MCB20

• Origins in WWII: Mobile Construction Battalion 20 (MCB 20), also known as "Seabees," was first commissioned during the height of World War II on October 15, 1942, at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Virginia. • Pacific Theater Service: MCB 20 played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields, roads, and camps under combat conditions in places like the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. • Leyte Gulf Operations: The battalion was heavily involved in supporting the Allied invasion at Leyte Gulf in 1944, which was pivotal for retaking the Philippines from Japanese control. • Nickname - "The Fighting Twenty": MCB 20 earned the nickname "The Fighting Twenty" for their resilience and spirit, often working under enemy fire. • Post-War Decommissioning and Reactivation: After WWII, MCB 20 was decommissioned but was later reactivated as a Reserve unit, continuing its legacy of service in new forms. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Members of MCB 20 were mobilized during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, demonstrating their readiness during times of national emergency. • Vietnam War Contributions: Reservists from MCB 20 supported the Vietnam War effort by providing construction expertise and augmenting active-duty Seabee units. • Humanitarian Missions: MCB 20 has a history of disaster relief, including rebuilding efforts after hurricanes and other natural disasters both in the U.S. and internationally. • Modern Deployments: In recent decades, MCB 20 has sent teams to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terrorism. • Legacy of Service: The battalion is celebrated for its "Can Do" spirit, a hallmark of the Seabees, and continues to train and serve as a vital part of the Navy Reserve Construction Force.