What do navy seabees do?

What Do Navy Seabees Do?

The United States Navy’s Seabees, also known as the Naval Construction Force (NCF), are a specialized group of sailors who are responsible for building and maintaining naval infrastructure and facilities. Seabees are skilled craftsmen, engineers, and technicians who provide critical support to the Navy’s warfighting efforts.

What Do Seabees Do?

Seabees perform a wide range of tasks, including:

• Construction: Seabees build and repair naval facilities, such as piers, wharfs, airfields, and hangars.
• Engineering: Seabees design, install, and maintain mechanical and electrical systems, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical power distribution.
• Facilities Management: Seabees manage and maintain existing facilities, including routine maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): Seabees trained in EOD skills handle and dispose of explosive ordnance, including bombs, mines, and other hazardous materials.
• Diver Operations: Seabees trained as divers perform underwater construction, repair, and maintenance tasks.
• Hydrographic Survey: Seabees conduct hydrographic surveys to chart and map coastal areas, identifying hazards and potential threats to naval operations.

Seabee Roles and Specialties

Seabees have various roles and specialties, including:

• Construction Mechanic: Responsible for building and repairing naval facilities and infrastructure.
• Electrician: Installs, tests, and maintains electrical systems.
• Plumber: Installs, tests, and maintains plumbing systems.
• Machinist: Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical systems.
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• EOD Technician: Trained to handle and dispose of explosive ordnance.
• Diver: Trained to perform underwater construction, repair, and maintenance tasks.
• Hydrographic Survey Technician: Conducts hydrographic surveys to chart and map coastal areas.

Seabee Training and Qualifications

Seabees undergo rigorous training to develop their skills and expertise. Training includes:

• Basic Seabee Training (BST) at the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi.
• Advanced Training (AT) at the NCBC or other specialized schools.
• Specialized Training: EOD technicians receive additional training at the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (EODS) in Panama City, Florida.
• Certifications: Seabees hold various certifications, such as commercial diving certifications and hazardous materials handling certifications.

Seabee Units and Deployment

Seabees are organized into Construction Battalions (CBs), which are deployable units that can be sent to various locations around the world. Seabee Units typically consist of:

• Company: The basic unit of the Seabee organization, consisting of 60-100 personnel.
• Squadron: A group of companies, typically consisting of 200-400 personnel.
• Battalion: A group of squadrons, typically consisting of 600-1,200 personnel.

Seabee Deployments

Seabees have deployed to various locations around the world, including:

• War zones: Seabees have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones to support military operations.
• Natural disaster areas: Seabees have deployed to areas affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
• Peacekeeping missions: Seabees have deployed to areas involved in peacekeeping operations, such as the Balkans and Africa.

Seabee Awards and Recognition

Seabees have received numerous awards and recognition for their outstanding service and dedication. Some notable awards include:

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal: Awarded for meritorious service and achievement.
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal: Awarded for outstanding performance and achievement.
• Presidential Unit Citation: Awarded to units that have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and bravery.
• Navy Expeditionary Medal: Awarded to personnel who have deployed in support of expeditionary operations.

Conclusion

Seabees are a vital part of the United States Navy’s warfighting capability, providing critical support to naval operations and infrastructure. Seabees are skilled craftsmen, engineers, and technicians who have the expertise and training to perform a wide range of tasks, from construction and engineering to explosive ordnance disposal and diver operations. With their diverse range of skills and abilities, Seabees play a vital role in supporting the Navy’s mission to protect and defend the United States.

Table: Seabee Training and Qualifications

Table: Seabee Units and Deployment

Note: The above article is a general overview of the Seabees and their roles and responsibilities. The information provided is accurate to the best of the author’s knowledge, but may not be exhaustive or up-to-date.