NMCB-62

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Humanitarian Work: Beyond combat roles, NMCB-62 Seabees contributed to humanitarian efforts, constructing schools, orphanages, and medical facilities for local populations in Southeast Asia. • Gulfport Homeport: The battalion was homeported at Gulfport, Mississippi, which remained its primary base of operations throughout its history. • 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. • 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. • Hurricane Response: The battalion participated in disaster recovery operations, such as rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast region. • 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. • 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.