Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1 June 1967 - 29 January 1968
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV 2 April 1968 - 30 June 1968
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V 1 July 1968 - 1 November 1968
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description This Campaign period was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. The Naval air and gun fire support to operations such as Operation Silver Mace gave ground units the needed firepower while AirForce units were mThis Campaign period was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. The Naval air and gun fire support to operations such as Operation Silver Mace gave ground units the needed firepower while AirForce units were moved to air operations over Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam. From 7 to 18 April, ground, air, and naval units from each of the American services, the Vietnamese Navy, and the Vietnamese Marine Corps conducted Silver Mace II, a strike operation in the Nam Can Forest on Ca Mau Peninsula. The enemy avoided heavy contact with the allied force, but his logistical system was disrupted.
Enemy air defenses caused aviators more concern for by 1968 the Communists had developed a defensive system that was well-armed, coordinated, and supported. On the ground throughout North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and Laos, the enemy trained skyward thousands of small arms, automatic weapons, and antiaircraft artillery. North Vietnam alone contained 8,000 weapons of many calibers, concentrated around key targets. Beginning in early 1965, surface-to-air missiles (SAM) were added to this defensive arsenal, and by early 1968 over 300 SAM sites dotted the North Vietnamese countryside. The entire defensive system was tied together with a sophisticated network of communications, air alert stations, and early warning, ground control-interceptor, and fire control radars. New and replacement weapons and ammunition were amply supplied by sympathetic Communist countries. The loss in Southeast Asia of 421 fixed-wing aircraft from 1965 to 1968 attested to the strength of these defenses. The aviators killed, missing, or made prisoner totaled 450. The operating environment was especially dangerous in North Vietnam, where 382 Navy planes were shot down, 58 of them by SAMs.
Although only accounting for eight of the Navy's aircraft during this three-year period, the North Vietnamese air units posed a constant threat to U.S. operations, thus requiring a diversion of vital resources for protection. The enemy air force varied from 25 to 100 MiG-15, MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21 jet fighters. The country's jet-capable airfields included Gia Lam, Phuc Yen, Cat Bi, Kep, Kien An, Yen Bai, Son Tay, Bai Thuong, Hoa Lac, and Vinh. The U.S. Navy engaged in its first air-to-air encounter of the war on 3 April 1965, when several MiG-15s unsuccessfully attacked a flight of F-8 Crusaders near Thanh Hoa. On 17 June, two Midway F-4 Phantoms registered the first kills in the long conflict when they downed two MiG-17s south of Hanoi. ... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 1 November 1968. During this period a country-wide effort was begun to restore government control of territory lost to the enemy since the Tet offensive. The enemy attThis campaign was from 1 July to 1 November 1968. During this period a country-wide effort was begun to restore government control of territory lost to the enemy since the Tet offensive. The enemy attempted another such offensive on 17-18 August but his efforts were comparatively feeble and were quickly overwhelmed by Allied forces.
In the fall of 1968 the South Vietnamese government, with major U.S. support, launched an accelerated pacification campaign. All friendly forces were coordinated and brought to bear on the enemy in every tactical area of operation. In these intensified operations, friendly units first secured a target area, then Vietnamese government units, regional forces/popular forces, police and civil authorities screened the inhabitants, seeking members of the Viet Cong infrastructure. This technique was so successful against the political apparatus that it became the basis for subsequent friendly operations. Government influence expanded into areas of the countryside previously dominated by the Viet Cong to such an extent that two years later at least some measure of government control was evident in all but a few remote regions.... More
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II 1 July 1966 - 31 May 1967
Description This Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartThis Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartered vessels under U.S. and foreign registry. Throughout this period, MSTS shipping carried over 40,000 U.S. and allied combat and support troops to South Vietnam. The allied requirements for transportation were passed from MSTS representatives in the ports of Danang, Chu Lai, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, Phan Rang, and Vung Ro through the MSTS office in Saigon to the MSTS Far East, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and finally to Commander MSTS in the United States. Many types of vessels sailed in the MSTS fleet, including converted escort carriers Core, Card, Point Cruz (T-AKV 19), and Kula Gulf (T-AKV 8), which served as aircraft ferries. Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH 1), formerly seaplane tender Albermarle (AV 5), operated as a helicopter repair ship for the Army. In addition to the great number of standard cargo hulls, the service operated ships that carried cargo stowed in easily handled containers and new roll-on/roll-off ships that could quickly load and unload vehicles through rear or side ports. Arriving at Danang on 1 August 1967, Bienville was the first such container vessel to reach South Vietnam. Fuel tankers included the 190,000-barrel capacity Maumee (T-AO 149), the 140,000-barrel Cache (T-AO 67), and the 30,000-barrel Chattahoochee (T-AOG 82), the latter of which was used for storage and shuttle services in-country.
MSTS also controlled as many as 16 troop transports in the Pacific during the buildup of forces in South Vietnam. A fleet of LSTs, the number of which increased from 17 to 42 by mid-1968, handled cargo shuttling along the coast. In-port lighterage and terminal duties were accomplished by the MSTS-contracted Alaska Barge and Transport Company, which operated 19 tugs and 33 barges. The total MSTS effort ensured that the 550,000-man U.S. contingent in South Vietnam was well supplied, armed, and prepared to stay in the battle against the determined enemy.
Naval Support Activity, Saigon, which the Navy activated on 17 May 1966, two days after HSAS ceased operations, was charged with providing logistic support to naval units in the II, III, and IV Corps Tactical Zones. The newly created NAVFORV directed the operations of NSA Saigon. The support activity supplied the Navy's Coastal Surveillance Force, River Patrol Force, Riverine Assault Force, and the various specialized headquarters, offices, and detachments operating in the three southern corps areas. NSA Saigon provided the commands with ammunition, weapons, and communications equipment; transported cargo and personnel; repaired and maintained ships and craft; stocked spare parts; and built bases and facilities. Finally, NSA saw to the quartering, messing, payroll, and recreational needs of the naval officers and enlisted personnel in Vietnam.
The Saigon activity developed subordinate support bases for the combat forces similar to those of NSA Danang's. NSA Saigon detachments at Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh Bay, An Thoi, Cat Lo, and Vung Tau primarily served the Market Time operation, although the last two bases were home to other naval combat units as well. The concentration of the Task Force 115 headquarters, naval air units, and other large contingents at Cam Ranh Bay required greater command authority and logistic resources. As a result, in September 1967, NSA Saigon upgraded the detachment to the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay. Detachments were also established at Can Tho (and later moved to nearby Binh Thuy), Nha Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, My Tho, Tan Chau, and Long Xuyen. These units saw to the special needs of the Task Force 116 PBR commands. The Naval Support Activity, Saigon, Detachment Dong Tam, supplied only the Mobile Riverine Force naval units. ... More
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive 25 December 1965 - 30 June 1966
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This Campaign period was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. The growing Coastal Force devoted most of its attention to amphibious raids, patrols of shallow inlets and river mouths, troop lifts, and blocThis Campaign period was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. The growing Coastal Force devoted most of its attention to amphibious raids, patrols of shallow inlets and river mouths, troop lifts, and blocking support for allied ground sweeps. For instance, during Operation Irving in October 1966, ground forces and junk units in II Coastal Zone killed 681 Viet Cong troops. In addition, the junkmen established a government presence among the fishermen and provided them with medical services and other assistance. Sometimes the Coastal Force sailors convinced Communist soldiers to desert their units.
The enemy, who often attacked the 27 vulnerable Coastal Force bases, overran the triangular-shaped fortifications of Coastal Group 15 at Cua An Hoa in July 1965 and of Coastal Group 16 at Co Luy in August 1967. Other bases, however, withstood repeated assaults. In doing so, these facilities played a part in the allied effort that denied the enemy easy access to the coastal regions.
Viet Cong mines also took their toll of the command's MLMS fleet, which worked to keep open the shipping channel to Saigon. In August 1966 and again in January 1967, enemy mines sank an MLMS in the Rung Sat. The River Force did not fully employ its strength. The political troubles of 1965 and 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam, in which high-ranking River Force officers figured prominently, damaged morale and distracted personnel from their military mission.
The navy and the army rarely launched joint amphibious assaults against the Viet Cong. Operations reflected the River Force's lack of technically skilled crewmen, the poor maintenance and repair of river craft, and the absence of inspired leadership. Usually, only half of the command's units were ready for combat action, and many of these boats were committed by the army to static guard, resupply, troop lift, or other nonoffensive duties.
The reliance on defense over offense reflected the historic Vietnamese strategy of husbanding resources until there was clear advantage over an enemy. The Vietnamese Navy's River Force sailors often fought hard and bravely, killing many of the enemy and suffering heavy losses of their own, but their valor and sacrifice was not rewarded with strategic success. ... More
Description This campaign was from 25 December 1965 to 30 June 1966. As the war continued, the Navy continued to patrol the coasts and rivers in brown water operations. Minesweeping craft begin patrolling the LonThis campaign was from 25 December 1965 to 30 June 1966. As the war continued, the Navy continued to patrol the coasts and rivers in brown water operations. Minesweeping craft begin patrolling the Long Tau River leading to Saigon to keep that vital waterway open to merging traffic.
Navy patrol craft worked to keep Vietnamese's harbors open and safe in operation stable door. Navy helicopters called Seawolves began supporting the newly arrived Navy PBR in Game Warden missions.
On 1 January 1966, the Sea Force was renamed the Fleet Command and reorganized along functional lines. Flotilla I, comprised the submarine chasers (PC) and escorts in Squadron 11, the motor gunboats in Squadron 13, and the large support landing ships (LSSL) in Squadron 15. The minesweepers in Squadron 17 were responsible for sea patrol, inshore patrol, river patrol, and minesweeping duties, respectively. Flotilla II controlled Squadrons 22 and 24, which consisted of the Vietnamese Navy's landing ships and craft, coastal oilers, and other vessels providing logistic support.
Throughout this period, the Vietnamese Navy continued to suffer from serious deficiencies. Perhaps the greatest was the careerism and interservice political activity of many naval officers, which hamstrung coordination and cooperation in operations and lowered the morale and motivation of naval personnel. The emphasis on politics disrupted the training of sailors, many already educationally unprepared in the technical skills essential for the operation of complex vessels, weapons, and equipment.
Aside from the political factor, training in gunnery, seamanship, and communications skills was hurt by the Vietnamese stress on instruction at shore-based schools, rather than on board ships. Unfortunately, few Vietnamese sailors were released from operational duty to receive training ashore.
At the same time, the Recruit Training Center at Cam Ranh Bay, the Advanced Training Center in Saigon, and the Naval Training Center at Nha Trang, which included the Naval Academy, were hard-pressed to handle the great number of men entering the service during this period. Some relief was afforded by the training of Vietnamese officers and men on board U.S. naval vessels and in the United States. The quality of training improved somewhat as a result of these measures and the hard work of many Vietnamese sailors and American advisors.
The material condition of the navy raised even more serious concerns. Officers and men in the operational units often showed little regard for the maintenance of their ships and craft. Compounding the problem was the inability of the ship and boat repair facilities to cope with the growing backlog of work orders generated by the increased tempo of the war and the doubling in size of the navy.
The lack of skilled workmen severely hampered operations at the Eastern Repair Facility at Cuu Long near Saigon and the Western Repair Facility at Can Tho, which handled River Force and Coastal Force work. The same condition existed at the smaller establishments at Danang, Cat Lo, Qui Nhon, An Thoi, and Rach Gia, which supported the Coastal Force exclusively. A number of these repair operations barely functioned.
Other Memories
During the following homeport, the Battalion prepared for its next deployment, to Argentia, Newfoundland. Advance parties left Davisville on May 12 and June 9, 1964. In addition, Detachment U left in May for Cartago, Costa Rica, on a flood control mission. Excavating and diking the Reventado Streambed, detachment U diverted annual mudflows away from the village, earning them the thanks and praise of the Costa Rican president. Detachment U returned to Davisville in March 1965.
While Detachment U was up to their chests in mud, the NMCB ONE main body joined its advance parties at Argentia on July 15, 1964. At Argentia the Battalion built an inner-perimeter security fence with a built-in communications system around the Advanced Underwater Warfare Building, and replaced a deck-mounted power and telephone system in the supply office with an overhead system. NMCB ONE also built two enlisted men's cabins and renovated various camp facilities. A 31-man detachment was sent to Lakehurst, New Jersey, where they constructed a 3,000-foot short airfield for tactical support. NMCB ONE ended its tour at Argentia on November 15, 1964, and returned to Davisville on November 18.
Other Memories
Following five weeks of training at Camp Lejeune in March and April 1963, NMCB ONE again sailed for Guantanamo Bay on July 10. The Battalion had projects at both Windward and Leeward Points. At Leeward Point, the projects included new ground support equipment buildings, an aviation gas refueler compound, a new squadron line maintenance building, a new crash-crew facility, and a new perimeter road and fence. At Windward Point the Seabees installed telephone cables and water mains, and built curbs and paved roads. The Battalion finished up its ninth "Gitmo" deployment on March 12, 1964, and returned to Davisville.
Other Memories
Detachment S sailed for Argentia, Newfoundland in July, at the end of a four-month homeport period. There the detachment constructed navigational aids and water supply facilities. Returning briefly to Davisville in December, it embarked a second time, this time for Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, where they made repairs to the Naval Station's piers.
Meanwhile, NMCB ONE departed for its second European tour via Boeing 707s, the first time the Battalion deployed via air. Arriving at Rota on July 19, the Battalion began a series of projects. They constructed a medium-range radar tower, additions to a pier transit shed and aviation ordnance buildings, a Marine administration building, and various port facilities. NMCB ONE deployed back to homeport on February 5, 1963. For its efforts in the previous year, NMCB ONE was awarded the Peltier Award for 1962, as the best unit of its type.
Other Memories
A second Antarctic trip followed the Battalion's summer respite at Davisville. Slated for McMurdo Sound, the Seabees of NMCB ONE were tasked with building a nuclear power plant. Components of the four million-dollar plant were packed at Davisville aboard the USS Arneb, which arrived at McMurdo Sound on November 3, 1961. The Arneb was unloaded and the components transported eight miles to the construction site on 10- and 20-ton sleds. The Battalion completed the project on March 4, 1962, and earned the Navy Unit Commendation for their work. NMCB ONE also built operation and support facilities at McMurdo Sound, Hallett, and New Byrd Stations, and prepared topographical surveys for these stations and for the Pole Station. Their task complete, NMCB ONE headed back to homeport on March 14, 1962.
Description National Science Foundation and USN/USCG Operations for continued US presence on South Pole stations (3), to conduct research on weather, air, marine wildlife, thermal regulatory processes, and very lNational Science Foundation and USN/USCG Operations for continued US presence on South Pole stations (3), to conduct research on weather, air, marine wildlife, thermal regulatory processes, and very low frequency soundwave surveillance.... More
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is a continuation of the series of medals established by Congress to commemorate polar expeditions. Specifically, it is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, any U... This medal is a continuation of the series of medals established by Congress to commemorate polar expeditions. Specifically, it is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, any U.S. Citizen, or any resident alien of the United States who, after January 1, 1946 has served or serves on the Antarctic Continent or in support of U.S. operations there. MoreHide
Other Memories
March of 1960 saw NMCB ONE training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In May the Battalion received orders to Europe. The advance party left Davisville in March, and the main body arrived at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on May 29, 1960. The Battalion's main task was the construction of eleven type "B" magazines. The Seabees also built security facilities and expanded camp facilities. A detachment of 10 men were detailed to Port Lyautey to build seven gasoline storage tanks, and 50 men were sent to Sigonella, Sicily, to erect nine buildings for the Naval Air Station. NMCB ONE sailed back to homeport in March 1961, for four months of well-deserved rest.
Other Memories
Detachment P was formed while in homeport, and left for Bermuda in May 1958. They arrived on May 17 to resurface the catchment area, finish installation of the catchment tank and pipeline, and to construct and renovate buildings. NMCB ONE's main body arrived back in Guantanamo Bay on May 19, and started construction of the Kittery Beach housing complex. They also repaired perimeter roads and graded for the relocation of a 735,000-gallon water tank. Once again, NMCB ONE returned to Davisville for a three-month training and leave cycle on November 29, 1958.
On March 13, 1959, the Battalion was back in "Gitmo" finishing the Kittery Beach project. Detachment Q embarked for Argentia on May 7, tasked with replacing steam lines, pouring 73 concrete slabs, replacing roofing, constructing a concrete building, installing three limiting reactors and placing riprap. The detachment and main body was reunited in Davisville in early December, for a Christmas in homeport.
Other Memories
The main body spent the summer of 1956 preparing for Operation DEEP FREEZE II in Antarctica. NMCB ONE personnel trained in the assembly and operation of pontoon barges at Little Creek, VA. In mid-September 1956, the advance party left Davisville aboard USS Arneb and USS Wyandot. After transiting the Panama Canal the expedition divided, with one detail sailing along the South American coast and the other four details sailing via New Zealand. With a rear echelon in Davisville, and Detachments in Spain, French Morocco, New Zealand, McMurdo Sound, Little America, and off the South American coast, NMCB ONE was employed simultaneously on six continents.
During the Antarctic summer NMCB ONE personnel constructed the Weddell Sea, Knox Coast and Cape Adare bases, and did construction at McMurdo Sound and Little America. The five Antarctic echelons returned to Davisville in March and April, and the Battalion regrouped in homeport through the first half of 1957.
Description National Science Foundation and USN/USCG Operations for continued US presence on South Pole stations (3), to conduct research on weather, air, marine wildlife, thermal regulatory processes, and very lNational Science Foundation and USN/USCG Operations for continued US presence on South Pole stations (3), to conduct research on weather, air, marine wildlife, thermal regulatory processes, and very low frequency soundwave surveillance.... More
Memories The main body spent the summer of 1956 preparing for Operation DEEP FREEZE II in Antarctica. NMCB ONThe main body spent the summer of 1956 preparing for Operation DEEP FREEZE II in Antarctica. NMCB ONE personnel trained in the assembly and operation of pontoon barges at Little Creek, VA. In mid-September 1956, the advance party left Davisville aboard USS Arneb and USS Wyandot. After transiting the Panama Canal the expedition divided, with one detail sailing along the South American coast and the other four details sailing via New Zealand. With a rear echelon in Davisville, and Detachments in Spain, French Morocco, New Zealand, McMurdo Sound, Little America, and off the South American coast, NMCB ONE was employed simultaneously on six continents. ... More
Other Memories
The new year saw NMCB ONE headed back to Guantanamo Bay. The Battalion arrived on January 13, 1955, with the main project consisting of the construction of the Nob Hill housing complex, consisting of 100 units. Seven months later, the Battalion had completed 47 housing units, new dock facilities, a power plant, and had rehabilitated the water mains. NMCB ONE returned to homeport on August 31, 1955, for a three-month homeport interlude.
Returning again to "Gitmo" on November 17, the Battalion completed the housing complex, a trailer park, a Chief Petty Officer's lounge, the Red Dog Inn Snack Bar, and most of a sewage treatment plant. In addition, they also started to grade for construction at Leeward Point and removed Quonset huts from west Bargo. Early in the deployment Detachment J left for Port Lyautey. While in French Morocco the detachment built two 10,000-barrel tanks, an aviation gas truck repair shop, and a swimming pool. They embarked back to Davisville on May 17, 1956, and rejoined NMCB ONE, which had departed from Guantanamo on May 7.
Other Memories
After a three-month training period, NMCB ONE embarked on March 13, 1954, for a second trip to Argentia, Newfoundland. The Battalion's primary tasking was the extension of a runway 1,450 feet beyond the base shoreline. During their seven-month stay the Battalion completed the entire runway subgrade, 50 percent of the concrete hangar apron, excavated three taxiways, applied seal coats to the airfield pavement, and installed airfield lighting and a jet fuel distribution system. In addition, Seabees renovated a theater, Marine barracks, fire escapes, and a seawall, and they redecked two piers and built a recreation building. NMCB ONE put back into homeport on October 19, 1954.
Other Memories
The fall of 1952 saw the Battalion in its third tour of duty at Guantanamo Bay. Landing on October 15, the Battalion quickly got to work. The construction plan called for one-phase completion of a two-story fleet training building. Completing this, the Battalion also constructed a large drum storage area, a warehouse, a block plant and curing area, a boundary fence, fuel and water lines, roads, and started construction of the Registered Publications Issuance Office Building. On February 2, 1953, Detachment E left the Battalion to construct two 10,000-barrel storage tanks on Vieques Island. This was in support of Second Marine Division training exercises, and the detachment rejoined the Battalion on March 10. NMCB ONE left Guantanamo on April 3, 1953, leaving behind Detachment F, which produced concrete block in preparation for a scheduled housing project.
After a short training and construction cycle at Davisville, the Battalion was back at Guantanamo Bay in June 1953. The Battalion continued construction of the Publications Office Building, and also built more roads, boundary fences and fuel lines. NMCB ONE returned to homeport on December 12, 1953.
Other Memories
NMCB ONE deployed to Port Lyautey, French Morocco, on March 6, 1952. Over the next four months the Battalion built seven Butler buildings, three storage tanks, an aerological data building, a 200-foot fence around the radar area and a 500-foot jet blast wall. Their mission complete, the Battalion sailed for homeport on July 29, 1952.
Other Memories
In the meantime, the main body of NMCB ONE departed Little Creek January 31, 1951, for a second tour of duty at Guantanamo Bay. Construction of a concrete seaplane ramp was the principle assignment, and the Battalion also engaged in various other construction projects. It also sent out three detachments. Detachment A built forty-eight 50' by 20' magazines and supporting facilities at Port Lyautey, French Morocco; Detachment B demolished some piers at the former submarine base in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands; and Detachment C was assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, VA., to construct components of the Base Command Project. NMCB ONE sailed from Cuba on June 2, 1951, and arrived at their new home at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Davisville on June 6, 1951.
Other Memories
Upon their arrival at their new home, the Seabees completed building the camp. Detachment D left Davisville on August 3, 1951, for the Naval Station, Argentia, Newfoundland, where they were tasked to begin erection of Quonset huts and conversion of a barracks into married quarters. The main body of the Battalion joined them in October. Construction was completed on December 13, 1951, and the Battalion again returned to Davisville for a cycle of leave and training.
Other Memories
NMCB ONE's next assignment was to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they arrived on May 11, 1950. Their primary task was the demolition of Pier M, with the debris to be used in the construction of a breakwater. They also renovated Pier L, built roads, and engaged in combat training. They departed Guantanamo Bay on August 19, 1950, for seven weeks of leave and training in homeport
Other Memories
Bermuda was the Battalion's next destination. The Seabees arrived at Naval Station Bermuda on October 13, 1950 and commenced work on a number of projects. The included constructing roads, resurfacing a water catchment area, installing boilers and pipe, roofing and painting. The Battalion completed its work in December, and returned to Little Creek.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Other Memories
Preparation for the Battalion's first mission began in October 1949 with the arrival of the Battalion's equipment at Little Creek. The Battalion sailed from Little Creek on December 28, 1949, for Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. The Battalion landed on January 3, 1950, and prepared facilities for the Joint Operation PORTREX. The Seabees built two gravel-packed wells, rehabilitated a third, and installed pipes and pumps for all three. They also built three 1,000-barrel tanks, bleachers, targets, and surfaced and maintained roads for the operation. The Battalion returned to Little Creek on February 21, 1950.
Other Memories
In 1949 the Navy began an intensive reorganization which included the creation and formation of a new type of construction force - the Mobile Construction Battalion. On August 8, 1949, U. S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE -- "The First and Finest" -- was established at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, VA. The formal commissioning ceremony was October 28, 1949.
During the following homeport, the Battalion prepared for its next deployment, to Argentia, Newfoundland. Advance parties left Davisville on May 12 and June 9, 1964. In addition, Detachment U left in May for Cartago, Costa Rica, on a flood control mission. Excavating and diking the Reventado Streambed, detachment U diverted annual mudflows away from the village, earning them the thanks and praise of the Costa Rican president. Detachment U returned to Davisville in March 1965.
While Detachment U was up to their chests in mud, the NMCB ONE main body joined its advance parties at Argentia on July 15, 1964. At Argentia the Battalion built an inner-perimeter security fence with a built-in communications system around the Advanced Underwater Warfare Building, and replaced a deck-mounted power and telephone system in the supply office with an overhead system. NMCB ONE also built two enlisted men's cabins and renovated various camp facilities. A 31-man detachment was sent to Lakehurst, New Jersey, where they constructed a 3,000-foot short airfield for tactical support. NMCB ONE ended its tour at Argentia on November 15, 1964, and returned to Davisville on November 18.