NMCB-1

• Establishment during World War II: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB-1) was originally commissioned as the 1st Naval Construction Battalion on March 15, 1942, at Camp Allen, Virginia, becoming one of the first units of the famed "Seabees." • Pacific Theater Service: During WWII, NMCB-1 deployed to the Pacific, constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure on islands such as Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa, often under enemy fire. • First Seabee to Receive the Medal of Honor: Marvin Shields, a member of NMCB-11 who worked closely with NMCB-1 in Vietnam, was the first (and only) Seabee to receive the Medal of Honor, highlighting the bravery of Seabees in combat. • First Vietnam Deployment: NMCB-1 was among the first Seabee units deployed to Vietnam in 1965, where they built bases, airfields, roads, and critical infrastructure for U.S. and allied forces. • Hurricane Relief: In 1969, after Hurricane Camille struck the Gulf Coast, NMCB-1 provided vital disaster relief, rebuilding infrastructure and providing humanitarian assistance. • Cold War Deployments: NMCB-1 operated in various locations during the Cold War, including Spain, Greece, Iceland, and Puerto Rico, supporting U.S. Navy and NATO operations with construction and engineering expertise. • Gulf War Support: During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91, NMCB-1 constructed camps, airfields, and facilities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, supporting coalition operations. • Humanitarian Missions: NMCB-1 has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including building schools and clinics in Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean, showcasing the Seabees’ motto, “We Build, We Fight.” • Global War on Terror: NMCB-1 deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times after 9/11, constructing forward operating bases, repairing runways, and supporting combat operations. • Unit Awards and Recognition: NMCB-1 has received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle “E” Efficiency Award, recognizing their excellence, professionalism, and dedication in both combat and peacetime operations.