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Seabee History
Success in World War II hinged on the ability of the military to quickly complete ambitious construction projects under dangerous conditions so the U.S. Navy established the military’s first Naval Construction Battalions under the direction of officers from the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps. More than 325,000 Seabees served during World War II. Continuing this proud tradition, the Seabees have provided critical support to American troops in every conflict since then.
Construction
The Seabees are construction workers fully trained in defending themselves against enemy attack while building the infrastructure to keep the war effort moving. The drive and ingenuity of these fighting builders allowed the U.S. military to stay a step ahead of the enemy in both World War II Theaters of Operation and were a key factor in securing victory.
Through the Years
The extraordinary contributions of the Seabees led to them becoming a permanent part of the Navy’s fighting forces, building and fighting in every military conflict since their inception. Since WWII, Seabees have been involved in supporting this country in war and in peace.
Seabees were instrumental in the Korean War, Vietnam War, on Diego Garcia, and in the Philippines where they were responsible for building the air station at Cubi Point. They have also played an important role in the modern day war on terror, providing critical and tactical construction support in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Learn more in the video below.
Disaster Relief
When disaster strikes, Seabees are some of the first on the scene. Relief and recovery efforts include Hurricanes Camille, Andrew, George, Mitch, Katrina, Ivan and Maria. They also provided construction support and disaster relief in the wake of the Haiti earthquake. For the last sixty years, detachments of Seabees have also deployed to third world countries around the globe, improving the lives of people in remote areas.
For 38 years, Seabees worked in Antarctica building and operating facilities for the National Science Foundation. A large group of Seabees have worked around the world for the last half century, supporting the State Department at its embassies and consulates, and Seabees are also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of Camp David, the rustic 125-acre mountain retreat of the President of the United States.
Seabees today deploy all over the world in support of the US Navy, in peacetime and during war, the Seabees can-do attitude makes them invaluable.
To learn more about the history of the Seabees, visit US Navy Seabee Museum.
Medal Of Honor
Marvin Glenn Shields (December 30, 1939 – June 10, 1965) was the first and only United States Navy Seabee to be awarded the Medal of Honor. He was also the first sailor to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty in the Vietnam War. His citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Although wounded when the compound of Detachment A-342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, came under intense fire from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong regiment employing machine guns, heavy weapons, and small arms, Shields continued to resupply his fellow Americans who needed ammunition and to return the enemy fire for a period of approximately three hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at close-range with flamethrowers, hand grenades and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time during this attack, Shields nevertheless assisted in carrying a more critically wounded man to safety, and then resumed firing at the enemy for four more hours. When the commander asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machine-gun emplacement which was endangering the lives of all personnel in the compound because of the accuracy of its fire, Shields unhesitatingly volunteered for this extremely hazardous mission. Proceeding toward their objective with a 3.5-inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machine-gun emplacement, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of their fellow servicemen in the compound. Shields was mortally wounded by hostile fire while returning to his defensive position. His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
Museums
Explore the rich history and legacy of the Seabees through the Navy Seabee Museum in California, the Seabee Museum & Memorial Park in Rhode Island, and the Seabee Heritage Center in Mississippi. Discover the remarkable stories and contributions of the Seabees through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences at each location.