“Seabees in Action”
The United States Naval Construction Battalions, shortened to C.B.’s, and then Seabees, were skilled workers trained for both construction and combat. The Seabees were established during WWII and have been a part of every major conflict the U.S. has been in since, including Vietnam. Below are some photos and news releases of one of these battalions in 1967 collected by Keever.
Holding a pen and notepad, Petty Officer Third Class George A. Bradley kneels in front of a fat little pig. Seabees news release 25-67 (46). Original caption: “Paunchy pet–‘I started out at a very tender age.’ Esmeralda tells Seabee Petty Officer Third class George A. Bradley in this personal interview at DaNang, Vietnam.”
Singing group performs for the Seabees. Seabees news release 170-67 (55). Original caption: “To help the people of Bob Sinh Province in South Vietnam show their appreciation for the construction work done by the Navy Eabees in their behalf, this vietnamese singing fropu performs at Chu Lai for U.S. Naval Mobile Cnstruction Battaliion EIGHT. The singers travel throughout South Vietnam encouraging their people to fight communism and often exposing themselves to Viet Cong terrorism.
Reverse of photo showing singing group performing for the Seabees, 363-03843. Seabees news release 170-67 (55). Original caption: “To help the people of Bob Sinh Province in South Vietnam show their appreciation for the construction work done by the Navy Eabees in their behalf, this vietnamese singing fropu performs at Chu Lai for U.S. Naval Mobile Cnstruction Battaliion EIGHT. The singers travel throughout South Vietnam encouraging their people to fight communism and often exposing themselves to Viet Cong terrorism.
Seabees news release of 23-67 (71) included with photographs from medical treatments given to Vietnamese patients in DaNang, Vietnam. Page 1 of 2.
Seabees news release of 23-67 (71) included with photographs from medical treatments given to Vietnamese patients in DaNang, Vietnam. Page 2 of 2.
Seabees news release 222-67 (54) included with photographs of a man surveying the area in Chu Lai, Vietnam. Page 1 of 2
Seabees news release 222-67 (54) included with photographs of a man surveying the area in Chu Lai, Vietnam. Page 2 of 2.
Seabee stands and surveys a field. Seabees news release 222-67 (54). Original caption:A Navy Seabee of Mobile Construction Battalion EIGHT stands at sling arms and surveys his area of responsibility as dawn breaks at Chu Lai, South Vietnam.”
Reverse of photo showing a seabee standing and surveying a field. Seabees news release 222-67 (54). Original caption:A Navy Seabee of Mobile Construction Battalion EIGHT stands at sling arms and surveys his area of responsibility as dawn breaks at Chu Lai, South Vietnam.”
Seabees news release 1-67 (60) included with a photograph of a 100 pound popsickle near Hue, Vietnam
Seabees news release 48-67 (61) included with aerial shot of homes rebuilt by Seabees in Phuoc Quang, Vietnam
Seabees news release 35-67 (56) included with photographs of observation towers being constructed near An Hoa, Vietnam
Seabees use large crane to put in place a new observation tower near the de-militarized zone in Vietnam. Seabees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “Navy Seabees use mobile crane to lift tower components into place just north of An Hoa, Vietnam. Seabees are constructing the towers for I Corps Marines in attempt to curb the flow of Viet Cong supplies.”
Reverse of photograph showing Seabees using large crane to put in place a new observation tower near the de-militarized zone in Vietnam. Seabees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “Navy Seabees use mobile crane to lift tower components into place just north of An Hoa, Vietnam. Seabees are constructing the towers for I Corps Marines in attempt to curb the flow of Viet Cong supplies.”
Seabees put a new watch tower in place near DaNang, Vietnam. Seebees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “It takes deft fingers on the controls to ease this 12,000-pound tower into place on Hill 52, southwest of DaNang, South Vietnam. In such remote areas, Viet Cong snipers present a constant danger to crewmen aboard the CH-53A helicopters and to Navy Seabees on the ground.”
Reverse of photograph showing Seabees putting a new watch tower in place near DaNang, Vietnam. Seebees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “It takes deft fingers on the controls to ease this 12,000-pound tower into place on Hill 52, southwest of DaNang, South Vietnam. In such remote areas, Viet Cong snipers present a constant danger to crewmen aboard the CH-53A helicopters and to Navy Seabees on the ground.”
2 steeple jacks attach portions of a pre-fabricated tower near demilitarized zone. Seabees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “Working high above ground, two steeple jack members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE attach portions of the pre-fabricated tower. Seabees have already erected almost half of 74 planned towers in I Corps Area, South Vietnam. Most towers are located along the Demilitarized Zone and around DaNang.”
Final stages of tower construction. Seabees news release 35-67 (65). Original caption: “Construction of this observation tower moves into final stages as Seabee-operated crane raises the crown into place. The observation platform will be sandbagged by Seabees to provide protection from Viet Cong snipers.”
Reverse of photo showing the final stages of tower construction. Seabees news release 35-67 (65). Original caption: “Construction of this observation tower moves into final stages as Seabee-operated crane raises the crown into place. The observation platform will be sandbagged by Seabees to provide protection from Viet Cong snipers.”
Seabees news release 201-67 (66) included with photograph of dish antennas at Chu Lai, Vietnam
Seabees news release 73-67 (67) included with photograph of soldiers constructing an oil tank at Chu Lai, Vietnam
Navy Seabee’s steelworkers tighten bolts on a storage tank at Chu Lai, Vietnam. Seabees news release 73-67 (67). Original caption: “Navy Seabee steelworkers of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY ONE tighten the last few bolts on the top of on of the five aviation jet fuel storage tanks being built at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. The mast rising out of the center of the circular tank will support the tank’s lid.”
Reverse of photo showing Navy Seabee’s steelworkers tighten bolts on a storage tank at Chu Lai, Vietnam. Seabees news release 73-67 (67). Original caption: “Navy Seabee steelworkers of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY ONE tighten the last few bolts on the top of on of the five aviation jet fuel storage tanks being built at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. The mast rising out of the center of the circular tank will support the tank’s lid.”
Seabees news release 69-67 (69) included with photograph of a new well at Chu Lai, Vietnam, Page 1 of 2
Seabees news release 69-67 (69) included with photograph of a new well at Chu Lai, Vietnam, Page 2 of 2
Seabee water sleuths at Chu Lai, Vietnam. Seabees news release 69-67 (69). Original caption: “This Navy Seabee well drilling team from Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY-ONE has developed the knack of locating water where none is believed to exist. The group is picture in action at a well site near Chu Lai, South Vietnam.”
Reverse of photo showing Seabee water sleuths at Chu Lai, Vietnam. Seabees news release 69-67 (69). Original caption: “This Navy Seabee well drilling team from Mobile Construction Battalion SEVENTY-ONE has developed the knack of locating water where none is believed to exist. The group is picture in action at a well site near Chu Lai, South Vietnam.”
Seabees news release 115-67 (40) included with nine photographs of a bridge construction over the Thu Bn River
Seabees lift piling into position for driving. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “SEABEES lift an 85-foot long piling into position for driving. Seven of these whoppers are driven each 20 feet to support the roadway 32 feet above the river’s low-water level. In all, 800 piles, each driven 40 feet into the river bottom, will be used in the “Liberty Bridge,” longest timper span ever built by the SEABEES.”
Reverse of photo showing Seabees lifting piling into position for driving. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “SEABEES lift an 85-foot long piling into position for driving. Seven of these whoppers are driven each 20 feet to support the roadway 32 feet above the river’s low-water level. In all, 800 piles, each driven 40 feet into the river bottom, will be used in the “Liberty Bridge,” longest timper span ever built by the SEABEES.”
Positioning piles for driving. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “Positioning piles for driving can be pretty sloppy, but it’s quite necessary to get them started right. Navy SEABEES work 15-hour days to get the mammoth structure finished in record time.”
Reverse of photo showing positioning piles for driving. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “Positioning piles for driving can be pretty sloppy, but it’s quite necessary to get them started right. Navy SEABEES work 15-hour days to get the mammoth structure finished in record time.”
Sawing excesses of the bridges lenthy piles. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “Using the trained precision of a ballet team, these two Navy SEABEES saw the excess of one of the “Liberty Bridge’s” lengthy piles. The SEABEES start work at 5 a.m. and eat breakfast at a nearby Marine Corps camp, provided area roads have been swept clear of Viet Cong mines.”
Reverse of photo showing SeaBees Sawing excesses of the bridges lenthy piles. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “Using the trained precision of a ballet team, these two Navy SEABEES saw the excess of one of the “Liberty Bridge’s” lengthy piles. The SEABEES start work at 5 a.m. and eat breakfast at a nearby Marine Corps camp, provided area roads have been swept clear of Viet Cong mines.”
A Seabee surveyor adjusts a pile in line. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “A SEABEE surveyor (back to camera) makes sure a newly-set pile is in line. Portions of the Marine camp guarding opposite shore can be seen in background. Bridge will permit many Vietnamese living on both banks to cross river for first time in their lives
Reverse of photo showing a Seabee surveyor adjusts a pile in line. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “A SEABEE surveyor (back to camera) makes sure a newly-set pile is in line. Portions of the Marine camp guarding opposite shore can be seen in background. Bridge will permit many Vietnamese living on both banks to cross river for first time in their lives
Reverse of photo showing Seabees bridge growing. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “Another 20 feet is added onto “Liberty Bridge” as Navy SEABEE detachment lowers stringers into place over new pilings. SEABEES will have driven more than five tones of nails, each more than 10 inches long, when bridge is completed. The bridge’s deck will be eight inches thick
Bridge builds appetites. Seabbes news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “The SEABEE detachment from mobile Construction Battalion FOUR is fed two hot meals daily by a Marine Corps unit guarding the bridge. SEABEES battle dusty conditions while living in sandbag huts near the bridge site. Sometimes meals are “C” rations prepared by themselves. Only liberty is occasional Sunday trip to battalion base at NaNang, but this invloves riding in back of open truck through sniper-infested territory.”
Reverse of photo bridge builds appetites. Seabbes news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “The SEABEE detachment from mobile Construction Battalion FOUR is fed two hot meals daily by a Marine Corps unit guarding the bridge. SEABEES battle dusty conditions while living in sandbag huts near the bridge site. Sometimes meals are “C” rations prepared by themselves. Only liberty is occasional Sunday trip to battalion base at NaNang, but this invloves riding in back of open truck through sniper-infested territory.”
Reverse of photo showing Marine Corps ferry. Seabees news release 115-67 (40). Original caption: “This Marine Corps ferry, which stransports 150 vehicles a day across the Thu Bon river will soon be replaced by the 2,040-foot long, SEABEE-built “Liberty Bridge.” All military convoys now use the ferry, located just upstream from the nearly-completed bridge.”
Sunday afternoon cookout. Seabees news release 66-67 (14). Page 1 of 2
Sunday afternoon cookout. Seabees news release 66-67 (14). Page 2 of 2
Christian Service Society. Seabees news release 12-67 (16). Page 1 of 2
Christian Service Society. Seabees news release 12-67 (16). Page 2 of 2
Man carries sewing machine. Seabees news release 12-67 (16). Original caption: “Vietnamese people may be small of stature, but their strength and spirit is amazing. The man carrying the sewing machine, during the transfer of the machines from MCB-74 to the Christian Service Society, illustrates a living example of their strength.”
Reverse of photo showing a man carrying a sewing machine. Seabees news release 12-67 (16). Original caption: “Vietnamese people may be small of stature, but their strength and spirit is amazing. The man carrying the sewing machine, during the transfer of the machines from MCB-74 to the Christian Service Society, illustrates a living example of their strength.”
Reverse of photo showing a Seabee examine a Vietnamese infant. Seabees news release 25-67 (64). Original caption: “‘Doctor’ Les Lagada, navy Deabee Hospital Corpsman first class of Putol, Republic of the Philippines, examines a Vietnames infant during village sick call. Lagda makes his medical rounda five times a week at which time he treats 50 to 100 Vietnamese daily. Because of his efforts, Lagda is ‘Bac Si” – ‘Number One’ – in the eyes of the villagers. Lagda is part of the 13-man U. S. Navy Seabee Team 0406 which is located in Bao Trai conducting civic action projects for the South vietnamese. It is sponsored by the U. S. Agency for Inernational Development (USAID) along with seven other such teams from U. S. Naval Construction Battalions in Vietnam.”
Seabee stops to read the news. Seabees news release 28-67 (50). Original caption: “Navy Seabee Bill Stoffle takes time out at Chu Lai, South Vietnam to catch up on reading — especially the item about his father being recently nominated to rank of Rear Admiral in the Coast Guard Reserve by President Johnson. The elder Soffle was the commanding officer of a Coast Guard Seabee battalion in the Pacific during World War II. Young Stoffle, who now serves in Naval Mobile construction Battalion SEVENTY ONE, recently received a promotion, too — to the rating of Builder Third Clas. This year, the Seabees are observing their 25th anniversary.”
Reverse of photo shows a Seabee stops to read the news. Seabees news release 28-67 (50). Original caption: “Navy Seabee Bill Stoffle takes time out at Chu Lai, South Vietnam to catch up on reading — especially the item about his father being recently nominated to rank of Rear Admiral in the Coast Guard Reserve by President Johnson. The elder Soffle was the commanding officer of a Coast Guard Seabee battalion in the Pacific during World War II. Young Stoffle, who now serves in Naval Mobile construction Battalion SEVENTY ONE, recently received a promotion, too — to the rating of Builder Third Clas. This year, the Seabees are observing their 25th anniversary.”
Clearing debris off of air field. Seabees news release RVN 242 (58). Original caption: “U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN instantly rushed quipment to DaNang Air Base in South Vietnam recently to help clear the field of aircraft destroyed in an early morning Viet Cong attack. Among those responding to the Air Force request for assistance are Navy Seabees George J. Furtado (operating crane) and Robert L. Bowman (signalling directions). Seabee Batttalion SEVEN is based at DaNang East to provide suport to combat units. This year, Seabees mark the 25th anniversary of their organization, which served outstandingly in World War II and Korea–and is doing so again in Vietnam.”
Reverse of photo showing Seabees clearing debris off of air field. Seabees news release RVN 242 (58). Original caption: “U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN instantly rushed quipment to DaNang Air Base in South Vietnam recently to help clear the field of aircraft destroyed in an early morning Viet Cong attack. Among those responding to the Air Force request for assistance are Navy Seabees George J. Furtado (operating crane) and Robert L. Bowman (signalling directions). Seabee Batttalion SEVEN is based at DaNang East to provide suport to combat units. This year, Seabees mark the 25th anniversary of their organization, which served outstandingly in World War II and Korea–and is doing so again in Vietnam.”
Steelworkers removed damaged steel. Seabees news release 79-67 (34). Seabee steelworkers remove damaged M8Al steel matting from the parking apron at Dong Ha airfield (Official U. S. Navy Photograph)
Reverse of photo of steelworkers removed damaged steel. Seabees news release 79-67 (34). Seabee steelworkers remove damaged M8Al steel matting from the parking apron at Dong Ha airfield (Official U. S. Navy Photograph)
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 55- (59). Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 55- (59). Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 20-67 (52). Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 244 (68). Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 244 (68). Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 26-67 (49). Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release (63). Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release (63). Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release (72). Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 5-7-67 (53). Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 5-7-67 (53). Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 32-67 (57) Page 1 of 3.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 32-67 (57) Page 2 of 3.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 32-67 (57) Page 3 of 3.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 33-67 (63) Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 30-67 (44) Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 36-67 (45) Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 44 (65) Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 79-67 (36) Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 79-67 (36) Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release B34-67 (28) Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 16-67. Page 1 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 16-67. Page 2 of 2.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release 15-67 (21). Page 1 of 1.
Letter on update of the Seabees. Seabees news release #RVN-235 (29). Page 1 of 1.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 1 of 6.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 2 of 6.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 3 of 6.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 4 of 6.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 5 of 6.
Join the Seabees – Serve the World. Page 6 of 6.
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Front cover.
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Page 1 of 4.
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Page 2 of 4.
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Back cover.
Seabees use large crane to put in place a new observation tower near the de-militarized zone in Vietnam. Seabees news release 35-67 (56). Original caption: “Navy Seabees use mobile crane to lift tower components into place just north of An Hoa, Vietnam. Seabees are constructing the towers for I Corps Marines in attempt to curb the flow of Viet Cong supplies.”