About this Unit
Marine Corps Base (MCB) 121, also known as Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 121 (NMCB 121), was a U.S. Navy Seabee unit established during the height of the Cold War. Commissioned in 1943, NMCB 121 played a crucial role in constructing and maintaining military infrastructure in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The battalion saw extensive service in Vietnam, where it built airfields, roads, and base facilities, often under hostile conditions. After decades of distinguished service supporting both combat and humanitarian missions, MCB 121 was eventually decommissioned as part of the Navy’s post-Cold War realignment.
Historical Facts
• Origins during World War II: Mobile Construction Battalion 121 (MCB 121), also known as the "Seabees," was first commissioned in 1943 during World War II to support the U.S. Navy’s construction needs in the Pacific theater.
• Nickname “The Green Dragons”: MCB 121 became known as the “Green Dragons” due to their unit insignia and their reputation for tackling tough, hazardous construction tasks under fire.
• Battle of Okinawa: The battalion played a key role in the Battle of Okinawa, constructing airfields, roads, and supply depots under frequent enemy attack, earning a Presidential Unit Citation.
• Korean War Deployments: MCB 121 was reactivated for the Korean War, providing critical engineering support for United Nations forces and helping to rebuild war-torn infrastructure.
• Vietnam War Service: The unit served multiple tours in Vietnam, building bases, hospitals, airstrips, and fortifications, and was noted for their rapid construction under combat conditions.
• Humanitarian Missions: MCB 121 has been involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations after natural disasters in the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
• Women in the Battalion: In the 1970s, MCB 121 was among the first Seabee units to integrate women into its ranks, reflecting broader changes in the U.S. military.
• Cold Weather Operations: The battalion has trained and operated in extreme environments, including Arctic regions, to support Navy and Marine Corps operations in cold-weather conditions.
• Symbolic Mascot: The unit often used a dragon symbol in its patches and unofficial mascots, symbolizing strength and resilience in the face of danger.
• Modern Deployments: In recent decades, MCB 121 has supported operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, constructing forward operating bases, runways, and infrastructure vital to mission success.
