Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

MCB8

U.S. Marine Corps•23 members

MCB8 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the MCB8?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

MCB8

U.S. Marine Corps

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion EIGHT (MCB 8), also known as "The Eight Ball Battalion," was a United States Navy Seabee unit originally commissioned during World War II in 1942. The battalion played a vital role in constructing airfields, roads, and bases throughout the Pacific Theater, including operations in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After World War II, MCB 8 was decommissioned but later reactivated, serving with distinction during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where they supported combat operations with critical construction and engineering projects. The unit was finally decommissioned in 1969, leaving behind a legacy of service, adaptability, and engineering excellence.

About MCB8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

MCB8

U.S. Marine Corps•23 members

MCB8 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the MCB8?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

MCB8

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Robert Simpson

U.S. Navy · 1958 - 1961

Message View Profile

Paul Carney

U.S. Navy · 1966 - 1972

Message View Profile

James Winger

U.S. Navy · 1955 - 1959

Message View Profile

Donald Derrenbacher

U.S. Navy · 1963 - 1966

Message View Profile

View all members

Marine Corps photos

View all photos

About MCB8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.