The Seabees were formed to replace the civilian construction workers that were employed by the U.S. Navy in the 1930s and 40s. When war broke out, the Navy could no longer employ civilians in war zones so the call went out to tradesmen to enlist. Those who enlisted were given accelerated rank thus making them one of the highest paid groups in the military. The Seabees served thru WW2 and continue to be an important unit in the military.
Seabees provide responsive military construction support to Navy, Marine Corps and other forces in military operations, construct base facilities and conduct defensive operations. In addition to standard wood, steel, masonry and concrete construction. Seabees also perform specialized construction such as water well drilling and battle damage repair. They are able to work and defend themselves at construction sites outside of their base camp and convoy through unsecured areas. In times of emergency or natural disasters, Seabees often provide first response to conduct disaster control and recovery operations. The Seabee Community is comprised of Occupational Field-7 ratings â Builder (BU), Construction Electrician (CE), Construction Mechanic (CM), Engineering Aide (EA), Equipment Operator (EO), Steelworker (SW) and Utilitiesman (UT).
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER
ROCHESTERMILITARY.COM
