About this Unit
**Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB 4)**, known as the "Pioneers," was originally commissioned in 1942 and has served with distinction during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and in numerous peacetime and contingency operations worldwide. Renowned for their construction expertise, NMCB 4 Seabees have built critical infrastructure, airfields, and bases in support of combat and humanitarian missions, embodying the Seabee motto “We Build, We Fight.” Over the decades, the battalion has continually deployed to the Pacific, Middle East, and other regions, providing vital engineering and disaster relief capabilities.
The **Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC)** is a major training facility located in Gulfport, Mississippi, specializing in preparing Seabees and other personnel for construction and combat support roles. Since its establishment during World War II, NCTC has trained thousands of Navy personnel in essential skills such as construction, equipment operation, and combat engineering, ensuring the operational readiness and excellence of U.S. Naval Construction Forces worldwide.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB 4), commonly known as the “Pioneers” or “Fabulous Four,” was first commissioned in 1942 during World War II. The battalion played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields and bases for the island-hopping campaign.
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Iconic Insignia: NMCB 4’s logo features a fighting bee with a wrench and a hammer, symbolizing their motto: “We Build, We Fight.” This Seabee insignia is recognized throughout the Navy.
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Vietnam War Contributions: NMCB 4 deployed multiple times to Vietnam, constructing roads, airfields, and bases under fire. They were among the first Seabee units to land in Chu Lai and Da Nang, and earned several commendations for bravery and efficiency.
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Disaster Response: NMCB 4 has a storied history in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, including major relief efforts after Super Typhoon Pongsona in Guam (2002) and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans (2005).
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Firsts in Seabee History: NMCB 4 was the first battalion to deploy to both the Arctic and Antarctica, supporting Operation Deep Freeze and building McMurdo Station in the harshest conditions on earth.
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Combat Engineering Excellence: During Operation Iraqi Freedom, NMCB 4 was recognized for constructing vital infrastructure under combat conditions, including airstrips, medical facilities, and command centers.
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Training the Next Generation: The Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, is the primary schoolhouse for Seabees. NCTC trains thousands of Navy personnel annually in construction skills, combat engineering, and expeditionary operations.
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Global Deployments: NMCB 4 has operated on six continents, supporting U.S. Navy and allied missions globally, from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the deserts of the Middle East and the arctic tundra.
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Seabee Heritage: Both NMCB 4 and NCTC embrace the Seabee “Can Do” spirit, which traces back to the original Construction Battalions of WWII, famous for building under fire and turning the tide in major battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
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Decorations and Honors: NMCB 4 has earned multiple unit commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation, recognizing their courage, professionalism, and engineering achievements in both war and peace.
