About this Unit
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN (NMCB-7), known as the "Magnificent Seven," was first commissioned in 1942 during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy Seabees. The battalion distinguished itself by constructing vital airstrips, bases, and infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, including operations in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Reactivated during the Cold War and serving in Vietnam, NMCB-7 continued its legacy through humanitarian missions and support of military operations worldwide. The unit deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom before being decommissioned in 2012.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN (NMCB-7), known as "Magnificent Seven," was first commissioned on July 17, 1942 at Camp Allen, Virginia, and played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Pacific Island Campaigns: NMCB-7 participated in the construction of airfields, roads, and infrastructure in the Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, and the Philippines, directly supporting major combat operations.
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Decommissioned and Reactivated: The battalion has been decommissioned and reactivated multiple times, notably after WWII in 1945, then reactivated for the Korean War in 1951, and again in 1966 for the Vietnam War.
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Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, NMCB-7 constructed and maintained bases, airfields, and hospitals in Da Nang, Chu Lai, and other locations, enduring frequent enemy attacks.
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Hurricane Katrina Response: NMCB-7 was instrumental in disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, helping to clear debris, restore infrastructure, and provide humanitarian assistance along the Gulf Coast.
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Deployment in the Middle East: The battalion deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, constructing bases, roads, and security infrastructure in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait.
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“Magnificent Seven” Nickname: The battalion earned the nickname "Magnificent Seven" for its distinguished service and esprit de corps across decades of operations.
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Humanitarian Missions: NMCB-7 undertook numerous humanitarian projects worldwide, including building schools, clinics, and wells in Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
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Homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi: In its modern incarnation, NMCB-7 was homeported at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, a key hub for Seabee operations.
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Final Decommissioning: NMCB-7 was officially decommissioned on September 30, 2012, marking the end of 70 years of distinguished service by the battalion and its Seabees.
