About this Unit
United States Naval Cargo Handling Battalion TWO (NCHB 2) was established in 1949 and is one of the Navy’s premier expeditionary logistics units. Originally formed to support cargo handling operations, NCHB 2 has played a critical role in providing rapid, worldwide logistical support for naval and joint operations. The battalion’s history includes deployments in support of conflicts, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts, including operations in the Middle East and response efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Over the decades, NCHB 2 has maintained a reputation for adaptability, professionalism, and excellence in expeditionary logistics and cargo handling.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The lineage of United States Naval Cargo Handling Battalion TWO (NCHB 2) traces back to the famous "Stevedore" battalions of World War II, critical for logistics support in both the European and Pacific Theaters.
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Redesignation and Modern Role: NCHB 2 was officially commissioned in its current form in 1949, evolving from earlier Army-Navy units that handled cargo operations.
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Nickname - "The Surgeon's Mates": The battalion is sometimes called "The Surgeon's Mates," a nod to early naval support personnel and their vital, behind-the-scenes contributions.
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Gulf War Contributions: NCHB 2 played a key role in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, moving vast amounts of cargo in-theater and ensuring supply lines remained uninterrupted.
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in numerous humanitarian operations, including disaster relief in Haiti and support after Hurricane Katrina, showcasing its versatility beyond wartime logistics.
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Joint Operations: NCHB 2 regularly collaborates with the U.S. Army, Air Force, and allied forces, providing logistics support in joint exercises and real-world contingencies.
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First Navy Reserve Unit to Deploy to Afghanistan: In 2010, NCHB 2 became the first Navy Reserve cargo handling battalion to deploy to Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Specialized Training: Members of NCHB 2 are trained in a variety of skills, including hazardous material handling, containerized cargo operations, and port security, making them some of the Navy's most versatile logisticians.
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Global Reach: NCHB 2 has operated in over 20 countries, supporting operations from the Middle East to the Pacific Rim, demonstrating the Navy's ability to project logistics power worldwide.
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Seabee Connection: Although part of the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), NCHB 2 maintains close ties with the Navy Seabees, often working together to establish forward operating bases and support expeditionary operations.