MCB8

• MCB 8 Origins: Mobile Construction Battalion Eight (MCB 8), part of the U.S. Navy Seabees, was originally commissioned on September 10, 1942, during World War II. • Wartime Deployments: During WWII, MCB 8 served in the Pacific Theater, including the Solomon Islands, the Marianas, and the Philippines, supporting major amphibious operations. • Historic Firsts: MCB 8 was among the first Seabee units to land at Iwo Jima, constructing roads, airfields, and supporting infrastructure under enemy fire. • Vietnam War Service: Re-deployed in the Vietnam War, MCB 8 was involved in building bases, airfields, hospitals, and schools for both U.S. forces and Vietnamese civilians. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit participated in disaster relief operations, such as rebuilding after typhoons and floods in Southeast Asia, showcasing the Seabees' motto, "We Build, We Fight." • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, MCB 8 operated in various locations, including Spain, Puerto Rico, and the Mediterranean, supporting NATO and U.S. Navy operations. • Decommissioning and Legacy: MCB 8 was decommissioned in 1994, but its alumni remain active, preserving the battalion’s legacy through reunions and historical projects. • Unit Awards: MCB 8 earned multiple commendations, such as the Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation, for outstanding performance in combat and construction. • Notable Projects: The battalion built key infrastructure, including runways at Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam, and major improvements to U.S. Navy bases in Rota, Spain. • Seabee Culture: MCB 8 embodied the Seabee spirit, fostering camaraderie and innovation. Many veterans recall stories of improvising solutions under fire, such as using bulldozers as armored vehicles during combat operations.