About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 (NMCB-62), known as the "Jackhammers," was commissioned in 1966 as part of the U.S. Navy Seabees. The battalion served with distinction during the Vietnam War, constructing bases, airfields, and vital infrastructure under combat conditions. After Vietnam, NMCB-62 deployed to various locations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the Middle East, supporting both peacetime and contingency operations. The battalion was decommissioned in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of engineering excellence and service to both the Navy and global communities.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Nickname: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 (NMCB-62), known as the "Lucky Lions," was commissioned on 6 July 1966 at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), Gulfport, Mississippi.
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Vietnam War Deployments: NMCB-62 deployed multiple times to Vietnam, supporting the U.S. military effort by constructing bases, airfields, roads, and facilities. Their first deployment to Vietnam was to Da Nang in early 1967.
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Combat Action: Members of NMCB-62 operated under combat conditions in Vietnam, often working under the threat of enemy fire and earning several commendations for bravery and proficiency.
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Humanitarian Work: Beyond combat roles, NMCB-62 Seabees contributed to humanitarian efforts, constructing schools, orphanages, and medical facilities for local populations in Southeast Asia.
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Gulfport Homeport: The battalion was homeported at Gulfport, Mississippi, which remained its primary base of operations throughout its history.
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Cold War Deployments: NMCB-62 supported U.S. Navy and allied operations around the globe, including deployments to Spain, Greece, Puerto Rico, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Cold War.
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Bermuda Construction: In the 1970s and 1980s, NMCB-62 contributed to significant construction projects at Naval Air Station Bermuda, including runways, hangars, and support infrastructure.
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Hurricane Response: The battalion participated in disaster recovery operations, such as rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast region.
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Desert Shield/Desert Storm: NMCB-62 deployed to the Middle East during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, building camps, airfields, and logistical facilities for U.S. and coalition forces.
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Decommissioning: After nearly three decades of service, NMCB-62 was decommissioned on 31 August 1994, marking the end of its long and distinguished history as a vital part of the U.S. Navy Seabees.
