About this Unit
United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (USNMCB 11), also known as "Seabees," was commissioned during World War II in 1942. The battalion played a crucial role in constructing bases, airfields, and infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, supporting major operations such as those in Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, NMCB 11 built vital facilities, roads, and defensive positions throughout Southeast Asia. The unit has since continued to serve in various global deployments, providing critical construction and humanitarian support in both peacetime and conflict.
Historical Facts
• Nickname "The Seabees": USNMCB 11, or United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven, is part of the famed "Seabees," the Navy's construction battalions known for their motto "We Build, We Fight."
• World War II Origins: MCB 11 traces its roots to World War II, originally commissioned on July 23, 1942, at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Virginia.
• Pacific Theater Deployments: During WWII, the battalion served in the Pacific, constructing airfields, roads, and bases in the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal and the Russell Islands.
• Vietnam War Service: Reactivated for the Vietnam War, MCB 11 deployed multiple times to Vietnam, where they built bases, airfields, and infrastructure under combat conditions, notably in Da Nang and Chu Lai.
• Heroism in Vietnam: In April 1968, MCB 11 suffered casualties from enemy attacks in Quang Tri, but Seabees continued construction under fire, earning multiple unit commendations.
• Civic Action Projects: The battalion was instrumental in "Hearts and Minds" efforts, building schools, bridges, and wells for local populations in both WWII and Vietnam.
• Deployment to Antarctica: MCB 11 participated in Operation Deep Freeze, supporting research stations by building runways and facilities in the harsh Antarctic environment.
• Gulf War and Humanitarian Deployments: The battalion has seen service in the Gulf War, as well as in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, including in the aftermath of hurricanes and global crises.
• Unit Decorations: Throughout its history, MCB 11 has earned multiple Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and campaign medals for its service and valor.
• Legacy and Decommissioning: MCB 11 was decommissioned in 1969, briefly reactivated, and then decommissioned again. Its legacy continues in the stories of its veterans and the ongoing work of the Seabees.
