About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 (NMCB-24), known as the "Seabees," is a reserve construction battalion of the United States Navy. Established in 1942 during World War II, NMCB-24 supported combat operations by constructing airfields, roads, and other critical infrastructure in both the Pacific and European theaters. Throughout the Cold War, the battalion participated in numerous exercises and provided rapid construction capabilities for both military and humanitarian missions. In recent years, NMCB-24 has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as disaster relief operations worldwide, continuing its legacy of "We build, we fight."
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: NMCB-24, originally known as the 24th Naval Construction Battalion, was activated on 1 June 1942, as part of the rapid Seabee expansion during World War II.
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Pacific Theater Service: During WWII, the unit served in the Pacific, including deployments to Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and the Solomon Islands, playing a vital role in constructing airfields and bases.
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Battlefield Construction: NMCB-24 constructed Henderson Field on Guadalcanal under hazardous combat conditions, often working under enemy fire and air raids.
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Decommissioned and Reactivated: The battalion was decommissioned after WWII, but was reactivated in 1968 as a reserve Seabee battalion during the Vietnam War buildup.
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Reserve Component Role: As a modern Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB), NMCB-24 is part of the U.S. Navy Reserve and continues the Seabee legacy of "We Build, We Fight."
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Gulf War Deployment: Members of NMCB-24 were mobilized during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting construction efforts in the Middle East.
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Global War on Terrorism: Since 2001, NMCB-24 personnel have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hotspots, building bases, roads, and infrastructure for U.S. and allied forces.
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Humanitarian Missions: NMCB-24 has participated in disaster recovery, including Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005, providing engineering and reconstruction support on the Gulf Coast.
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Unit Motto: The battalion embraces the Seabee motto, "Can Do," reflecting their reputation for overcoming obstacles and completing difficult missions under challenging conditions.
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Decorations and Commendations: Over its history, NMCB-24 has earned multiple unit commendations for outstanding service, including Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations.