About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB-4), known as the "Pioneers," was first commissioned in 1942 during World War II to support Pacific theater operations. The battalion played a vital role in constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure across the Pacific islands, enabling Allied advances. Since World War II, NMCB-4 has participated in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, and disaster relief efforts worldwide. Renowned for their "Can Do" spirit, NMCB-4 continues to provide critical construction and engineering support to the U.S. Navy and joint forces globally.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB-4) was first commissioned on May 11, 1942, at Camp Bradford, Virginia, as part of the famed Seabees, the Navy’s construction battalions.
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Pacific Theater Service: During WWII, NMCB-4 deployed to the Pacific, building airstrips, bases, and infrastructure critical for the Allied war effort, including major projects in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines.
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Nickname “Pioneers”: NMCB-4 is known as the "Pioneers" for its trailblazing efforts in new construction techniques under combat conditions.
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Korean War Reactivation: The battalion was decommissioned after WWII but was reactivated in 1951 for the Korean War, continuing their tradition of rapid construction and support in hostile environments.
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Vietnam War Legacy: NMCB-4 was among the first Seabee battalions deployed to Vietnam, constructing airfields, bases, and vital infrastructure, often under enemy fire.
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Heroic Actions in 1968: In 1968, while stationed at Dong Ha, NMCB-4's base was attacked, and members of the unit defended it valiantly, with Construction Mechanic Marvin Shields posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor.
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Disaster Relief Missions: NMCB-4 has participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, including operations after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
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Global Deployments: The battalion has served in nearly every major conflict since WWII, including Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical construction and engineering support.
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Sea Story - "Can Do Spirit": The “Can Do” motto of the Seabees was put to the test in Vietnam, where NMCB-4 built a vital bridge overnight under enemy threat, allowing Marines to evade a possible ambush.
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Innovations: NMCB-4 has pioneered rapid runway repair, expeditionary base construction, and innovative field engineering techniques that have become standard for Seabee operations worldwide.
