MCB-3

• 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. • 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. • Nickname "Third and Ready": The battalion is often called "Third and Ready," reflecting their readiness and reliability in deployment to challenging environments. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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." • 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. • 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. • 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.