Historical Milestones of the Seabees
Consolidated by the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Naval History and Heritage Command, significant developments in the Seabees’ history include the departure of the second advance party from the continental United States on January 17, 1968. This team traveled via C-130 and C-118 aircraft to join the initial advance group already stationed in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). Between January 17 and 19, 1968, the main body of NMCB 53 landed in Da Nang, RVN.
Key Commissioning Events
January 18, 1943, marked the commissioning of the 75th Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) at Camp Endicott in Davisville, Rhode Island. In 1947, a detachment of 166 Seabees participated in Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s Antarctic expedition, Operation Highjump. This mission commenced in December 1946, with the Seabees departing from Port Hueneme, California, aboard the USS Yancey and USS Merrick. The USS Yancey reached the Bay of Whales in Antarctica on January 18, 1947, closely followed by the USS Merrick. As part of a larger group of 4,000 personnel and 13 vessels, the Seabees undertook various tasks at Little America 4, which included unloading supplies, establishing a temporary naval base, and constructing essential facilities such as housing, a mess hall, and a communications system, all while facing extreme Antarctic temperatures.
Innovations in Deployment
In 1965, NMCB 11 departed from Port Hueneme, California, and simultaneously took over from NMCB 9 in Okinawa using a unique airlift method. This operation, conducted by the U.S. Air Force, represented a historic first for the Seabees, demonstrating the efficiency of aerial deployment. In 1968, Cmdr. R.A. Bowers of NMCB 53 took command of Camp Adenir, succeeding Cmdr. L.D. Lawson of NMCB 7, as the initial flights of NMCB 7’s main body departed for Davisville.
Subsequent Deployments and Operations
In 1970, the main body of NMCB 40 left Davisville for Camp Moscrip, located in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The following year, Seabee Team 7410 was dispatched to Yap Island within the Pacific Trust Territory. Between January 18 and 20, 1968, the main body of NMCB 7 returned to Davisville from Vietnam on eight C-141 aircraft. Similarly, NMCB 62’s main body departed from Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, heading for the Construction Battalion Center (CBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, on January 18-20, 1972.
Historical Significance of Air Deployment
On January 19, 1965, NMCB 9 returned to Port Hueneme by air from Okinawa. Between January 19 and 21, 1968, NMCB 7’s main body arrived at Davisville from Da Nang, RVN. January 20, 1943, saw the formation of the 4th Special NCB at NCTC Camp Peary, Magruder, Virginia. In 1945, the 36th Special NCB was established at the Advance Base Depot (ABD) in Port Hueneme.
Significant Construction Projects
The first full deployment of a Seabee battalion by air occurred in 1965 with NMCB 11 flying from Point Mugu, California, to Okinawa, which significantly reduced travel time for subsequent Pacific missions. NMCB 8, Detachment Echo, played a crucial role in Project Judy, a significant mission that began in January 1963. This project involved constructing a Naval Communications Station in a swamp area near Marathon, Greece, a location historically significant for its proximity to the Battle of Marathon fought in 490 BC.
Casualties and Challenges
In 1967, a mortar attack on the Phu Bai military enclave resulted in the deaths of Equipment Operator 3rd Class Francis E. Camden Jr. and Construction Mechanic Constructionman Merlin E. Boon, both from NMCB 62, with 17 others injured. By 1968, NMCB 53 had taken over from NMCB 7 at Camp Adenir in RVN. The subsequent year saw NMCB 1’s main body arrive back in Davisville from Da Nang.
Continued Training and Deployment
In 1969, Seabee Team 7102 underwent 18 weeks of specialized training with the 21st NCR. By 1970, the main body of NMCB 71 returned to Davisville from Camp Moscrip in Puerto Rico for reassignment. In 1972, NMCB 74 departed CBC in Gulfport, Mississippi, while NMCB 62 arrived there. NMCB 74 replaced NMCB 62 as the Atlantic Fleet Alert Construction Battalion at Camp Moscrip, with Cmdr. Frank M. Newcomb, CEC, being succeeded by Cmdr. James D. Kirkpatrick, CEC, as Commander of the 32nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR).
Subsequent Operations and Future Plans
From January 20 to 27, 1969, NMCB 5’s main body departed CONUS by air for Camp Hoover in Da Nang, RVN. January 21, 1942, marked the commissioning of the 1st NCB, the first Seabee organization activated for overseas service, which was later divided into three detachments, including the notable Bobcat Detachment. Significant developments continued through the years, including the deployment of Seabee Team 0414 from Saigon back to CONUS in 1971 and the change of command ceremony for the 21st NCR in 1972, reflecting the ongoing commitment and adaptability of the Seabees in various operational environments.
