NMCB-8

• World War II Origins: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 8 (NMCB-8) was originally commissioned in 1942 as the 8th Naval Construction Battalion, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Tarawa Atoll: NMCB-8 played a crucial role in the Battle of Tarawa, constructing airfields and critical infrastructure immediately after the island was secured in November 1943. • Okinawa Campaign: The battalion was heavily involved in the Okinawa campaign, building roads, airstrips, and supply depots under enemy fire in 1945. • Postwar Deactivation and Reactivation: After WWII, the unit was decommissioned but later reactivated for the Korean War and subsequent Cold War missions. • Vietnam War Deployments: NMCB-8 deployed multiple times to Vietnam, constructing bases, airfields, hospitals, and other infrastructure in locations such as Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Phu Bai. • Humanitarian Missions: Aside from combat construction, NMCB-8 has been involved in many humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in the Philippines and the Caribbean. • Nickname "The Eight Ball": The battalion is affectionately known as “The Eight Ball,” and its emblem features the iconic black 8-ball, symbolizing luck and skill. • Historic Awards: NMCB-8 has received multiple unit commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exemplary service. • Gulf War Service: In the early 1990s, NMCB-8 deployed to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, constructing camps and infrastructure for coalition forces. • Final Decommissioning: NMCB-8 was officially decommissioned in 1994, marking over 50 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team.