent a det to American Samoa to aid the recovery.
* [[1994 Northridge earthquake]], Seabees supported the disaster recovery.
* [[Hurricane Andrew]] in 1992, Seabees provided disaster recovery to [[Homestead, Florida]].<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/>
* [[Unified Task Force|Operation Restore Hope]] In 1992–1993 two battalions were sent for the humanitarian efforts in [[Somalia]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/Restoring%20Hope%20In%20Somalia%20with%20the%20Unified%20Task%20Force%201992-1993%20PCN%2019000413500_7.pdf |chapter=Chapter 8: Normality Begins to Return |title=Restoring Hope in Somalia with the Unified Task Force 1992–1993 |last=Mroczkowski |first=Dennis P. |location=[[Quantico, Virginia]] |publisher=History and Museums Division, [[Marine Corps University]] |date=2005 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
* [[Operation Sea Signal]] 1994 Seabees provided assistance to the Haitian Relief effort at [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base]].<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/>
* [[Implementation Force|Operation Joint Endeavor]] In Dec. 1995, Seabees were in [[Croatia]] supporting the peacekeeping in [[Sarajevo]], Bosnia and Herzegovina. NMCB 40 was tasked to the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Div. for dismantling FOBs during the [[Implementation Force|IFOR]]/[[Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina|SFOR]] phase.<ref name="NHHC-CB1"/>
* [[Hurricane Georges]] Seabees deployed to the Caribbean with damage assessment teams, generators and water trucks providing disaster relief.
* [[Hurricane Mitch]] 1998 Seabees deployed to Honduras with [[Joint Task Force Bravo]]. They did road and bridge repair, debris cleanup, and erected camps. For NMCB 7, it was on their second humanitarian mission of the deployment.
* [[Hurricane Ivan]] NMCBs 1 & 74 deployed in September 2004 to the repair [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]]. They cleared debris, repaired roads, erected tents, and provided general support.
* [[Typhoon Nanmadol (2004)]] NMCB 7 provided disaster relief.
* [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]] NMCBs 7, 40, and UCT 2 provided disaster relief.
* [[Joint Task Force Katrina]] 2005. Seabees from NMCBs 1, 7, 18, 40 and 133 plus ACB 2 and CBMUs 202 and 303 and UCT 1 were tasked the reconstruction of CBC Gulfport and the recovery of the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2006_1Winter.pdf|title="Hurricane Relief", Seabee magazine, Winter 2006|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=23 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223075820/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2006_1Winter.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[2010 Haiti earthquake]] NMCB 7 provided construction support and disaster relief with UCT 1, ACB-2 and Army Engineers.
* [[April 2011 Miyagi earthquake]] Seabees from NMCB-133 and UCT 2 deployed to Japan as part of the relief effort.
* [[Hurricane Sandy]] NMCB 11 Air Det deployed to support disaster recovery in New Jersey and New York.<ref>{{cite web |last=McAvoy |first=Audrey|url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/11/20/seabees-complete-disaster-recovery-mission.html |title=Seabees Complete Disaster Recovery Mission |website=Military.com |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> NMCB 5 assisted disaster relief throughout the Sandy Hook area.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70481 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111010614/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70481 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2012 |title=US Navy Provides Disaster Relief in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy |date=11 April 2017 |website=Defense Media Activity |access-date=25 April 2017}}</ref>

== Naval Construction Force (NCF) ==
{{See also|Civil Engineer Corps}}

At present, there are six active-duty Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCBs) in the United States Navy, split between the Pacific Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet.

[[File:US Navy 050129-N-1810F-193 U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty Three (NMCB 23) patrol the streets of Fallujah, one day prior to Iraq's historic democratic elections.jpg|thumb|Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty Three (NMCB 23) patrol the streets of Fallujah, Iraq.]]

'''30th Naval Construction Regiment''' is located on Guam. [[Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme]], CA is homeport to the Regiment's battalions.
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5]]

'''22nd Naval Construction Regiment''' is stationed at [[Naval Construction Battalion Center (Gulfport, Mississippi)]] the homeport to the Atlantic fleet CBs.
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133]]

'''NCF Reserve'''
From the 1960s through 1991, reserve battalions were designated as "Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalions" (RNMCBs). After 1991 "Reserve" was dropped with the integration of reserve units within the NCF making all battalions NMCBs
* Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14, HQ Gulfport, MS. detachments in five states and Puerto Rico.
* Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18, HQ Port Hueneme, CA., detachments in six states and Guam.
* Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22, HQ Port Hueneme, CA. detachments in five states.
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25]], HQ Port Hueneme, CA. detachments in six states.
* Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27, HQ Gulfport, MS. detachments in seven states.

'''Detachment:''' A construction crew that is "detached" from the battalion's "main body" deployment site. The size is determined by the project scale and timeline.

'''Battalion:''' The [[battalion]] is the basic NCF unit with a HQ Company plus four Construction Companies: A, B, C, & D. CBs are organized to function as independent self sufficient units.

'''Regiment:''' Naval Construction Regiments (NCRs) provide a higher echelon command to three or four CBs operating on close proximity.

'''Naval Construction Groups 1 and 2:''' In 2013, Seabee Readiness Groups (SRGs) were decommissioned, and re-organized as NCG-1 and NCG-2. They are regimental-level command groups tasked with administrative and operational control of CBs, as well as conducting pre deployment training for all assigned units. NCG-2 is based at CBC Gulfport while NCG-1 is at CBC Port Hueneme.

'''Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team (SERTs)'''

[[File:US Navy 040414-N-1261P-007 Engineering Aide 2nd Class Oliver Taylor assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seventy Four (NMCB-74) helps secure a sector of a highway after sighting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).jpg|thumb|NMCB-74's Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team, secure a sector of a highway after sighting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while deployed in central Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).]]

[[Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team|SERTs]] are the [[Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable)|Special operations capable]] element of the NCF developed by the First Naval Construction Division (1st NCD) in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are intended to provide engineering assessments in the field in support of the [[United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions]]. A team has two CEC officers and eight enlisted Seabees, augmented by additional personnel as needed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2003_2.pdf |title=SERT, Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team, Andrew G. Wright, Engineering News-Record, Seabee Magazine Special Commemorative Double Issue 2003, NAVFAC, Attn: SEABEE Online, Washington Navy Yard, DC, p. 69. |access-date=4 September 2019 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127121554/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2003_2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> A team has three elements: liaison, security, and reconnaissance. The liaison (LNO) element has an officer and two communications specialists responsible for communicating the assessments and intelligence. Reconnaissance has the other officer, who is the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), a [[Builder (US Navy)|BU]] or [[Steelworker (US Navy)|SW]] [[chief petty officer|cpo]] with bridge construction experience. The team has a [[corpsman]] or medically trained member, the remainder are selected for being the most qualified in their trade. All are required to have the Seabee Warfare pin. In 2013, 1st Naval Construction Division along with SERT's were decommissioned. Today, UCTs performance demonstrate the SERT concept for NECC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.seabeedivers.org/history.html|title=History|website=National Seabee Divers Association|access-date=20 January 2018|archive-date=21 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071241/http://www.seabeedivers.org/history.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Seabees outside the NCF ==
{{Main|Amphibious Construction Battalion 1|Amphibious Construction Battalion 2|Underwater Construction Teams}}

'''Amphibious Construction Battalions (PHIBCBs)'''
[[File:US Navy 030404-N-1050K-023 U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalions One and Two prepare to place the next roadway section being used in the building of the Elevated Causeway System-Modular (ELCAS (M)) st.jpg|thumb|US Navy 030404-N-1050K-023U.S. Seabees from ACBs 1 and 2 place a deck section in the assembly of the Elevated Causeway System-Modular (ELCAS (M)) at [[Camp Patriot]], [[Kuwait]] (Apr 2003).]]

ACBs (or PHIBCB) were preceded by the pontoon assembly CBs formed during World War II. On 31 October 1950, MCBs 104 and 105 were re-designated ACB 1 and ACB 2, and assigned to Naval Beach Groups. ACBs report to [[Surface warfare|surface]] [[U.S. Navy type commands#Commander, Naval Surface Forces|TYCOMs]]. Additionally, in an ACB half the enlisted are a construction rate while the other half are fleet.

'''Construction Battalion Maintenance Units'''
[[File:U.S. Navy Construction Mechanic 1st Class William Cook, assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, attached to the Khost Provincial Reconstruction Team, unbolts the windshield from a Cougar H 6x6 120811-A-PO167-009.jpg|thumb|A Seabee, assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, conducts maintenance on a [[Cougar (MRAP)|Cougar HE 6x6]], at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khost province, Afghanistan.]]

When during World War II these units had 1/4 the personnel of a CB. Their task was to assume maintenance of bases once CBs had completed construction. Today, CBMU's provide public works support at Naval Support Activities, [[Forward Operating Bases]], and Fleet Hospital/Expeditionary Medical Facilities during wartime or contingency operations for a [[Marine Expeditionary Force]] (MEF), Marine Expeditionary Group (MEG), or NSW. They also provide disaster recovery support to Naval Regional Commanders in [[Contiguous United States|CONUS]].
* CBMU 202<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/cbmu202/Pages/default.aspx |title=CBMU 202, Official website of the Naval Construction Force, CLF_GLFP_WebMaster@navy.mil |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807100408/https://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/cbmu202/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, VA (formerly Naval Amphibious Base)
** det Jacksonville
* CBMU 303<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/cbmu303/Pages/Home%20Page.aspx |title=CBMU 303, Official website of the Naval Construction Force, CLF_GLFP_WebMaster@navy.mil |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929040604/https://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/cbmu303/Pages/Home%20Page.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Navy Expeditionary Combat Force, Naval Base San Diego, Ca.
** det Port Hueneme
** det Pearl Harbor

'''NAVFAC Engineering & Expeditionary Warfare Center Ocean Facilities Department'''.<ref name="navfac.navy.mil">{{Cite web |url=https://www.navfac.navy.mil/navfac_worldwide/specialty_centers/exwc/products_and_services/ocean_facilities/facilities_department.html |title=Ocealoopn Facilities Department, NAVFAC Engineering & Expeditionary Warfare Center, Washington Navy Yard, DC. |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125061308/https://www.navfac.navy.mil/navfac_worldwide/specialty_centers/exwc/products_and_services/ocean_facilities/facilities_department.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Gives support to the Fleet through the support of Underwater Construction Teams.<ref name="navfac.navy.mil"/> UCTs deploy worldwide to conduct underwater construction, inspection, repair, and [[underwater demolition]].

'''Underwater Construction Teams (UCT)'''
[[File:U.S. Sailors assigned to Construction Dive Detachment Alpha, Underwater Construction Team 2 dive over the remains of the battleship USS Arizona at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 21, 2013 130321-N-WX059-135.jpg|thumb|Underwater Construction Team 2 along with divers of the [[National Park Service]] ascertain the condition and status of the battleship [[USS Arizona Memorial]] in 2013]]

UCTs deploy worldwide tasked with [[underwater construction]], inspections, repairs, and demolition operations. They can support a [[Fleet Marine Force]] [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious operation]] or provide combat service support ashore. UCT1 is [[home port]]ed at Little Creek, Virginia, while UCT2 is at Port Hueneme, California.<ref name="diver">U.S. Navy Diving, Lesson N2b.v2, United States Naval Academy, Spring 2012, Seabee Diver/CEC</ref>

After basic UCT training a diver is qualified as a 2nd Class Diver. Training is 26 weeks at the Dive school at [[Panama City, Florida]].
It includes a tactical training phase for advanced combat and demolitions skills.<ref name="navycs.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.navycs.com/navy-jobs/seabee-uct-diver.html|title=Navy Seabee UCT Diver Challenge Program|website=www.navycs.com}}</ref>
The training qualifies divers as Underwater Construction Technicians skilled in: seafloor excavation, hydrographic surveys, search and recovery, engineering reconnaissance, and precision demolitions. Senior NCOs are schooled for their supervisory positions whether construction or demolition.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/uct_u_con_tec.htm|title= UCT - Underwater Construction Technician|access-date= 16 October 2020|archive-date= 20 October 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201020042808/https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/uct_u_con_tec.htm|url-status= dead}}</ref>

UCT divers can apply for selection to support the [[Naval Special Warfare Development Group]].<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1300Assignment/Documents/1306-979.pdf |title=Recruitment/Assignment To Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (COMNAVSPECWARDEVGRU) |website=U.S. Navy BuPers |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927053026/http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1300Assignment/Documents/1306-979.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''Public Works: U.S. Naval Bases'''

These units have CEC officers leading them and enlisted Seabees for the various crews. About one-third of new Seabees are assigned to [[Public Works]] Departments (PWD) at naval installations both within the United States and overseas. While stationed at a Public Works Department, a Seabee can get specialized training and experience in multiple facets of their rating. Many bases have civilians that augment Public Works, but the department is a military operation.

'''Combat Service Support Detachments (CSSD) / Naval Special Warfare (NSW)'''

The Seabee detachments have several hundred supporting [[Naval Special Warfare]] (NSW) units based out of Coronado, CA, and Virginia Beach, VA. Field support can include camp construction, camp and vehicle maintenance, power generation, transportation logistics, and water purification.<ref name="Whittenberger">{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=30125 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012054345/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=30125 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2016 |title=Seabee Recognized for Supporting Naval Special Warfare |last=Whittenberger |first=Katt |website=Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs |access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="Ethos16">{{cite magazine |url=https://static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_24024.pdf |title=Building Camp NSW |magazine=Ethos |issue=16 |pages=24–27 |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611162204/https://static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_24024.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The assignment requires additional training in first aid, small arms, driving, specialized equipment, and<ref name="Whittenberger" /><ref name="Ethos16" /> qualifying as Expeditionary Warfare Specialists.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_24003.pdf |title=We salute you Naval Special Warfare technician |pages=5–6 |magazine=Ethos |issue=3 |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229054338/https://static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_24003.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> With that qualification a Seabee can be classified as 5306 – Naval Special Warfare (Combat Service Support) or 5307 – Naval Special Warfare (Combat Support).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NECOSVolII/Documents/Chap_4_JUL16.pdf |title=Navy Enlisted Classifications (Chapter 4 ) |website=U.S. Navy BuPers |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012150300/http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NECOSVolII/Documents/Chap_4_JUL16.pdf |archive-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> They also can apply for selection to support the [[Naval Special Warfare Development Group]].<ref name="auto2"/>

== Training and rates ==

[[File:USMC barracks inspection.jpg|thumb|USMC barracks inspection during NMCB 74's [[military training]] at Camp Lejeune in March 1968]]
[[File:M60 instruction at Camp Lejeune for MCB 71.jpg|thumb|USMC M60 instruction at Camp Lejeune for MCB 71 in 1967]]

Trainees begin "A" School (trade school) upon completion of [[Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois|boot]]: 4 weeks classroom, 8 weeks hands-on. From "A" School, trainees most often report to a NMCB or ACB. There, recruits go through four-weeks of Expeditionary Combat Skills (ECS), which is also required for those who report to a [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command]]. ECS provides basic training in map reading, combat first aid, recon and other combat-related skills. Half of each course is spent on basic marksmanship to qualify with the [[M4 carbine]] and the [[Beretta M9|M9 service pistol]]. Those posted to Alfa Company of an NMCB may be assigned to a crew-served weapon, like the [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|MK 19]] 40&nbsp;mm grenade launcher, the [[M2 Browning|M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun]] or the [[M240 machine gun]]. Many reserve units still field the [[M60 machine gun]]. Seabees were last in the U.S. military to wear the [[U.S. Woodland]] camouflage uniform and the [[Desert Camouflage Uniform]]. They now have the [[Navy Working Uniform]] Type III and use [[All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment|ALICE]] field gear. Some units with the Marines will use USMC-issue [[Improved load-bearing equipment]] (ILBE).

'''Current rates:'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NEOCSVol1/Pages/default.aspx |title=Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower and Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards |website=Navy Personnel Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123051446/https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/nec/NEOCSVol1/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/03/04/the-u-s-navy-seabees-rates-to-remember/ |title=The U.S. Navy Seabees: Rates to Remember |first=Annalisa |last=Underwood |website=The Sextant |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506091959/https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/03/04/the-u-s-navy-seabees-rates-to-remember/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The current ratings were adopted by the Navy in 1948.
* BU : [[Builder (United States Navy)|Builder]]
* CE : [[Construction electrician (United States Navy)|Construction electrician]]
* CM : [[Construction mechanic (United States Navy)|Construction mechanic]]
* EA : [[Engineering aide]]
* EO : [[Equipment operator]]
* SW : [[Steelworker (United States Navy)|Steelworker]]
* UT : [[Utilitiesman (United States Navy)|Utilitiesman]]

The Seabee "constructionman" ranks of E-1 through E-3 are designated by sky-blue stripes on uniforms. The color was adopted in 1899 as a uniform trim color designating the [[Civil Engineer Corps]], but was later given up. Its continued use is a bit of Naval Heritage in the NCF.

At [[Uniformed services pay grades of the United States#Enlisted pay grades|paygrade]] E-8, the Builder, Steelworker, and Engineering Aid rates combine into a single rate: Senior Chief Constructionman (CUCS). Before NAVADMIN 054/21, at the E-9 paygrade they were referred to as a Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM).

Before NAVADMIN 054/21, the remaining Seabee rates combined only at the E-9 paygrade:
* Master Chief Equipmentman (EQCM) for Equipment Operator and Construction Mechanic.
* Master Chief Utilitiesman (UCCM) for Construction Electrician and Utilitiesman.

Per NAVADMIN 054/21: Constructionman Master Chief (CUCM), Equipmentman Master Chief (EQCM) and Utilities Constructionman Master Chief (UCCM) renamed Seabee Master Chief (CBCM). Those Master Chiefs already in CUCM, EQCM or UCCM ratings were to be automatically converted to CBCM on 15 March 2021, but current source ratings badges were to be retained.

{{Multiple image
|header    =Seabee Underwater Construction Technicians Insignia
|width1    = 120
|image1    = MDV Pin.jpg
|alt1      = Master diver badge
|caption1  = Master Diver
|width2    = 115
|image2    = 1st Class Diver Insignia.jpg
|alt2      = First class diver badge
|caption2  = 1st Class Diver
|width3    = 68
|image3    = US Military 2nd Class Diver Badge.jpg
|alt3      = Second class diver badge
|caption3  = 2nd Class Diver
|width4    = 120
|image4    = USN-USCG Diving Officer insignia.png
|alt4      = Diving officer badge
|caption4  = Diving Officer
}}

[[Navy diver (United States Navy)|Diver]] is a qualification that the various rates can obtain with three grades: Basic Underwater Construction Technician/ NEC B17A (2nd Class Diver), Advanced Underwater Construction Technician/ NEC B18A (1st Class Diver), and Master Underwater Construction Technician/ NEC B16A (Master diver). Seabee divers are attached to five principal commands outside the NCF:
* UCT ONE, Little Creek, VA.<ref name="diver1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/shipwrecks/eng_tech_2/navy_diving.pdf |title=U.S. Navy Diving, Lesson N2b.v2, United States Naval Academy, Spring 2012, Seabee Diver/CEC |access-date=4 May 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806232023/https://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/shipwrecks/eng_tech_2/navy_diving.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* UCT TWO, Port Hueneme, CA.
* [[Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center]] (NFESC) that has detachments in Port Hueneme, CA, and in the Washington Navy Yard, DC. These are CEC officer billets only. Those at Port Hueneme are with the highly technical NFESC "Dive Locker Team".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2005.pdf |title=Issue No. 1, 2005, Seabee Magazine, p. 19, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington Navy Yard DC |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217205320/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2005.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[United States Navy systems commands|Navy System Commands]], e.g., NAVSEA or NAVAIR. These are CEC officer billets only.<ref name="diver1"/>
* [[Navy Experimental Diving Unit]]{{Snd}} Navy Diving & Salvage Training Center (NEDU/NDSTC)<ref name="diver1"/>

== The "Seabee" and Unit insignias ==

On 1 March 1942 the RADM Moreell recommended that an insignia be created to promote ''esprit de corps'' in the new CBs to ID their equipment as the Air corps did to ID squadrons. It was not intended for uniforms.<ref name="Bases.Ch6"/>{{rp|136}} Frank J. Iafrate, a civilian file clerk at [[Quonset Point]] Advance Naval Base, Davisville, Rhode Island, who created the original "Disney Style" Seabee. In early 1942 his design was sent to RADM Moreell who made a single request: that the Seabee being set inside a letter Q, for Quonset Point, be changed to a hawser rope and it would be officially adopted.<ref name="beelogoorigin">{{cite web |url=http://aville94thbattalion.tripod.com/id3.html |title=Origin of the SeaBee logo |website=Albertville 94th Battalion, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>

The Seabees had a second Logo. It was of a shirtless constructionman holding a sledge hammer with a rifle strapped across his back standing upon the words "Construimus Batuimus USN". The figure was on a shield with a blue field across the top and vertical red and white stripes. A small CEC logo is left of the figure and a small anchor is to the right. This logo was incorporated into many CB Unit insignias.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://picssr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/page55?nsid=60248384@N05 |title=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum |website=Picssr |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019061215/http://picssr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/page55?nsid=60248384@N05 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During World War II, artists working for [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney Insignia Department]] designed logos for about ten Seabee units including the: 60th NCB,<ref name="disney">{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2013/07/31/disney-insignia-from-world-war-ii |title=Disney Insignia from World War II |first=John |last=Daly |date=31 July 2013 |website=[[United States Naval Institute|USNI]] News |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> 78th NCB<ref name="disney"/> 112th NCB,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/5559458936 |title=112th Naval Construction Battalion Logo |website=Flickr.com |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> and the 133rd NCB.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/seabee-unit-histories.html/ 133 Naval Construction Battalion Log, 1946, p.6, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA 133 NCB Cruisebook NHHC: Seabee Museum]</ref> There are two Disney published Seabee logos that are not identified with any unit.<ref>Disney Don's Dogtags, Walton Rawls, Abbeville Press, 1992</ref>

== Qualification badges and Unit awards ==
[[File:Navy Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Insignia.png|thumb|'''SCW insignia: Seabee Officers and enlisted''']]
The military qualification badge for the Seabees is known as the [[Seabee combat warfare specialist insignia]] (SCW). It was created in 1993 for both officers and enlisted personnel attached to qualifying units: NMCBs, ACBs, UCTs, or NCRs. Its designer, Commander Ross S. Selvidge, CEC, USNR, was the first to wear the insignia.
[[File:Fleet Marine Force insignia authorized for US Naval personnel.jpg|thumb|'''FMF insignia for USN: Officer, Enlisted, and Chaplain''']]

The [[Fleet Marine Force Insignia]] or Fleet Marine Force pin (FMF pin), is for USN officers or enlisted trained and qualified to support the USMC. It comes in three classes : enlisted, officer, and chaplain. For requirements, see: Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist (EFMFWS) Program per [[OPNAV Instruction]] 1414.4B.

The '''Peltier Award''' is given annually to the "Best of Type" active duty Construction Battalion. It was instituted by Rear Admiral Eugene J. Peltier CEC in 1960. He was Commander of BuDocks 1959–1962.<ref>Commander Ross S. Selvidge CEC, USNR</ref>

== Seabee barge carriers ==
[[File:US_Navy_050728-N-8268B-022_A_Logistical_Amphibious_Recovery_Craft_(LARC)_amphibious_vehicle_assigned_to_Beachmaster_Unit_One_(BMU-1)_launches_from_the_Military_Sealift_Command_(MSC)_sea_barge_heavy_lift_ship_SS_Cape_Mohican_(T.jpg|thumb|US Navy Seabees from [[Beachmaster Unit One]] (BMU-1) operate a [[LARC-V]], launching from a [[Military Sealift Command]] (MSC) sea barge heavy lift ship SS Cape Mohican (T-AKR-5065)]]

There were six [[Seabee (barge)|"Seabee"]] ships built:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.americanshipper.com/main/news/where-have-the-barge-carriers-gone-59836.aspx |title="Where have the barge carriers gone?" ''American shipper'', Howard Publications Inc., Capt. James Mcnamara, 18 April 2015 |access-date=1 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141349/https://www.americanshipper.com/main/news/where-have-the-barge-carriers-gone-59836.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> the SS ''Cape Mendocino'' (T-AKR-5064), the {{SS|Cape May|T-AKR-5063}}, {{SS|Cape Mohican|T-AKR-5065}} and three operated by [[Lykes Brothers Steamship Company]]. (the SS Doctor Lykes, the SS Tillie Lykes, and the SS Almeria Lykes). The NCF is the principal user of Seabee barges. Barges are shuttled to and from the mother ship, facilitating the unloading of containerized cargo wherever needed. These ships have an elevator system for lifting the barges out of the water at the stern onto the vessel. Barges, loaded or not are elevated to one of the three decks and then moved forward towards the bow on a track to be stored. The ship can carry 38 barges, 12 each on the lower decks and 14 on the upper. The 38 barges have a total capacity for 160 shipping containers. They have a [[Draft (hull)|draft]] of 2.5', and measure 97'x35'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/5566 |title=Doctor Lykes, Marad, U.S. Dept of Trans., Maritime Admin., Washington, DC |access-date=2 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140118/https://www.marad.dot.gov/sh/ShipHistory/Detail/5566 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Besides the barges, the ship has a fuel storage capacity of nearly 36000 m<sup>3</sup> (9,510,194 gal.) built in its sides and double hull, allowing it to double as a fuel transport. The ships were purchased by the [[Military Sealift Command]].

== Museums ==
[[File:Fighting_seabee_statue.jpg|right|thumb|The Fighting Seabee Statue at [[Quonset Point]], where the [[Seabee Museum and Memorial Park]] commemorates Camp Endicott which is on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (U.S. Navy)]]

The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee.html|title=Seabee Museum|website=Naval History and Heritage Command|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> is located outside the main gate of [[Naval Base Ventura County]] in [[Port Hueneme, California]]. In July 2011, the new facility opened with galleries, a grand hall, a theater, storage, and research areas.

The Seabee Heritage Center is the Atlantic Coast Annex of the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/seabee_museum.htm|title=Welcome|date=10 January 2012 |website=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150515160930/http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/seabee_museum.htm|archive-date= 15 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> It opened in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-9.htm#gulfport|title=A Guide to the U.S. Navy Museum Facilities in the United States|date=10 January 2012|website=Naval History and Heritage Command|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121023132502/http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-9.htm|archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Exhibits at the Gulfport Annex are provided by the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seabeehf.org/the-museum/ |title=The Museum & Heritage Center|website=CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation|access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref>

The [[Seabee Museum and Memorial Park]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seabeesmuseum.com|title=Home|website=Seabee Museum and Memorial Park|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> in [[Davisville, Rhode Island]] was opened in the late 1990s. A Fighting Seabee Statue is located there.

== Seabees of notable Seabee service ==
* [[Admiral]] [[Ben Moreell]] (created the Seabees)
* CM3 [[Marvin Glenn Shields]] ([[Medal of Honor]])
* SW2 [[Robert Stethem]] (Seabee diver)
* Cdr [[Blake Wayne Van Leer]]

== See also ==
{{Portal|Engineering}}
* [[Military engineering of the United States]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26]]
* [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40]]
* [[Parks Reserve Forces Training Area]]
* [[Seabees Memorial]]
* [[United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit]]
* [[Unsinkable aircraft carrier]]
* [[US Naval Bases North Africa|Seabees Naval Bases in North Africa]]
* {{USS|Marvin Shields}}

Other U.S. military construction/engineering units:
* [[Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers|RED HORSE]]{{Snd}} [[U.S. Air Force]]
* [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]]
* [[List of United States Marine Corps battalions|USMC Combat Engineer Battalions]]

== Notes ==
'''World War II'''
* [[File:United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|80 px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Presidential Unit Citation USN/USMC]]
** 6th CB, 1st Marine Div., Guadalcanal.<ref name="NHHC">[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/n/navy-mc-awards-manual-rev1953/pt2-unit-awards.html Naval History and Heritage Command website, Part 2 – Unit Awards, 31 August 2015]</ref>
** 18th CB, 2nd Marine Div., Tarawa<ref name="NHHC"/>
** 33rd CB, shore party detachment, 1st Marine Div., Peleliu<ref name="NHHC"/>
** 73rd CB, shore party detachment, 1st Marine Div., Peleliu<ref name="NHHC"/>
** 121st CB, 12-man doodlebug landing party, 4th Marine Div., Tinian<ref name="NHHC"/>
* [[File:United States Army and U.S. Air Force Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|80px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|U.S. Army Distinguished Unit Citation]]
** 40th CB, 1st Cavalry Div., Los Negros<ref name="NHHC"/>
** 78th CB, 12 men, 1st Cavalry Div., Los Negros<ref name="NHHC"/>
* WWII U.S.N. CB awards for valor were listed each month in ''All Hands'' along with the rest of the Navy.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054220/http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/department_arch1941.html Valor Awards, All Hands, Defense Media Activity for U.S. Navy Office of Information]</ref>

'''Marine Corps, Seabees outside the NCF'''
* When the 18th, 19th and 25th CBs were transferred to the Marine Corps they each were reduced by one company plus 1/5th of Hq Co to match the organization of a USMC battalion. B Co from the 25th CB<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=gyMhFyaNsKYC&dq=replacement+group%2C+fmf-tc&pg=PA116 25th Naval Construction Unit History, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA p.o]</ref> and C Co from the 18th CB<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/NCB/018%20NCB.pdf 18th Naval Construction Battalion Log, date 2-8-43, Navy Seabee Museum website, Port Hueneme, CA]</ref> were used to form the 53rd CB. The other company was used to form the 121st CB.
* Due to Seabees being given advanced rank upon enlistment, enlisted Marines referred to construction battalions as "sergeant's battalions". USMC sergeants do not pull guard duty, so the ranked Seabees would not be assigned. The NCOs of the 18th wore USMC chevrons and not USN "crows" on their uniforms.<ref>{{cite book |title=From Omaha to Okinawa: The Story of the Seabees |first=Willam Bradford |last=Huie |publisher=E.P. Dutton |location=New York |year=1945}}</ref>
* USN insignia on USMC issue.<ref>[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/books/Navy_Marks/navy_marks.htm Insignia table, Group II: Hospital Corpsmen and Seabees assigned to Marine Units, U.S. Navy Marks (and others) on Marine Uniforms, John A. Stacey, 2005, Published by John A. Stacey, 2880 Smith Point Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland 20662, Dept. of the Navy, Naval Historical Center, Wash. Navy Yard, DC, p. 4]</ref>
* Seabees were shore party for the Marines on Bougainville,<ref name="71USNCB"/> Peleliu,<ref name="auto1"/> Guam,<ref>{{cite book |title=25th Naval Construction Battalion: Pacific Diary |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gyMhFyaNsKYC&pg=PA116|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum |page=116 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Purata Island,<ref name="auto"/> Roi-Namur, Saipan,<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Marianas/USA-P-Marianas-7.html |title=U.S. Army in World War II, The War in the Pacific, Campaign in the Marianas |chapter=Chapter VII: Supporting Arms and Operations |first=Philip A. |last=Crowl |publisher=U.S. Army |year=1959 |page=125 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> Iwo Jima,<ref name="4thMarDiv"/> and Okinawa.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Appendix IV |chapter-url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/USMC-M-Okinawa/USMC-M-Okinawa-IV.html |first=Charles S. |last=Nichols |title=Okinawa: Victory in the Pacific |publisher=USMC Historical Section, United States Marine Corps |location=Quantico, VA |date=1955 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> The Marines deployed them as combat engineers at Cape Gloucester,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/12/23/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-dec-20/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of 20 December) |date=23 December 2015 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=Navy Facilities Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815182113/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/12/23/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-dec-20/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tarawa,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://disc.yourwebapps.com/discussion.cgi?disc=149620;article=13338 |title=TarawaTalk – Tarawa Seabees |date=20 November 2009 |website=DiscussionApp |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=5 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805140325/http://disc.yourwebapps.com/discussion.cgi?disc=149620;article=13338 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Tinian.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y56Dut69s5UC&pg=PA222|title=U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle: Ground and Air units in the Pacific War, 1939–1945 |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |location=Westport, CN |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2002 |page=328 |access-date=18 October 2017|isbn=9780313319068 }}</ref>
* The first Marines assigned to a CB were attached to CBD 1010 on Guam.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Online%20Reading%20Room/Manuals%20and%20Publications/Publications/seabeenewsservice/Issue%2028_%2011%20Jul%201944.pdf Seabee News Service], The BuDocks, 11 July 1944, p. 4</ref> The 2nd Separate Marine Engineer Battalion was next, assigned to the 27th NCR with two former USMC CBs; the 25th and the 53rd.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/Brigades-WWII/05%20NCBr.pdf 5th Naval Construction Brigade, NHHC, p. 9, Navy Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> In mid-August 1944 the 1st Separate Marine Engineer Battalion was assigned to the 30th NCR.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/misc-cruisebooks/6%20%20Naval%20Construction%20Brigade.pdf 6th Naval Construction Brigade Log, published by Commodore P.J. Halloran, printed by 92nd CB, 1945, p. 12/38, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> Prior, 100 Marines were assigned to the 71st CB on Bougainville.

'''NCDUs, Seabees outside the NCF'''
* NCDUs at Normandy: 11, 22–30, 41–46, 127–8, 130-42<ref name="NCDU Report">[https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/rep/Normandy/CTF-122-NCDU.html Report on Naval Combat Demolition Units in Operation "NEPTUNE" as part of Task Force 122, Lt.(jg) H. L. Blackwell Jr., USNR, 5 July 1944.]</ref>
* The Joint Army Navy Experimental Testing (JANET) site for beach obstacle removal, Project DM-361, was located at the ex-Seabee base, Camp Bradford after the NCDU program moved.<ref>[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.846.4763&rep=rep1&type=pdf Joint-Service Beach Obstacle Demolition in World War II, James Douglas O'Dell, April–June 2005, p. 36–40]</ref>
* 14 NCDUs were combined to create UDT 9, almost completely Seabees<ref name="Rockies"/>
* NCDUs 200 – 216 were combined to create UDT 15.<ref name="UDT Cold">''The Water Is Never Cold'', James Douglas O'Dell, 2000, p. 132, Brassey's, Dulles, VA.</ref>
* [[File:United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|80 px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Presidential Unit Citation USN/USMC]] : Naval Combat Demolition Force O on Omaha beach at Normandy.<ref>
[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/d/d-day-the-normandy-invasion-combat-demolition-units.html D-Day, the Normandy Invasion: Combat Demolition Units, Naval History and Heritage Command official U.S. Navy web site]</ref>
* [[File:Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|80 px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Unit Commendation]]: Naval Combat Demolition Force U on Utah beach at Normandy.

'''UDTs, Seabees outside the NCF'''
* The [[Naval Special Warfare Command]] building at the U.S.N. Seal base at Fort Pierce is named for Ltjg. Frank Kaine CEC commander of NCDU 2.
* [[William J. Donovan|General Donovan]] the head of the OSS approached [[Douglas MacArthur|General MacArthur]] and [[Admiral Nimitz]] about using OSS men in the Pacific<ref name="UDT10"/> with Europe invaded. Gen. MacArthur had no interest.<ref name="UDT10"/> Adm. Nimitz looked at Donovan's list and also said no, except he could use the swimmers from the Maritime Unit.<ref name="UDT10"/> He was only interested in them for being swimmers not being OSS.
* Seabees outside the NCF, made [[History of the United States Navy|naval history]].<ref name="Frogman"/> Admiral Turner recommended over 60 Silver Stars and over 300 [[Bronze Star]]s with Vs for the Seabees and other service members of UDTs 1-7<ref name="Frogman">[https://books.google.com/books?id=_1THUFop2BkC&dq=UDTs+at+Guam&pg=PT122 ''America's First Frogman'', Elizabeth K. Bush, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, 2012, Chapt. 7]</ref> That was unpresendented in USN/USMC history.<ref name="Frogman"/> For UDTs 5 and 7 at Tinian and UDTs 3 and 4 at Guam, all officers received a silver stars and all enlisted received bronze stars with Vs.<ref name="Fane">''Naked Warriors'', Cdt. Francis Douglas Fane USNR (Ret.), St. Martin's Press, New York, 1996, pp. 122, 131</ref> Adm. [[Richard Lansing Conolly|Conolly]] felt Lt. Crist and Lt. Carberry of UDTs 3 & 4 should have received Navy Crosses at Guam.<ref name="Fane"/>
* many of the men from UDTs 1 and 2 were used to form UDTs 3 and 4.<ref name="UDT Cold"/>
* UDT 3 at formation had 11 CEC, 4 USN, 1 USMC Officers<ref name="Rockies"/>
* UDT 7's officers went through "indoctrination" in "Area E" at Camp Peary.<ref name="Rockies"/>

'''Seabee North Slope Oil Exploration 1944'''
* Seabee Creek was named by CBD 1058 and runs into the Colville River at Umiat, AK.
* USN geologists with CBD 1058 discovered the large Aupuk Gas Seep.<ref>[https://dggs.alaska.gov/webpubs/dggs/pir/text/pir2008_001e.pdf Geochemistry of the Aupuk Gas Seep Along the Colville River—Evidence for a Thermogenic Origin, by Paul L. Decker and Marwan A. Wartes, Alaska Division of Oil & Gas, Anchorage, AK, p. 1 ]</ref>

'''Cold War: Korea – Seabee Teams'''
* In October 1965 MCB 11 had two Seabee Teams assigned to "Project Demo". The U.S. State Dept. tasked them with de-bugging embassies behind the [[Iron Curtain]] and repair the damage caused by the removal.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB/nmcb11-cruisebooks/NMCB%2011_1964-65.pdf MCB 11 cruisebook 1964–65, pp. 66/102 Seabee Museum Archive, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170122214400/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP75-00001R000300210032-7.pdf >Spy "Bugs" Open New Worlds for Seabees to Conquer, CIA library reading room]</ref>

'''Cold War: Antarctica'''
* [[Seabee Heights]] is a geologic feature of the [[Transantarctic Mountains]]. It overlooks the [[Beardmore Glacier]] Seabee traverse route inland.
* [[Seabee Hook]] is located near the site of Hallett Station on the [[Ross Sea]].

'''Cold War: Vietnam'''
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZXwbHcoDOkC&pg=SA4-PA17 Commander Naval Construction Battalion U.S. Pacific Fleet, Tân Sơn Nhất, Republic of Vietnam, Completion Report 1963–1972.]
* Military training for CBs during this period lasted six weeks. Two weeks were at the respective [[homeport]] and four weeks with the Marines at Camp Lejuene or [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton|Camp Pendleton]].
* [[File:United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|80 px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Presidential Unit Citation USN/USMC]] : Dets from MCBs 5, 10, 53 and CBMU 301 in support of the 26th Marines at the [[Battle of Khe Sanh]] Jan–Feb 1968.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
* Cold War projects: 1961 floating [[dry dock]] for Polaris submarines at [[Holy Loch#US Navy at Holy Loch|Holy Loch]], Scotland.<ref name="CB-BMR">{{cite web| url = http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| title = U.S. Navy BMR study guide| access-date = 19 November 2017| archive-date = 30 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref> 1963 U.S. Naval Communications Listening Station [[Nea Makri]], Greece.<ref name="CB-BMR"/>

'''Cold War: CIA'''
* When CBD 1510 transferred to CBD 1504 it was designated for function similar to Acorns: Aviation and OTA.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBD-Post-WWII/CBD%201504.pdf Entry dated: 1.21.48, p. 2, CBD 1504 records, NHHC, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> The Navy's use of "OTA" denotes the assignment to the CIA in that [[Other Transaction Authority]] (OTA) is the term commonly used to refer to the (10 U.S.C. 2371b) authority of the Department of Defense (DoD) to carry out certain prototype, research and production projects."<ref>[http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/other-transaction-authority-ota Other Transaction Authority (OTA), AcqNotes/ Defense Acquisition University, Fort Belvoir, VA]</ref>
* In 2007, the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) authorized funding forty Naval Intelligence billets in the NCF.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200118080929/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=30008 Seabees Deploy First Intelligence Superhighway, NNS070614-02 Release Date: 6/14/2007, CMC Shane Montgomery, 30th NCR Public Affairs]</ref> The goal was to have organic NCF Intelligence personnel. Historically the training officer would become the intelligence officer when a CB deployed.
* CIA redacted memorandum dated 14 June 1968 discusses the use on Naval Construction Personnel/Seabees on a project.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170123215809/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78-04986A000100010008-6.pdf Availability of Naval Construction Battalion (SEABEE) Personnel for Renovation and Construction Duties (Sanitized)], CIA Library, Document Number (FOIA) : CIA-RDP78-04986A000100010008-6, published 19 June 1968, released 19 March 2001</ref>

'''Iraq Afghanistan'''
* [[File:United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|80 px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Presidential Unit Citation USN/USMC]] : 30th NCR, NMCBs 4, 5, 74, 133, Air-Det 22nd NCR, Air-Det UCT 2, NCF Support Unit 2 in support of the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF Engineer Group) in November 2003 added later upon review were: NMCBs 7, 15 as well as Air-Det NMCB 21, Air-Det NMCB 25, and CBMU 303 Det.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2005.pdf |title=Issue No. 1, 2005 ''SEABEE Magazine'', p. 21, NavFac Engineering Command, Washington Navy Yard, DC |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217205320/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2005.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> (per: CMC MARADMIN 507/03)<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/891086/announcement-of-approved-presidential-unit-citation-navy/| title = Marines, official website of the Marine Corps}}</ref>
* In 2015, ACB 1 moved the [[Orion (spacecraft)]] [[Boilerplate (spaceflight)]] [[test article (aerospace)|test article]] for NASA at San Diego, CA.

'''Seabee insignia'''
* World War II Naval Construction Battalion Logos<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavyseabeemuseum/sets/72157626327961668/ Naval Construction Battalion Logos, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA]</ref>
* CBs sponsored many B-29s on Tinian tagging the aircraft with Seabee unit insignia as nose art.<ref name="Bowden">{{cite web |url=http://www.usaaf-noseart.co.uk/theme.php?theme=10#.WNyO8W_yuUm |title=Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees) |first=Mark |last=Bowden |website=USAAF Nose Art Research Project |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Nose Art Tinian">{{cite web |url=http://b-29.org/313BW/505thbg/tinian-noseart/tinian-noseart.html |title=Nose Art Tinian |website=b-29.org |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=1 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401144541/http://b-29.org/313BW/505thbg/tinian-noseart/tinian-noseart.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="worldwarphotos.info">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/usa/aircrafts-2-3/b-29/ |title=B-29 Superfortress WW2 heavy bomber designed by Boeing |website=World War Photos |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>

'''Naval Support Unit'''
* In 1977, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow suffered a severe fire prompting the construction of a new one in 1979. At the construction site of the new embassy twenty to thirty Seabees were assigned to oversee 800 plus Russian construction workers.<ref>[http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2012/September%202012/0912embassy.aspx "Cleaning the Bug House"], by Peter Grier, ''Air Force Magazine'', September 2012</ref> This prompted the Russians to embed bugs in construction materials prior to delivery to the construction site. The success of the [[KGB]] in [[bugging]] the new embassy only reinforced the State Department's need for the Seabees.

'''SEABEE Barge Carriers'''
* Unusual Hull Design Requirements of the SEABEE Barge Carriers.<ref>[http://www.shipstructure.org/pdf/75symp06.pdf Unusual Hull Design Requirements, Construction Operating Experience of the SEABEE Barge Carriers] by Stuart W. Thayer, Member, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co., Inc., New Orleans, LA, and Alfred H. Schwendtner, Associate Member, J. J. Henry Co., Inc., New York, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, New York, Presented at the Ship Structure Symposium, Washington, DC, October 6–8, 1975</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== General sources ==
* {{cite web
 |title= Seabee History: Between the Second World War and the Korean War
 |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/h/history-of-seabees/korean-war.html
 |publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command
 |date= 1 July 2015
 |access-date= 15 March 2017
 |ref= {{sfnRef|Between|2015}}
}}

== Further reading ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160501162941/http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pdacr645.pdf ''A Brief History of USOM Support to the Office of Accelerated Rural Development'', prepared by USOM Office of Field Operations, James W. Dawson, Assistant Program Officer, Sept, 1969 ]
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/wwiicruisebooks/cbd-cruisebooks/1058%20%20CBD.pdf COM-ICE-PAC, reports CBD 1058, Lt. Harry F. Corbin, ChC, CBD 1058, 1956]
* [https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0301/report.pdf ''Exploration of the Petroleum Reserve No. 4 and Adjacent Areas, Northern Alaska 1944–53'', Part 1, History of the Exploration, Cmdr. John C. Reed CEC, Geological Survey Professional Paper 301, U.S. GPO, Washington, DC, 1958, pp.&nbsp;21–46]
* [https://www.google.com/search?q=History+of+the+Seabees%2C+Command+Historian&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS817US817&oq=History+of+the+Seabees%2C+Command+Historian&aqs=chrome..69i57.39286j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 ''History of the SEABEES'', Command Historian, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 1996]
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSeJJDfj140C&pg=PA244|title=The Big 'L' : American logistics in World War II |first=Alan |last=Gropman |date=1997 |publisher=Diane Publishing|page=244|isbn=9781428981355 }}
* {{cite book |title=Bridges to Baghdad: The US Navy Seabees in the Iraq War |first1=Charles R. |last1=Kubic |first2=James P. |last2=Rife |publisher=Thomas Publications |year=2009}}
* {{cite book |title=The Seabees at Gulfport |first=Gina |last=Nichols |location=Charleston, SC|publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2007}}
* {{cite web |url=http://delabrede.com/Hettema/MyExperienceWithUDT-ArtHettema.html |title=My Experience With U.D.T. at Luzon and Iwo Jima |first=Arthur D. |last=Hettema}}
* [https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1300Assignment/Documents/1306-918%20.pdf MILPERSMAN 1306–919, Naval Support Unit State Dept. ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040443/https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/milpersman/1000/1300Assignment/Documents/1306-918%20.pdf |date=1 December 2017 }}
* [https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/Awards/Awards-II.html#sec1 NAVPERS 15,790 (REV 1953), Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, Dept of the Navy, Unit Awards, Part II],
* [http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf NAVEDTRA-14234A, USN BMR for Seabee Combat Handbook 14234A. USN BMR online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf |date=30 August 2020 }}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=Z1SICwAAQBAJ&dq=5th+marine+shore+party+peleliu&pg=PT99 Peleliu 1944, Jim Moran Gordon L Rottman, Osprey Publishing, 2012, "Black Shore party" ]
* [http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/  Tektite and the Birth of the Underwater Construction Teams by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., Historian, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152519/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/ |date=31 July 2017 }}
* [http://www.umiat.com/umiatwells1-10.pdf Test Wells, Umiat Area Alaska, Florence I. Rucker Collins, Exploration of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 and Adjacent Areas, Northern Alaska, 1944–53, Part 5, Subsurface Geology And Engineering Data, Geological Survey Professional Paper 305-B, U. S. Dept. of the Navy, Office of Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves, U.S. GPO, Washington, DC: 1958 ]
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=6oLtZBuRZH4C Capt. A. N. Olsen (CEC), ''The King Bee'', Trafford Publishing, 2007]
* [http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.693.976&rep=rep1&type=pdf Thesis: USAWC Strategy Research Project, The effectiveness of the Seabee in Employing New Concepts During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Cmdr. Marshall Sykes USN, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, 2005. ]
* [http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a509334.pdf Thesis: U.S. Navy Seabees as a Stability Asset, Aaron W. Park, 2009, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002063236/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a509334.pdf |date=2 October 2022 }}
* [https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a602832.pdf Thesis: "Navy Seabees: Versatile Instruments of Power Projection", Master of Military Studies: Lt Cmdr. Wernher C. Heyres, CEC, USN, 2013, USMC Command & Staff College, Marine Corps University, Quantico, VA ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328002512/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a602832.pdf |date=28 March 2019 }}
* {{cite book |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/online-reading-room/tregaskis-photographs.html |title=Southeast Asia: Building the Bases |last=Tregaskis |first=Richard |publisher=U.S. GPO |location=Washington, DC |year=1972}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=lijIYY0nXMEC&pg=PP12 ''United States Navy Construction Battalions, Seabees in Action, Seabee Teams'', published by: Dept. of the Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 1967, Washington, DC]
* [https://www.witnesstowar.org/photo_memoirs/docs/WWII?filter=true&scroll=209 "All gave some, some gave all: 17th Special CB, Bob Sohrt/Full Memoirs, Featured WWII Memoirs/Stories" (click: branch of service: Marines) Witness to War website, p.&nbsp;4 of 11]

== External links ==
{{Commons category|United States Navy Seabees}}
* [https://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.25580 Camille and the Seabees (1971)]
* {{Official website|url=http://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/Pages/default.aspx/}}
* [https://archive.org/details/Seabees Report_EuropeanOperations Seabees Report: European Operations (1945)]
* [https://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.40139 Seabees. Department of the Navy. Bureau of Yards and Docks (c. 1944)]
* [https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ceneoddive/ndstc/SeabeeDivers.aspx/ Seabee Divers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412222657/https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ceneoddive/ndstc/SeabeeDivers.aspx/ |date=12 April 2019 }}
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/search.html?q=Seabee+History/ Seabee History, Naval History & Heritage Command]
* [http://www.seabeehf.org/ Seabee & CEC Historical Foundation]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfRdpMFuoNQ/ Seabees in the Antarctic: Base Construction]
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo44897 ''Seabee Online'': official online magazine of the Seabees]
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/seabee-unit-histories.html/ Seabee Unit Histories and Cruisebooks at the Seabee Museum]
* [http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/S/e/Seabees.htm The Marston Mat and Seabee]
* [http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/oob/us_4.htm/ The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia]
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/seabee/explore/online-reading-room.html U.S. Navy Seabee Museum Online Reading Room]
* [https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ceneoddive/ndstc/Default.aspx U.S. Navy Divers Training Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322082931/https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ceneoddive/ndstc/Default.aspx |date=22 March 2020 }}

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