Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26, commonly called NMCB 26 or “Two Six,” was a United States Navy Seabee unit whose work combined military engineering, construction, utilities operation, logistics, and emergency support. The battalion was originally commissioned in 1942 as Naval Construction Battalion 26 for service in the Pacific during World War II. Its first major assignment was Guadalcanal, where its personnel supported the campaign by constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, docks, gun emplacements, tunnels, rail infrastructure, communications systems, fuel facilities, and other operational assets. The unit also performed salvage work and operated essential power, water, fire-protection, and aviation-fuel systems. The battalion’s World War II service extended beyond Guadalcanal. Detachments supported operations in the Russell Islands, New Georgia, California, Kodiak, and the Aleutian region. At Tulagi, a major detachment operated generators, installed extensive power and communications networks, maintained water and fire systems, supported aviation-gas facilities, repaired patrol-boat infrastructure, and handled the receipt and distribution of fuel. The unit operated under hazardous conditions, including repeated air alerts and attacks. Its wartime service was recognized by commendations from senior Army and Navy commanders, including Admiral William Halsey Jr. After the war, the battalion was decommissioned and its personnel returned to civilian life. NMCB 26 was revived in 1962 as a Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion. Its headquarters moved from Milwaukee to Indianapolis and later to Chicago, while its permanent drill location eventually became Naval Air Facility Detroit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. During the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, the reserve battalion carried out training and construction assignments at Navy, Marine Corps, and Army facilities across the United States. It also sent detachments to locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba, Guam, Italy, and other overseas bases. Its missions included base construction, facility improvement, utilities work, humanitarian water-well projects, and joint training with Marines and soldiers. The unit remained active during the Global War on Terror. It was activated in 2003 and deployed personnel and heavy air detachments to the European area of responsibility, including Rota, Spain, Souda Bay, Crete, and Sigonella, Italy. In 2006–2007, detachments operated in the United States Central Command area, supporting construction and engineering missions in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and at Gulf oil platforms. In 2010, the battalion deployed again to the CENTCOM and NATO International Security Assistance Force area, where Seabees built force-protection systems, drilled wells, and conducted contingency construction in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and southern Afghanistan. The deployment generated several high-level unit awards, including an Army Presidential Unit Citation, an Army Valorous Unit Award, an Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Reserve Seabee Rear Admiral John R. Perry Award. In 2013, NMCB 26 provided a heavy air detachment to Afghanistan in support of NMCB 28. This contribution helped form one of the largest Seabee battalions operating in a war zone since the Vietnam War. The battalion received the Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” for performance in 2014, its final year. Following a ceremony on 20 September, NMCB 26 was officially decommissioned on 30 September 2014 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. It is therefore a defunct military engineering organization rather than a commercial construction brand. Its legacy rests on expeditionary construction, operational infrastructure, reserve-force readiness, humanitarian engineering, and support to naval and joint military operations.

Naval Construction Battalion 26 was formed in 1942 as part of the United States Navy’s Seabee organization. Its personnel assembled at Camp Allen, Virginia, during August 1942 and sailed for the South Pacific in October. On 20 December, 27 officers and 968 enlisted personnel arrived in the Guadalcanal area, where the battalion relieved NCB 6 and established operations near Henderson Field. The Guadalcanal mission required both construction and direct operational support. Battalion personnel built roads, bridges, docks, railroad track, tunnels, gun positions, radio stations, and other facilities needed to sustain Allied operations. They also repaired damaged vessels and maintained essential base systems. A Tulagi detachment operated generators, installed power and telephone networks, maintained water and fire systems, supported aviation-fuel facilities, and completed numerous repairs for patrol boats. The detachment also handled the distribution of more than 34 million gallons of gasoline. The battalion worked under repeated air alerts and enemy attacks, including an attack in February 1943 that destroyed its newly completed galley. Two chief petty officers were commended for organizing firefighting efforts during the attack. After the Guadalcanal campaign, elements of the battalion supported construction and logistics activities in the New Georgia and Russell Islands, California, Kodiak, and the Aleutian region. The unit completed the war and was subsequently decommissioned. Its record was recognized by commendations from Major General Alexander M. Patch, Major General Oscar W. Griswold, and Admiral William Halsey Jr. The organization returned in 1962 as Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26. Its headquarters was initially established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then moved to Indianapolis and later Chicago. The battalion reorganized with personnel associated with RNMCB 27 in 1968. During the 1970s it performed construction work at facilities including Naval Air Station Glenview, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Amphibious Base Little Creek. In 1975 it was one of two reserve battalions to receive an outstanding overall REDDU evaluation. During the 1980s, the unit expanded its training and project activity across Navy, Marine Corps, and Army sites. Work and exercises took place in Hawaii, Rhode Island, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, California, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Guantanamo Bay. The battalion received the Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” in 1986. Its permanent drill site moved to Naval Air Facility Detroit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 1985. The 1990s brought additional exercises and international assignments. NMCB 26 participated in evolutions known as Sea Dragon, Green Stinger, and Sharp Wedge, and supported projects in Guam, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Alabama, Italy, Crete, Spain, and other locations. It also completed humanitarian well-drilling work for rural communities in Guatemala, Panama, and Belize. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, individual reservists were recalled to other Seabee units. Although the battalion was considered for activation, the conflict ended before its planned recall was required. In the 2000s, the Global War on Terror led to repeated mobilizations. The battalion was activated in 2003 and deployed detachments to European operating locations. In 2006 and 2007, heavy air detachments performed missions in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and the Gulf region, while the unit continued domestic readiness and construction work. The battalion earned consecutive Battle “E” awards for 2006 and 2007. A further mobilization in 2010 sent NMCB 26 to the CENTCOM and NATO ISAF area. Its Seabees constructed force-protection measures, drilled wells, and performed contingency work in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and southern Afghanistan. The deployment was followed by the 2011 Battle “E,” the Rear Admiral John R. Perry Award, an Army Presidential Unit Citation, an Army Valorous Unit Award, and an Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 2013, a heavy air detachment led by LCDR Deniz Piskin deployed to Afghanistan in support of NMCB 28. The contribution helped create a particularly large Seabee construction force in the war zone. NMCB 26 received another Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” recognition in 2014. The battalion was formally decommissioned on 30 September 2014, following a ceremony held on 20 September at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Its history reflects the changing role of reserve Seabees, from World War II base construction to modern expeditionary engineering, force protection, utilities, and humanitarian infrastructure.

• 2014

  Decommissioning

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  NMCB 26 was formally decommissioned on 30 September at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

• 2013

  Afghanistan heavy air detachment

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  A detachment augmented NMCB 28 in Afghanistan during a major Seabee construction effort.

• 2010

  CENTCOM and ISAF deployment

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The battalion deployed for force-protection, well-drilling, and contingency construction missions in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.

• 2006

  CENTCOM heavy air detachment deployment

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Detachments conducted construction missions in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and the Gulf region.

• 2003

  Activation for European-area operations

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The battalion formed a main body and heavy air detachments for deployment to Rota, Souda Bay, and Sigonella.

• 1986

  Battle E recognition

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The reserve battalion received the Atlantic Fleet Best of Type Battle E award.

• 1985

  Permanent drill site established in Michigan

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The battalion occupied its permanent drill site at Naval Air Facility Detroit and Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

• 1975

  Outstanding REDDU evaluation

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  NMCB 26 was one of only two battalions nationally to receive an overall outstanding REDDU evaluation.

• 1968

  Reorganization with RNMCB 27

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The reserve construction organization was reorganized with Seabees associated with RNMCB 27.

• 1962

  Reserve reactivation

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The unit was revived as a Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion headquartered in Milwaukee.

• 1942

  Original battalion commissioned

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  The future NCB 26 personnel assembled at Camp Allen, Virginia, and deployed to the South Pacific during World War II.

• 1942

  Arrival in the Guadalcanal area

  [1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Twenty-seven officers and 968 enlisted personnel arrived on 20 December and began work supporting the Guadalcanal campaign.

A United States Navy Seabee engineering unit positioned to deliver mobile, expeditionary construction and infrastructure support for naval operations, joint forces, combat zones, overseas bases, and humanitarian missions.

• Military engineering · 1942

  Expeditionary military construction

  The battalion’s central capability was the rapid construction, repair, and maintenance of operational facilities in austere or contested environments. Projects included roads, bridges, docks, tunnels, gun positions, base facilities, and other infrastructure required by naval and joint forces.

• Utilities engineering · 1942

  Utilities and infrastructure systems

  NMCB 26 operated and installed generators, electrical distribution, communications wiring, water systems, fire systems, aviation-fuel infrastructure, and petroleum facilities. These capabilities allowed deployed bases and naval facilities to remain functional during combat and contingency operations.

• Civil infrastructure · 1990

  Humanitarian engineering

  Reserve detachments undertook humanitarian projects, including drilling water wells for rural communities in Guatemala, Panama, and Belize. Such assignments extended the battalion’s engineering role beyond direct combat support into public-health and community infrastructure assistance.

• 2013Afghanistan augmentation deployment

  Afghanistan

  A heavy air detachment led by LCDR Deniz Piskin augmented NMCB 28 in Afghanistan.

  Outcome. The contribution supported one of the largest Seabee battalion-level construction forces in a war zone since the Vietnam War.

  Source
• 2010CENTCOM and ISAF deployment

  Iraq · Kuwait · Bahrain · Southern Afghanistan

  NMCB 26 built force-protection infrastructure, drilled wells, and conducted contingency construction throughout the NATO ISAF and CENTCOM operating areas.

  Outcome. The deployment was followed by several unit awards, including the Army Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit Award.

  Source
• 2006CENTCOM heavy air detachments

  Kuwait · Afghanistan · Bahrain · Gulf oil platforms

  Two heavy air detachments conducted construction and engineering missions across the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

  Outcome. The battalion received consecutive Battle E recognition for performance in 2006 and 2007.

  Source
• 2003European-area deployment

  Spain · Crete · Italy

  Activated reserve personnel deployed to Rota, Souda Bay, and Sigonella to provide construction support and maintain operational readiness.

  Outcome. The deployment formed part of the battalion’s post-9/11 expeditionary support cycle.

  Source
• 1990Desert Shield and Desert Storm support

  Persian Gulf region

  Members of NMCB 26 were recalled to other Seabee units during the Gulf crisis, while a possible battalion activation was considered.

  Outcome. The battalion itself was not activated for the planned later deployment because the military resolution occurred earlier than expected.

  Source
• 1944Aleutian and Alaska support

  Kodiak · Aleutian Islands · Alaska

  A battalion detachment assisted American base and construction activity in Alaska and the Aleutian region during the later stages of World War II.

  Outcome. The unit completed its wartime assignments before demobilization after the war.

  Source
• 1942Guadalcanal Campaign

  Guadalcanal · Tulagi

  NMCB 26 supported the Guadalcanal campaign through airfield, road, bridge, dock, communications, fuel, utility, and defensive construction, as well as salvage work.

  Outcome. The battalion completed major operational infrastructure under repeated enemy attacks and later supported additional Pacific locations.

  Source

• 2014

  Decommission the battalionOther

  Background

  Changes in the Navy’s construction-force structure followed the battalion’s final reserve service period.

  Action taken

  NMCB 26 was formally decommissioned on 30 September 2014 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

  Aftermath

  The unit ceased to exist as an active organization after more than seven decades spanning World War II, the Cold War, and post-9/11 operations.

  Source

• 2003

  Activate reserve forces for expeditionary operationsStrategy

  Background

  Post-9/11 military operations increased demand for Seabee construction support in overseas operating areas.

  Action taken

  The battalion formed a main body and two heavy air detachments and deployed personnel to European-area bases.

  Aftermath

  The activation began a decade of repeated expeditionary assignments in Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan.

  Source

• 1962

  Reconstitute the battalion as a reserve unitStrategy

  Background

  After its World War II decommissioning, the Navy revived the organization within the Naval Reserve construction structure.

  Action taken

  NMCB 26 was reorganized as a Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion headquartered initially in Milwaukee.

  Aftermath

  The unit became a long-running reserve engineering formation with domestic and overseas construction assignments until 2014.

  Source

• 2014

  NMCB 26 decommissioned[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The battalion was formally decommissioned on 30 September 2014 after a ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

• 2013

  NMCB 26 heavy air detachment augments NMCB 28 in Afghanistan[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  A battalion detachment deployed to Afghanistan and augmented NMCB 28 during a major Seabee engineering effort.

• 2011

  NMCB 26 receives major awards after Afghanistan deployment[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Following a CENTCOM and ISAF deployment, the battalion received multiple military unit awards, including the Battle E and Perry Award.

• 2006

  NMCB 26 supports CENTCOM construction operations[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Two heavy air detachments conducted construction work in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and at Gulf oil platforms.

• 2003

  NMCB 26 activated for European-area missions[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Reserve Seabees were activated and deployed in detachments to Rota, Souda Bay, and Sigonella.

• 1962

  Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26 reactivated[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The World War II battalion was revived as a Naval Reserve construction unit with headquarters in Milwaukee.

• 1942

  Naval Construction Battalion 26 arrives in the South Pacific[1]Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The battalion reached the South Pacific on 20 December 1942 to support operations in the Guadalcanal area.

1. 1Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26en.wikipedia.org