About this Unit
Cargo Handling Battalion SIX (CHB-6) is a United States Navy reserve unit specializing in expeditionary cargo handling and logistical support. Established as part of the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), CHB-6 provides critical port and air cargo operations, supporting both military and humanitarian missions worldwide. The unit has participated in major exercises and deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, ensuring the rapid movement of supplies and equipment in austere environments. CHB-6 continues to serve as a vital component of the Navy’s global logistical capabilities, maintaining readiness for both combat and disaster relief operations.
Historical Facts
•
Combat History: Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 6 (CHB-6), also known as Cargo Handling Battalion SIX, is a U.S. Navy unit specializing in expeditionary logistics and cargo handling, playing a vital role in supporting Navy and Marine Corps operations worldwide.
•
Origin: The unit traces its roots to the Navy’s World War II “Stevedore” battalions, which were crucial in loading and unloading ships under combat conditions.
•
Nickname: CHB-6 members are sometimes referred to as “Cargo Handlers,” a nod to their expertise in moving all kinds of supplies, ammunition, and vehicles efficiently and safely.
•
Operational Deployments: CHB-6 has participated in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing logistics support in challenging environments.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The unit has been called upon for disaster relief, such as after hurricanes or earthquakes, where rapid movement of humanitarian supplies is essential.
•
Award Recognitions: CHB-6 and its personnel have earned multiple unit and individual awards for efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
•
Joint Operations: CHB-6 frequently works alongside Army, Air Force, and allied forces during joint logistics exercises and real-world missions, honing interoperability skills.
•
Training Excellence: The unit is renowned for its rigorous training, which includes not only cargo operations but also security, chemical/biological defense, and first aid.
•
Global Reach: CHB-6 can deploy teams anywhere in the world on short notice, supporting both combat and peacetime missions from the Arctic to the tropics.
•
Mascot and Esprit de Corps: The unit often uses a bulldog as its symbol, representing tenacity, strength, and reliability—characteristics embodied by its Sailors.
