Editing Seabee (section)

== Cold War ==
When World War II ended the [[Cold War]] began. Seabee service during this period supported a broad spectrum of the national interest; nuclear testing, two wars, embassy security, space race, CIA, military communications, international relations, pure science, and Camp David.

===Postwar interlude: Siberia-China===
On V-J-Day CB 114 was in the Aleutians. In September 1945 the battalion sent a detachment to the [[USSR]] to build a Fleet Weather Central.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4nwmm4QfSXQC&dq=Construction+battalion+114+Russia&pg=PA123|title=The 114th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion|first=United States Navy Construction|last=Battalion, 114th|date=May 11, 1945|publisher=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum|accessdate=May 11, 2022|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/09/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-september-30-october-6/|title=This Week in Seabee History 30 Sept – 6 Oct, Seabee museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119010851/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/09/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-september-30-october-6/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was located {{convert|10|mi|km}} outside [[Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky]] on the [[Kamchatka Peninsula]].<ref name="Yanks">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/3640708|title=Yanks in Siberia: U.S. Navy Weather Stations in Soviet East Asia, 1945|author=March, G. Patrick|year=1988|journal=Pacific Historical Review|volume=57|issue=3|pages=327–342|accessdate=May 11, 2022|doi=10.2307/3640708|jstor=3640708 }}</ref> The original agreement gave the Seabees 3 weeks to complete the base. Upon arrival the Russians told them they had 10 days and were amazed it was done in 10.<ref name="Yanks"/> It was one of two that [[Stalin]] agreed to.

V-J-Day brought about [[Operation Beleaguer]] and the repatriation of the Japanese Army from [[China]]. Elements of the 33rd CB Regiment were involved: CBs 83, 96, 122 and 32nd Special.<ref name="China">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Building_Bases/bases-31.html|title=HyperWar: Building the Navy's Bases in World War II [Chapter 31]|website=www.ibiblio.org|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> These units landed at [[Qingdao]] and [[Tanggu District|Tanggu]] in November 1945 attached to the 6th Marine Division. CB 42 and A Co. 33rd Special landed at [[Shanghai]] with Naval Advance Base Unit 13.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/SPECIALS/33%20SNCB.pdf 33rd Special Naval Construction Battalion file, 1946, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> With the war over, the ongoing discharge men eligible left only enough for one CB and the two CB Specials. The men were consolidated in the 96th<ref name="China"/> with the other CBs decommissioned. In December the 96th started airfields at Qingdao and [[Qinhuangdao]] in support of III Marine Amphibious Corps operations.<ref name="China"/> May 1946 CB III Marine Amphibious Corps was ordered to inactivate the 96th CB on 1 August. The 96th was transferred to the 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division and deactivated from them.

===Nuclear tests===
[[File:Seabees build camera tower on Bikini Atoll.jpg|thumb|The 53rd CB erecting camera towers on Bikini Atoll for filming the tests.]]
In early 1946 the 53rd NCB was deployed with [[Operation Crossroads]] for the [[nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cI7rEUDQ6lEC&pg=PA470|title=Building the Navy's Bases in World War II: History of the BuDocks and the CEC 1940–1946 |volume=II |publisher=U.S. GPO|location=Washington, DC |date=1947 |page=416 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> It was designated Task Unit TU 1.8.6.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/o/operation-crossroads/composition-of-joint-task-force-one.html|title=Composition of Joint Task Force One|website=NHHC|accessdate=May 11, 2022}}</ref> 53's project list included observation, instrument and communication towers, [[radio beacon]]s, seismic huts, photo reference crosses, general base and recreational facilities, as well as [[dredging]] the [[lagoon]]. In addition, recreational facilities were constructed on Japtan Island for the ships crews of the Operation. The Battalion also assisted the relocation of the natives. They disassembled both the Community center and church for reassembly on [[Rongerik Atoll]]. In August the battalion was decommissioned with men transferred to CBD 1156 that was then commissioned on Bikini.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|title=Operations Crossroads, DNA 6032F, prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency, pp. 190–91|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325000914/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The TU 1.8.6 designation transferred to the CBD. CBD 1156 remained for nine days after the second test.<ref name="Rottman224">{{cite book |title=U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle: Ground and Air units in the Pacific War, 1939–1945 |url=https://archive.org/details/usmarinecorpswor00rott |url-access=limited |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |location=Westport, CN |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2002 |page=[https://archive.org/details/usmarinecorpswor00rott/page/n238 224] |isbn=9780313319068 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/07/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-july-30-august-5/ |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of July 30 - August 5) |date=30 July 2017 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=Navy Facilities Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=7 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807023659/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/07/30/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-july-30-august-5/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

UDT 3 was designated TU 1.1.3 for the operation. On 27 April 1946, seven officers and 51 enlisted embarked at CBC Port Hueneme for Bikini.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|title=Operations Crossroads, DNA 6032F, prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency, p. 189|accessdate=May 11, 2022|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325000914/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/NTPR/2-Hist_Rpt_Atm/1946_DNA_6032F.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their assignment was to retrieve water [[sample (material)|sample]]s from [[ground zero]] of the Baker blast. In 1948, the displaced bikinians put in a request that a channel to the island [[Kili Island|Kili]] where they had been relocated be made. This was given to the Seabee detachment on Kwajelin who requested UDT 3 assist.

The 121st CB was decommissioned in December and re-designated CBD 1504.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBD-Post-WWII/CBD%201504.pdf Naval Construction Battalion Detachment 1504 file, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA.]</ref> In January 1947 CBs 104 and 105 were reactivated. The 30th NCR was home-ported on Guam composed of CBDs 1501-13 and NCB 103. In 1949, the 103rd was made a Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) while CBs 104 and 105 were made Amphibious Construction Battalions(ACBs). From 1949 until 1968 CBs were designated MCBs. In 1949, MCB 1 was reactivated at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, VA. In June 1950 the NCF totaled a few thousand.

===Korean War===
[[File:Yo Do Island ACB 1 refueling Corsairs.jpg|thumb|Yo Do Island airfield constructed behind enemy lines by ACB 1. It was credited with saving 60 aviators. Seabees in photo are refueling Corsairs on 15 July 1952.<ref>[http://www.seabeecook.com/history/korea/crippled_chick.htm Operation Crippled Chick, ACB 1 Builds Emergency Airstrip Behind Enemy Lines, By Steve Karoly, The Seabeecook]</ref><ref name="SERT5">[https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/04/2003_2.pdf SERT, Seabee Engineer Reconnaissance Team, Andrew G. Wright, Engineering News-Record, Seabee Magazine Special Commemorative Double Issue 2003, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Attn:  SEABEE Online (Code PA), Washington Navy Yard, DC, p. 69.]</ref> (USN)]]
[[Image:NAS Cubi Point and NS Subic Bay.jpg|thumb|[[Naval Air Station Cubi Point]] left, [[U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay]] right. Seabees leveled a mountain that civilian contractors said could not be done. (USN)]]
[[File:NMCB 5 CCAD.jpg|thumb|[[Suspension bridge]] built by NMCB 5 CCAD in Timor-Leste 2015 (Seabee Museum)]]

The outbreak of the [[Korean War]] led to a call-up of 10,000 from the Seabee Reserve. Seabees landed at [[Battle of Inchon|Inchon]] during the assault, installing causeways dealing with enormous tides and enemy fire. Their actions there and elsewheres underscored the necessity of having CBs. During that war the authorized size of a CB was 550 men. When the truce was declared there was no CB demobilization as there had been at the end of World War II.

During the Korea, the U.S. realized the need of an air station in the region. [[Naval Air Station Cubi Point|Cubi Point]] in the Philippines was selected. Civilian contractors were approached for bids. After seeing the [[Zambales Mountains]] and the maze of jungle, they claimed it could not be done. The Navy then turned to the Seabees. The first to arrive was CBD 1802 to do the surveying. [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three|MCB 3]] arrived on 2 October 1951 to get the project going and was joined by MCB 5 in November. Over the next five years, MCBs 2, 7, 9, 11 and CBD 1803 all contributed to the effort. They leveled a mountain to make way for a nearly {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=mid|long}} runway. NAS Cubi Point turned out to be one of the largest earth-moving projects in the world, equivalent to the construction of the [[Panama Canal]]. Seabees there moved {{convert|20|e6cuyd|e6m3|abbr=off}} of dry fill plus another 15 million that was [[hydraulic fill]]. The $100&nbsp;million facility (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|100000000|1956|r=-8}}}} in {{inflation-year|US}} dollars) was commissioned on 25 July 1956, and comprised an air station and an adjacent pier that was capable of docking the Navy's largest carriers.

'''Seabee Teams'''
The World War II precursor to Seabee teams was the PT Advance base Detachment of the 113th CB. Each man was cross-trained in at least three trades with some qualified as corpsmen and divers.<ref>[https://www.seabees93.net/LINK-NCB%20113-PT.htm The Forgotten Fifty Five, NCB93: 113RD Seabees detachment assigned to PT Squadrons, Seabees93.net]</ref> During Vietnam the requirement of being skilled in three trades was continued.<ref name="NAM"/> The first Seabees referred to as "Seabee Teams" were CBDs 1802 and 1803.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/CBD-Post-WWII/CBD%201802.pdf Construction Battalion Detachments 1802, 1803, NHHC, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme Ca]</ref> They were followed by Detachments Able and Baker. The [[U.S. State Department]] learned of the teams and concluded they could have a [[Cold War]] purpose. They could be U.S. "Good Will Ambassadors" to third world countries to counter the spread of [[Communism]], a military version of the [[Peace Corps]]. These 13-man teams would construct schools, drill wells or build clinics creating a positive image for the U.S. They were utilized by the [[United States Agency for International Development]] and were in S.E. Asia by the mid-1950s. Then in the early sixties, the [[U.S. Army Special Forces]] were being sent into rural areas of South Vietnam to develop a self-defense force to counter the Communist threat and making use of the Seabee teams at these same places made sense<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/vietnam.html "Seabee History: South east Asia", Naval History and Heritage Command Online reading room, published 16 Apr 2015]</ref> to the [[CIA]]. To start, twelve "Seabee teams, with Secret Clearances, were sent with the Army's Special Forces in the CIA funded [[Civilian Irregular Defense Group program]] (CIDG)"<ref>Seabee Teams in Vietnam 1963–69, Thomas A. Johnson, Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010, {{ISBN|9781461192107}}</ref><ref name="CBTEAM">[https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZXwbHcoDOkC&pg=SA4-PA17 Commander Naval Construction Battalion U.S. Pacific Fleet, Tân Sơn Nhất, Republic of Vietnam, Completion Report 1963–1972.]</ref> in the years 1963–1965. By 1965 the U.S. Army had enough engineers in theater to end Seabee involvement with Special Forces. At first teams were called Seabee Technical Assistance Teams (STAT) and were restricted to two in theater at a time. Teams after STAT 1104 were renamed Seabee Teams and by 1969 there were 17 in theater.<ref name="CBTEAM"/> As a military force Seabee Teams received many awards for heroism.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZXwbHcoDOkC&pg=SA4-PA17 Commander Naval Construction Battalion U.S. Pacific Fleet, Tân Sơn Nhất, Republic of Vietnam, Completion Report 1963–1972. p. 4-7 /4-12 ]</ref> Teams were sent to other nations as well. The Royal Thai government requested STATs in 1963 and ever since the Seabees have continued to deploy teams.

'''Construction Civic Action Details''' or CCAD<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/01/04/civic-action-team-building-friendships/|title=Civic Action Team: Building Friendships|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093328/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/01/04/civic-action-team-building-friendships/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
CCADs or "See-Kads" are larger civic action units of 20–25 Seabees<ref>[http://themilitaryengineer.com/index.php/tme-articles/tme-magazine-online/item/504-building-an-enduring-presence "Building and Enduring Presence"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120904/http://themilitaryengineer.com/index.php/tme-articles/tme-magazine-online/item/504-building-an-enduring-presence |date=19 January 2018 }}, The Military Engineer, [[LTJG]] Frances Hunter & Lt. James A. Harder (NMCB 11), Nov–Dec 2017, Society of American Military Engineers, Alexandria, VA</ref> with the same purpose as Seabee Teams. The CCAD designation is not found in the record prior to 2013.

===Camp David===
Camp David is officially known as [[Camp David|Naval Support Facility Thurmont]], as it is technically a [[military installation]]. The base is staffed by the CEC, Seabees,<ref name="David">{{Cite web|url=https://aboutcampdavid.blogspot.com/2013/08/working-at-camp-david.html|title=Working at Camp David|first=About Camp|last=David|date=11 August 2013}}</ref> and Marines. "In the early 1950s, Seabee BUs, UTs and CEs took over routine maintenance of the base and additional rates were added for administrative functions. Today Seabees still man the base public works and see that the [[Groundskeeping|grounds]] are in an impeccable condition."<ref>[https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/ndw/installations/nsf_thurmont/about/H2/ CNIC, Naval Support Facility Thurmont website, P.O. Box 1000, Thurmont, MD 21788-5001]</ref> "Selectees undergo a single scope [[Background check|background investigation]] to determine if they qualify for a [[Security clearance|Top Secret Sensitive Yankee White (YW) clearance]]. All personnel in Presidential support activities are required a "Yankee White" security clearance. The tour lasts 36 months."<ref name="David"/> When the base has a larger construction project a Construction Battalion from the fleet can be tasked. NMCBs [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5|5]] and [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133|133]] have drawn these assignments.

===Antarctica: Science===
[[File:Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.jpg|thumb|Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, constructed by NMCB 71, dia. 165' x 54' height]]
[[File:Nuke pm3a tank U.S.Navy.jpg|thumb|Tank for PM3a nuclear reactor built by MCB 1 at McMurdo Station]]

'''Operation Highjump'''
{{Main|Operation Highjump}}
In December 1946, 166 Seabees sailed from Port Hueneme on the [[USS Yancey|USS ''Yancey'']] and [[USS Merrick|USS ''Merrick'']] assigned to [[Operation Highjump]]. They were part of Admiral [[Richard E. Byrd]]'s Antarctic expedition. The U.S. Navy was in charge with "Classified" orders "to do all it could to establish a basis for a (U.S.) land claim in Antarctica".<ref name="Smithsonian">[https://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/operation-highjump-18223476/ "Operation Highjump" ''Air & Space Magazine'', July 2007, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC]</ref> The Navy sent the Seabees to do the job starting with the construction of [[Little America (exploration base)]] IV as well as a runway for aerial mapping flights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/17/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-17/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of Jan. 17)|first=Seabee|last=Magazine|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093330/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/17/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-17/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This Operation was vastly larger than [[International Geophysical Year|IGY]] [[Operation Deep Freeze]] that followed.<ref name="Smithsonian"/>

'''Operation Deep Freeze'''
{{Main|Operation Deep Freeze}}
[[File:MCB 1 Sled train departing Little America for traverse to Byrd Station.jpg|thumb|MCB 1 Sled train departing Little America for traverse to Byrd Station (646 miles) or the South Pole (850 miles). The Navy special ordered SD-LGP D8s (SD=stretched dozer, LGP=low ground pressure)<ref name="The Sun Antarctic online paper">{{cite web |url=http://www.icepeople.net/mark/d8.html |title=Heavy duty champ turns 50 |first=Mark |last=Sabbatini |website=The Antarctic Sun |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> with the frames extended 4 feet and tracks 54 inches wide<ref name="The Sun Antarctic online paper"/> resulting in a ground pressure of 4.30 psi and blades 18.5 feet wide. There were two types of sleds: 10 ton or 20 ton that could be hitched in multiples. (U.S. Navy).]]

In 1955, Seabees were assigned to [[Operation Deep Freeze]] making Antarctica an annual deployment site. Their task was the construction and maintenance of scientific bases for the [[National Science Foundation]]. The first "wintering over" crew included 200 Seabees. They cleared an {{convert|6000|ft|adj=on}} ice runway at [[McMurdo Sound|Mcmurdo]] for
the advance party of Deep Freeze II to fly to South Pole Station. [[Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1|MCB 1]] was assigned for Deep Freeze II.

Antarctica added to the Seabee's list of accomplishments:
* Tractor train [[Traverse (climbing)|traverses]] covering hundreds of miles.
* Bases built: [[McMurdo Station]], [[South Pole Station]], [[Byrd Station]], [[Palmer Station]], [[Siple Station]], [[Ellsworth Station]], [[Brockton Station (Antarctica)|Brockton Station]], Eights Station, [[Plateau Station]], [[Hallett Station]], and [[Little America (exploration base)|Little America IV and Little America V]]
* MCB 1s construction of a [[nuclear power plant]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2014/ph241/reid2/ |title=Nuclear Power at McMurdo Station |first=Tyler |last=Reid |date=21 March 2014 |website=[[Stanford University]] |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> which got them a Navy Unit Commendation.
* NMCB 71s construction of a [[Buckminster Fuller]] [[Geodesic dome]] at So. Pole Station.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/27/rendezvous-with-penguins-construction-of-the-south-pole-dome/ |title=Rendezvous with Penguins: Seabee Construction of the South Pole Dome |first=Frank A. |last=Blazich |date=27 August 2014 |website=Seabees Online |publisher=NAVFAC Engineering Command |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=19 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519022455/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/27/rendezvous-with-penguins-construction-of-the-south-pole-dome/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It became a symbolic icon of the United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP).

===Vietnam War===
[[File:STAT 1104.jpg|thumb|STAT 1104 in Port Hueneme L-R standing: John Klepher, Dale Brakken, William Hoover KIA, Ltjg Peterlin, Cmdr L.W.Eyman, Douglas Mattick, James Keenan, J.R. McCully, Marvin Shields KIA, kneeling: Richard Supczak, F.J. Alexander Jr, James Wilson, Jack Allen. For their actions in the [[Battle of Dong Xoai]], STAT 1104 received a [[Navy Unit Commendation]] a Medal of Honor, 2 Silver Stars, 6 Bronze Stars with Vs and 9 purple hearts. (USN)]]
[[File:Vietnam era Seabee Equipment Operator collar devices.jpg|thumb|Vietnam era EO3 – EO1 collar devices]]

Seabees were in Vietnam twice in the 1950s. First in June 1954, as elements of [[Operation Passage to Freedom]] and then two years later to [[surveying|survey]] and map the  roads. Seabee teams 501 and 502 arrived January 1963 as the first Seabees of the [[Vietnam War]]. They went to Dam Pau and [[Tri Ton]] to build Special Forces camps.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/02/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-february-14/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of February 14)|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=7 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093327/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/02/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-february-14/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1964 small 14 man Seabee groups were tasked to the U.S. Army advisors in the Special Operations Group. ACB 1 was the first CB in the theater that year.   In 1965 the Marines arrived, making an amphibious landing at Chu Lai, with Seabees attached.  Entire Naval Construction Regiments followed.<ref name="NAM">Seabees in Action in Vietnam, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, U.S. GPO 1968 O-323-015.</ref> Seabees supported the Marines at Khe Sanh and [[Chu Lai Base Area|Chu Lai combat base]]s.  The U.S. had many civilian contractors in the country, however the Seabee construction included numerous aircraft-support facilities, roads, and bridges. For every mile of road they improved, they built 100' of bridge-deck.<ref name="NAM"/> They also worked civic action projects throughout the country. In June 1965, Construction Mechanic 3rd Class [[Marvin Glenn Shields|Marvin G. Shields]] of Seabee Team 1104 was at the [[Battle of Dong Xoai]]. He was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] and is the only Seabee to receive the award. Seabee Teams were part of a [[propaganda]] program to promote support for the RVN through positive community engagement, typically building schools, clinics, or drilling wells. In 1966, Seabees repaired the airfield at [[Khe Sanh Combat Base|Khe Sahn]] covering an area of 3,900'x60' with aluminum matting in four days. [[General Westmoreland]] "called it one of the most outstanding military engineering feats of the war."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/opinion/the-largest-military-construction-project-in-history.html |title=The Largest Military Construction Project in History, Vietnam '67|work= [[The New York Times]]|author= Mel Schenck, Vietnam|date= January 16, 2018}}</ref> MCB 4 had a det at [[Con Thien]] whose actions were a near repeat of [[Battle of Đồng Xoài|Dong Xoai]].

In 1968, the Marine Corps requested that the Navy make a change. The Marines were using "MCB" for "Marine Corps Base" while the Navy was using "MCB" for "Mobile Construction Battalion", it was causing confusion in logistics. The Navy agreed and added "Naval" to MCB creating the NMCBs that now exist. During that year the 30th NCR had five battalions in the Da Nang area and two at Chu Lai. The 32nd NCR had three battalions tasked near Phu Bai and one at Dong Ha. In May 1968 two reserve battalions RNMCB 12 and 22 were activated, bring the total number of battalions in Vietnam to 21. Both ACBs were in theater as well as CBMUs 301 and 302. In 1968, NMCB 10 drew an atypical Seabee "task" supporting the [[101st Airborne]]. It happened again in 1969 when CBs 10, 40 and 121 sent EOs to Fire base Fury. During 1969 the number of Seabees in theater reached 29,000, from there their draw-down began.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor-last=Tucker |editor-first=Spencer C. |title=Seabees |encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History |edition=2nd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qh5lffww-KsC&pg=PA1023|year=2011 |location=Santa Barbara, CA |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=978-1-85109-961-0 |page=1023 |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> The last battalion withdrew late 1971 with the last Seabee teams out a year later. When it was over they had sent 137 Seabee teams, built 15 CB camps, and deployed 22 battalions.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mPJRDwAAQBAJ&dq=Seabees+railroads+vietnam&pg=PA171 ''U.S. Navy Seabees{{Snd}} The Vietnam Years'', Terry Lukanic, ', 2017]</ref> [[Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 302|CBMU 302]] became the largest CB ever at over 1400 men and was homeported at [[Cam Rahn Bay]]. On 23 April 1975 it was announced that U.S. involvement in Vietnam was over.
That day CB 4 started construction of a temporary camp for [[Operation New Life]] on Guam. In seven days 2,000 squad tents were erected and numbered 3,500 when done.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://denix.osd.mil/cr/legacy/factsheets/reports-and-other-products/regional-cold-war-history-for-department-of-defense-installations-in-guam-and-the-northern-mariana-islands-legacy-09-454/ |title=Temporary Facilities, 4.5.1.1 Role in the Cold War, Regional Cold War History for DOD Installations in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, Jayne Aaron, July 2011, DOD Legacy Program, p. 4–26 (94/198) |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801014121/https://denix.osd.mil/cr/legacy/factsheets/reports-and-other-products/regional-cold-war-history-for-department-of-defense-installations-in-guam-and-the-northern-mariana-islands-legacy-09-454/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During Vietnam the Seabees had a few uniform variations. One was the stenciling of unit numbers across the back of the field jacket M-65.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB/nmcb1-cruisebooks/NMCB%201_1966.pdf| title = MCB 1 Cruisebook 1966, p. 57–58, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA}}</ref> Another was the collar and cover devices for enlisted E4-E6. The Navy authorized that the "crow" be replaced by the rating insignia of each trade. Nametags were another, they started out white with a multicolored seabee. In 1968, the USMC OD green pattern was copied. The NAVCATs became the only Seabees to ever be authorized to wear a shoulder patch.<ref>[http://cqrcengage.com/Washingtonrollcall/app/document/16106529;jsessionid=crywbfgxui3s55usnlwbfpms USN Seabees to drop anchor in Walla Walla Oct. 6-9, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, 2016-09-28]</ref>

'''NAVCATs Naval Construction Action Teams'''

CBMU 302 had 23 NAVCATS(Naval Construction Action Teams) total with 15 the most active at one time.<ref>[https://www.ljmilitaria.com/navypatches/749eb35e0.jpg NAVCAT 12 patch, Lee-Jackson Militaria, San Jose, CA]
</ref> Teams were numbered 1-23. They were Vice Admiral [[Elmo Zumwalt]]'s expansion of the Seabee Team concept. He submitted it in November 1968 to General [[Creighton Abrams]] commander of [[Military Assistance Command, Vietnam]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Koejt5WIaFAC&q=CBMU%20310%20NAVCAT&pg=PA459 Southeast Asia, Building the Bases, Richard Tregaskis, U.S. GPO, 1975, p. 403]</ref>

'''Agent Orange'''
Many Seabees were exposed to the [[defoliant]] [[herbicide]] while in Vietnam. NCBC Gulfport was the largest storage depot in the United States for [[Agent Orange]]. From there it was shipped to Vietnam.<ref name="WLOX">[http://www.wlox.com/story/22793893/agent-orange-clean-at-navy-seabee-base-is-the-focus-at-public-meeting/ Agent Orange clean at Navy Seabee base is the focus at public meeting, reported by Natalie Campen, WLOX TV, Gulfport, MS, July 9, 2013 at 3:04 PM CDT]</ref> In 1968, the NCBC received 68,000 [[barrel]]s to forward.<ref name="Orange">[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302510859_Monitoring_Studies_of_Former_Agent_Orange_Storage_Sites_in_Mississippi_and_Johnston_Island ''The History, Use, Disposition and Environmental Fate of Agent Orange'', Chapt 7: Monitoring Studies of Former Agent Orange Storage Sites in Mississippi and Johnston Island, Alvin L. Young, Springer Publishing, 2008]</ref> Long term barrel storage began in 1969. That lasted until 1977. The site covered 30 [[acre]]s and was still being cleaned up in 2013.<ref name="WLOX"/><ref>[https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/navalconstructionbattalioncentergulfport/ncbcgulfportfinalrelease041205.pdf Public Health Assessment, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi, Facility ID No. MS2170022626, April 2005, prepared by: Federal Facilities Assessment Branch, Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry]</ref>

===Space race: NASA/Tektite I===
[[Image:Tektite I exterior.jpg|thumb|Tektite I assembled by ACB 2]]

In 1960, a MCB 10 detachment built a [[Project Mercury]] [[telemetry]] and [[Ground station|ground instrumentation station]] on Canton island.<ref>[http://www.militarymuseum.org/PortHuenemeHist.pdf United States Navy and Marine Corps Bases: Domestic, Paolo E. Coletta, Greenwood Press, Westport, CT, 1986. p. 495]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB%2010_1963,pdf.|title=MCB10 cruisebook 1963, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On 28 January 1969 a detachment of 50 men<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah196906.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618025524/http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah196906.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 June 2015|title=''All Hands'', June 1969, Number 629, Navy Dept. Washington, DC. p. 39}}</ref> from [[Amphibious Construction Battalion 2]] plus 17 Seabee divers began installation of the [[Tektite habitat]] in Great Lameshur Bay at [[Lameshur, U.S. Virgin Islands]].<ref>Seabeemagazine online [http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/25/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-24/ Seabeemagazine online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704094300/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/25/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-jan-24/ |date=4 July 2017 }}</ref> The Tektite program was funded by [[NASA]] and was the first scientists-in-the-sea program sponsored by the U.S. government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uw360.asia/project-tektite-the-aquanauts-that-lived-in-the-sea/|title=Project Tektite: The Aquanauts That Lived in the Sea|date=11 August 2016}}</ref> The Seabees also constructed a 12-hut base camp at Viers that is used today as the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station.<ref>[https://stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/crystal-blue-view-of-tektite-ii/ St. John Historical Society, St. John, US Virgin Islands, Crystal Blue View of Tektite II]</ref> The project was a by product of the [[Space Race]]. It caused the U.S. Navy to realize the need for a permanent Underwater Construction capability that led to the formation the Seabee Underwater Construction Teams".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/ |title=U.S. Navy Seabee Museum online magazine, "Project Tektite and the Birth of the Underwater Construction Teams" by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr., Historian, U.S. Navy Seabee Museum |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152519/http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/17/project-tektite-i-and-the-birth-of-the-underwater-construction-teams/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At present{{When|date=October 2022}} NASA is working on the [[Human mission to Mars|Moon to Mars]] program. In 2015, ACB 1 was involved in moving the Orion's [[Boilerplate (spacecraft)|Boilerplate]] Test Article (BTA).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/05/30/acb-1-helps-nasa-lift-off/ |title=ACB 1 Helps NASA Lift Off, MC3 Eric Chan, Public Affairs Office ACB 1, Seabee Magazine Online, 2016, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926065026/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/05/30/acb-1-helps-nasa-lift-off/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ACB 1 was tasked in August 2019 in a test recovery exercise of the [[Orion spacecraft]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/acb-1-teams-up-with-nasa/ |title=ACB-1 Teams-Up with NASA, MC2 Brianna Jones ACB 1 Public Affairs Office, Seabee Online, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA. |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815200737/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2019/08/23/acb-1-teams-up-with-nasa/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ACB 2 was put through the same task a year later in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/27/phibcb-two-supports-nasa-capsule-recovery-operation/ |title=PHIBCB TWO SUPPORTS NASA, MC3 Taylor Mohr, Public Affairs Office ACB 2, Seabee Online, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme, CA. |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204181645/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/27/phibcb-two-supports-nasa-capsule-recovery-operation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===CIA and Naval Intelligence/Communication support===
* After the Seabees left Camp Peary the CIA moved into the base and now refer to it as "the Farm".
* During World War II NAS Tanapag, Saipan was a "major propaganda site of the [[Office of War Information]]" (OWI).<ref>[http://www.psywarrior.com/PSYOPRobertSheeks.html The Incredible Psyop of USMC Lt. Robert Bruce Sheeks on Saipan, Perspectives, Journal of the Psychological Operations Association, Fall 2018, Cold War Covert Activities on Saipan, SGM Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.), William H. Stewart, Posted Dec 21 2004]</ref> In 1947, CBD 1510 began maintaining NAS Tanapag for the NTTU (Naval Technical Training Unit).<ref>[http://www.pacificworlds.com/cnmi/memories/memory3.cfm Naval Technical Training Unit (NTTU), Northern Mariana Islands, Tanapag website.]</ref><ref name="Saipan">[https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/a1c6be2c-1dfb-11e4-aedf-250bc8c9958e/ Cold War covert activities on Saipan, elsewhere in the region| Posted on Dec 21 2004, Saipan Tribune]</ref> In 1948, CBD 1510's men were transferred to CBD 1504 when it was replacing CB 121 as island Public Works. That year the CIA created the NTTU as a "cover" and made access highly restricted to the base. The CIA station had [[Capitol Hill, Saipan|Capitol Hill]] constructed to administer its operations at a cost of $28 million. The station covered the northern half of Saipan including, [[East Field (Saipan)|Kagman Field]], [[Marpi Point Field]], and the four radio towers.<ref name="Saipan"/> "Brig. Gen. [[Edward G. Lansdale]], Pentagon expert on [[guerrilla warfare]], shared with Gen. [[Maxwell D. Taylor]], [[President Kennedy]]'s military adviser, on "Resources for [[Unconventional Warfare]] in SE. Asia."....that the "CIA maintains a field training station on the island of Saipan ... the installation is under Navy cover and is known as the Naval Technical Training Unit. The primary mission of the Saipan Training Station is to provide physical facilities and competent instructor personnel to fulfill a variety of training requirements including [[Espionage|intelligence tradecraft]], communications, [[counter-intelligence]] and [[psychological warfare]] techniques. Training is performed in support of CIA activities conducted throughout the Far East area."<ref>[http://minagahet.blogspot.com/2017/12/nttu-saipan.html NTTU Saipan, December 25, 2017, "The Pentagon Papers", Gravel Edition, Volume 2; (2) Prados, John, "President's Secret Wars", William Morrow Company, New York, 1986; John Wilson Sr., NTTU-1959–'62]</ref> The Seabees cease listing the Public Works assignments at NAS Tanapag in 1953 while the CIA remained until 1962. However, MCB 9 deployed to Saipan in 1954 with one of their projects being the up-grading of the Public Works shops.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Cruisebooks/postwwiicruisebooks/NMCB/nmcb9-cruisebooks/NMCB%209_1954.pdf| title = Cruise Book, MCB 9, Detachment Able, Saipan 1954}}</ref> MCB 10 Det Bravo deployed to Saipan from July 1957 until February 1958 with projects unlisted.<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/UnitListPages/nmcb/NMCB%20010.pdf Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 10, NHHC, Seabee Museum Archives, Port Hueneme CA.]</ref>
[[File:Swan Islands.jpeg|thumb|CIA runway by MCB 6 Det Alfa on Swan Island]]
* A year before the [[Bay of pigs]] and [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] the CIA took a "top secret" urgent/immediate project to the Seabees.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/06/20/swan-island-seabees-fifty-three-years-ago/ |title=Radio Swan: Seabees Part of Cold War History, Seabee Magazine online, Kenneth Van Belkum, Cmdr. CEC (retired), OIC of Det. Tango, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602203803/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/06/20/swan-island-seabees-fifty-three-years-ago/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The agency wanted two 220' [[radio towers]] with a supporting airstrip, dock, and quonsets erected on [[Swan Islands, Honduras|Swan Island]], built asap, with no construction plans for the Seabees.<ref name="CIA"/> The station would be independent-self sufficient. Det Tango of MCB 6 was given the project.<ref name="CIA"/> LSTs 1046 and 1056 delivered men and materials from CBC Quonset Point.<ref name="CIA"/> The Seabees had the CIA's "[[Radio Swan]]" on the air in short order.<ref name="CIA"/>

'''Naval Intelligence: NAVFACs'''

The Navy built 22 Naval Facilities (NAVFACs) for its [[Sound Surveillance System]] (SOSUS) to track Soviet submarines. They were in service 1954–79 with Seabees staffing all the Public works. In the 1980s the number of tracking stations was halved with the advent of the Integrated Underwater Surveillance System (IUSS). The NAVFACs were decommissioned by further advances in technology, the end of the Cold War and disclosures by [[John Anthony Walker|John Walker]] to the Soviets.

The Seabees have also been tasked building Naval Communication facilities. One at [[Nea Makri]] Greece was built by MCB 6 in 1962 and upgraded by NMCB 133. [[United States Naval Communications Station Sidi Yahya El Gharb|Naval Comm Station Sidi Yahya]] was first built in World War II another is NavCommSta Guam. It started out on the island as the Joint Communications Agency (JCA) in 1945.

===Naval Support Unit: Department of State/Embassy security===

[[File:Diplomatic Security photo.jpg|thumb|Naval Support Unit Seabees securing a diplomatic compound in Dec. 2010. (Dept. of State)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2017/04/20/en/critical-mission-providing-diplomatic-security-through-eyes-us-navy-seabee|title=The Critical Mission of Providing Diplomatic Security: Through the Eyes of a U.S. Navy Seabee|website=DipNote}}</ref>]]

In 1964, at the height of the Cold War, Seabees were assigned to the State Department because listening devices were found in the [[Embassy of the United States in Moscow]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-april-16/|title=This Week in Seabee History (Week of April 16)|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211192300/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/04/16/this-week-in-seabee-history-week-of-april-16/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Those initial Seabees were "Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, Detachment November".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20181119214507/https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/280937.pdf History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the United States Department of State, Chapter 5 –  Spies, Leaks, Bugs, and Diplomats, written by State Department Historian's Office, pp. 179–80, U.S. State Department]</ref> The U.S. had just constructed a new embassy in [[Warsaw]]. After what had been found in Moscow Seabees were dispatched and found many "bugs" there also. This led to the creation of the Naval Support Unit in 1966 as well as the decision to make it permanent two years later.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| title = Chapter 1, US Navy Basic Military Requirements for Seabees| access-date = 19 November 2017| archive-date = 30 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=9QJEAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22seabees%22+national+security+agency&pg=PA6 Department of State, Justice, Commerce, the Judiciary and related Agencies appropriations for 1966, Hearings...Dept of State, p. 6]</ref> That year William Darrah, a Seabee of the support unit, is credited with saving the U.S. Embassy in [[Prague, Czechoslovakia]] from a potentially disastrous fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/08/26/this-week-in-seabee-history-august-26-september-1/ |title=August 26, This Week in Seabee History (August 26 – September 1), by Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr, NHHC, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Washington Navy Yard, DC |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=11 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211164859/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/08/26/this-week-in-seabee-history-august-26-september-1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1986, "as a result of reciprocal expulsions ordered by Washington and Moscow" Seabees were sent to "Moscow and Leningrad to help keep the embassy and the consulate functioning".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/25/us/washington-to-send-a-us-support-staff-to-missions-in-soviet.html "Washington to Send a U.S. Support Staff to Missions in Soviet Union", Bernard Gwertzman, ''The New York Times'', October 25, 1986]</ref>

The Support Unit has a limited number of special billets for select NCOs, E-5 and above. These Seabees are assigned to the [[Department of State]] and attached to [[Diplomatic Security]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/ds/protection/c8760.htm |title=Protecting Information |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Those chosen can be assigned to the [[Regional Security Officer]] of a specific embassy or be part of a team traveling from one embassy to the next. Duties include the installation of [[alarm systems]], [[CCTV cameras]], [[electromagnetic lock]]s, safes, vehicle barriers, and securing compounds. They can also assist with the [[security engineering]] in sweeping embassies (electronic counter-intelligence). They are tasked with new construction or renovations in security sensitive areas and supervise private contractors in non-sensitive areas.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| title = US Navy Basic Military Requirements for Seabees, Chapter 1, p. 11| access-date = 19 November 2017| archive-date = 30 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202304/http://navybmr.com/study%20material/14234a/14234A_ch1.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref> Due to Diplomatic protocol the Support Unit is required to wear civilian clothes most of the time they are on duty and receive a supplemental clothing allowance for this. The information regarding this assignment is very scant, but State Department records in 1985 indicate department security had 800 employees, plus 1,200 Marines and 115 Seabees.<ref>{{cite book |last=Barker |first=J. Craig |title=The Protection of Diplomatic Personnel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=siGgCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA92|date=2016 |location=New York |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-01879-7 |page=92 }}</ref> That Seabee number is roughly the same today.<ref>[https://www.stripes.com/news/from-bugs-to-bombs-little-known-seabee-unit-protects-us-embassies-from-threats-1.524076 "From bugs to bombs, little-known Seabee unit protects US embassies from threats", ''Stars and Stripes'', 26 April 2018]</ref>

===Cold War winds down===
As the [[Cold War]] wound down, new challenges and changes came for the Seabees starting with the increased incidence of terrorism. This was in addition to ongoing Seabee support missions for USN/USMC bases worldwide. Cold War Facilities still required support, like the [[UGM-27 Polaris|Polaris]] and [[UGM-73 Poseidon|Poseidon]] submarines at [[Holy Loch]], [[Naval Station Rota, Spain|Rota]]. In 1971, the Seabees began the huge project on [[Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia|Diego Garcia]]<ref name="NHHC-CB">[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/seabee-history0/after-vietnam.html Seabee History: After Vietnam, Published: 16 Apr 2015, NHHC, Official U.S. Navy web site]</ref> in the [[Indian Ocean]]. It was completed in 1987 at a cost of $200&nbsp;million. With the extended construction timeline, it is difficult to inflation-adjust that cost into today's dollars. The complex accommodates the Navy's largest ships and cargo planes. The base served as a staging facility for Operations [[Desert Shield]] and [[Desert Storm]]. Additionally, Seabees were also tasked upgrading and expanding [[Naval Air Station Sigonella]], Sicily for the [[United States Sixth Fleet]].

In 1983, a truck bomb demolished the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombings|Marine's barracks in Beirut]], Lebanon.<ref name="NHHC-CB"/> From the [[Beirut International Airport]] [[Druze]] militia artillery harassed the Marines. NMCB-1 was in Rota and sent its AirDet to construct bunkers for the Marines.<ref name="NHHC-CB"/> EO2 Kirt May became the first Seabee post-Vietnam to receive a [[Purple Heart]] while on this mission.

CN Carmella Jones became the first female Seabee when she cross-rated to Equipment Operator during the summer of 1972.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/Seabee/Online%20Reading%20Room/Seabee%20FAQs/Women%20in%20the%20CEC%20and%20Seabees.pdf| title = Woman in the CEC and the Seabees, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, Ca}}</ref>