Read the history of the US Navy’s Construction Battalions, from Second World War battlefields to Middle East conflict zones
FORMATION
The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 forces the creation of a military unit to replace the 70,000 contractors working overseas for the military. Under international law it’s illegal for civilian workers to resist an attack, leaving the contractors liable to summary execution by the enemy if they fight back. The first cohort are trained three months after they are requested.
INTRODUCING THE SEABEES
The Fighting Seabees is released, starring John Wayne and Susan Hayward. The film explains the dilemma that led to the creation of the Seabees, depicting construction workers without military experience disastrously attempting to take on Japanese forces.
After receiving formal military training, they heroically repel the Japanese.
VICTORY IN NORMANDY 01
On D-Day, the Seabees’ demolition units are among the first to go ashore, suffering heavy casualties when shells hit their explosives. Then, around 10,000 Seabees from the 25th Naval Construction Regiment bring pontoon causeways into place to help move infantry and equipment onto the beaches. Finally, they transport thousands of tons of war materiel onto the shore to support the Normandy Campaign.
SEABEES AT PELELIU 02
The Seabees remain racially segregated throughout the war and Black American units are rarely credited for their efforts. The segregated 17th Special CB is active at the Battle of Peleliu, assisting the wounded, carrying ammunition and manning 37mm guns. Yet, they do not appe
BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF 03
The Leyte-Samar campaign sees the participation of 32,000 Seabees – they begin work just an hour after the landings. Their facilities come under Japanese air attack 100 times, and on Samar they hold off a Japanese paratrooper assault on an airfield construction site.
BATTLE OF IWO JIMA 04
In the invasion of Iwo Jima, the entire 133rd Naval Construction Battalion is sent ashore with the first wave. They unload ammunition, locate and destroy landmines and demolish obstructions – all while under intense artil
