About this Unit
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302 (CBMU-302) was a United States Navy Seabee unit established during the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1967, CBMU-302 was tasked with providing construction, maintenance, and logistical support for U.S. Navy and allied forces throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The unit played a crucial role in building and maintaining infrastructure such as airfields, roads, and base facilities, particularly in support of the Vietnamization effort. After years of distinguished service, CBMU-302 was decommissioned in the early 1970s as U.S. involvement in Vietnam diminished.
Historical Facts
• Origins in Vietnam: Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302 (CBMU-302) was established in 1967 during the Vietnam War, primarily to provide construction and maintenance support for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations.
• Seabee Heritage: As part of the U.S. Navy Seabees, CBMU-302 carried on the legacy of the “Can Do” spirit, specializing in building and maintaining bases, airfields, and infrastructure in combat zones.
• Mobile Support: Unlike traditional Seabee battalions, CBMU-302 was highly mobile, tasked with rapidly deploying teams to multiple remote and sometimes hostile locations throughout Vietnam.
• Key Projects: The unit was instrumental in constructing and maintaining the “Spirit of America” School Program, which built schools and improved educational facilities for Vietnamese children.
• Humanitarian Efforts: CBMU-302 participated in civic action projects, including digging wells, building roads, and assisting local villages, helping to win the “hearts and minds” of the Vietnamese people.
• Helicopter Support: The unit frequently relied on helicopters to transport personnel and materials to otherwise inaccessible sites, reflecting their adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Casualties and Dedication: While engaged in hazardous conditions, CBMU-302 suffered casualties, highlighting the risks Seabees faced even when not on the front lines.
• Vietnamization: As U.S. forces withdrew, CBMU-302 played a significant role in turning over bases and infrastructure to South Vietnamese forces, training their personnel in maintenance and construction.
• Recognition: Members of CBMU-302 received several awards and commendations for their bravery, professionalism, and contributions to both military operations and local communities.
• Legacy: After deactivation in 1972, the legacy of CBMU-302 lives on in Seabee history, remembered for their unique role in Vietnam and their commitment to both military and humanitarian missions.
