About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE (MCB-3), known as the "Better Than Best," is a distinguished unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Commissioned in 1942, MCB-3 played a vital role in World War II, constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure across the Pacific theater, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. The battalion continued its service in subsequent conflicts, notably supporting operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars by building critical facilities under combat conditions. In peacetime and during humanitarian missions, MCB-3 has provided engineering support and disaster relief worldwide, exemplifying the Seabees’ motto, "We Build, We Fight."
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Mobile Construction Battalion THREE (MCB-3), also known as "Seabees," was originally commissioned during World War II, on June 23, 1942, at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Virginia.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: MCB-3 was among the first Seabee units to see action in the Pacific Theater, arriving at Guadalcanal in 1942 to build airfields, roads, and support facilities under combat conditions.
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Nickname "Third and Ready": The battalion is often called "Third and Ready," reflecting their readiness and reliability in deployment to challenging environments.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, MCB-3 contributed significantly to the construction of forward operating bases, airstrips, and infrastructure supporting United Nations forces.
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Vietnam War Deployments: MCB-3 completed multiple deployments to Vietnam, constructing bases like Camp Hoover, and building roads, bridges, and airstrips while often coming under enemy fire.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, MCB-3 has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and infrastructure projects in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and other Pacific nations.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a fighting bee wielding a wrench, hammer, and machine gun, symbolizing their motto, "We Build, We Fight."
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Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, MCB-3 played a vital role in building and maintaining U.S. military infrastructure across the Pacific and in the Arctic, including work at Adak, Alaska.
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Female Seabees Integration: In the 1970s and 1980s, MCB-3 helped pioneer the integration of female Seabees into construction battalions, supporting a more diverse Navy force.
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Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, MCB-3 has supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa, building forward operating bases, repairing runways, and supporting joint force operations.
