MCB-71

• Formation and Early Years: Mobile Construction Battalion 71 (MCB-71), known as "Seabees," was officially commissioned on March 1, 1967, at Davisville, Rhode Island. • Vietnam War Service: MCB-71 deployed to Vietnam multiple times, building airfields, roads, and support infrastructure for U.S. and allied forces, often working under dangerous conditions and enemy fire. • Nickname – “The Bad News Bees”: MCB-71 earned the nickname "The Bad News Bees" due to their reputation for taking on tough assignments and completing them successfully. • Combat Action: During their time in Vietnam, MCB-71 personnel frequently came under mortar and rocket attacks, and several Seabees from the unit received commendations for bravery. • Humanitarian Projects: Beyond military construction, MCB-71 built schools, hospitals, and water systems in local Vietnamese communities, fostering goodwill and supporting civil affairs missions. • Arctic Operations: MCB-71 was deployed to the Arctic Circle for Project Ice Skate and other cold-weather operations, constructing facilities under extreme conditions. • Caribbean Deployments: The battalion also operated in the Caribbean, supporting U.S. Navy bases and participating in disaster relief efforts after hurricanes and other natural disasters. • End of Service: MCB-71 was decommissioned in the late 1980s, but its legacy lives on through the accomplishments of its Seabees and their contributions to military engineering. • Decorations and Awards: The unit received several unit citations and commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation, for exceptional service in both combat and peacetime operations. • Seabee Motto: Like all Seabee units, MCB-71 proudly lived by the motto "Can Do," exemplifying adaptability, ingenuity, and teamwork in every mission.