USNMCB11

• 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.