About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58 (NMCB-58), known as the "Steelworkers," was a unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Commissioned during the Vietnam War era, NMCB-58 was tasked with construction and engineering duties in support of combat and humanitarian operations. The battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it built airfields, roads, bridges, and base facilities under challenging conditions. After Vietnam, NMCB-58 continued to serve in various locations around the world until it was decommissioned in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
Historical Facts
•
Origins and Nickname: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58 (NMCB-58), known as the “Steelworkers,” was first commissioned in 1966 in Gulfport, Mississippi.
•
Vietnam War Service: NMCB-58 deployed to Vietnam during the height of the war, constructing airfields, roads, and base camps while enduring frequent enemy attacks.
•
Combat Action in Hue: During the 1968 Tet Offensive, NMCB-58 personnel participated in the defense and rebuilding of the city of Hue, gaining recognition for their bravery under fire.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The unit contributed to disaster relief, notably responding to hurricanes and typhoons in the Pacific and Caribbean, showcasing the Seabees’ “Can Do!” spirit.
•
Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, NMCB-58 constructed critical infrastructure at U.S. bases in Spain, Italy, and Diego Garcia, supporting naval operations worldwide.
•
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: In 1990-1991, NMCB-58 deployed to the Middle East, building camps and facilities for Coalition forces during the Gulf War.
•
Bosnia and Kosovo Support: The unit participated in NATO operations in the Balkans, constructing refugee camps and repairing infrastructure in war-torn regions.
•
Construction Expertise: NMCB-58 specialized in rapid runway repair, bridge building, and base construction—skills critical to expeditionary and combat engineering missions.
•
Decommissioning: NMCB-58 was officially decommissioned in 2005, with its legacy carried forward by other active Seabee units.
•
Unit Awards: Over its history, NMCB-58 earned multiple commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, for outstanding service in both combat and peacetime operations.
