Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 (NMCB 17), now known as the Desert Battalion, has it's roots beginning with the formation of Naval Construction Battalion 17 (NCB 17) during WW II.
"The 17th Battalion was commissioned at Camp Allen, Norfolk, VA. on Aug. 8, 1942, and transferred to Camp Bradford, VA. the next day. On Sept. 1 the outfit was moved to Gulfport, Miss, and three weeks later to Davisville, R. I. Embarking at Staten Island on Oct. 1, the Battalion arrived at Argentia, Newfoundland, on Oct. 12. On March 14, 1943, the ranks were swelled by the addition of CBD 1004, filling the Battalion complement. Returning home, the unit sailed from Argentia on Nov. 17, 1943, arriving at Davisville Nov. 20. On May 9, 1944, the outfit entrained for Port Hueneme, CA., arriving May 14. After a month at Hueneme, and three months at nearby Point Mugu, the Battalion started its second overseas tour, sailing from Port Hueneme Sept. 11. 1944. Saipan was reached Oct. 6, 1944. After the Okinawa invasion the outfit was transferred there."
In 1961, the battalion was recommissioned as Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 (RNMCB 17), under the First Reserve Naval Construction Regiment, "The Big 1". Many of the Seabee Battalions were recommissioned at this time, probably due to the increasing tensions in Southeast Asia/Viet Nam. Throughout the years from '62 to '79, the battalion went through training at CBC Port Hueneme, Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, AMPHIB Base Coronado, CBC Gulf Port, and NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The battalion remained RNMCB 17 for almost 30 years.
In 1990, the battalion was redesignated as Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 (NMCB 17), (without the "Reserve" in its name) signifying the intergration of the Active/Reserve Naval Construction Force. Presently, NMCB 17 is one of 6 Reserve Components and 4 Active Components of the 3rd Naval Construction Brigade (Pacific Fleet).
Special Battalions
"They humped cargo from Pearl to Japan, kept K-rations, beer and ammunition flowing from base to ship to the beachhead. ConBat stevedores swung the big hook in torrid heat and bitter cold; they hauled under fire, went In with combat troops, come out last as bruised and tired.
The 17th Special Battalion
In quick succession after activation Sept. 19, 1943, the 17th Special jumped to Gulfport Nov. 15, to Hueneme Nov. 30, and overseas Dec. 16. The 17th landed at Banika in the Russell Islands Jan. 9, 1944, and went on its first push in March when 505 men and 20 officers took part with the Fourth Marine Division in the occupation of Emirau Island in the St. Matthias group. Remainder of the Battalion followed in April. It returned to the Russells Aug. 14, staging for the Palau Island invasion. The First Section of 500 men landed on White and Orange Beaches at Peleliu H-Hour plus two of D-Day Sept. 15, attached to the First Marine Division. The Battalion split into two sections in Feb. 1945, with Section Two going to Ulithi with Comseron Ten. The First Section remained at Peleliu, then divided, with half going to adjacent Angaur April 28. The First Section rejoined forces in June and moved to Guam for the duration of the war, with the Second Section transferring to Leyte, where it remained on duty until the end of the war. Comservpac, on May 18, 1945, desired to return the entire 17th Special from Peleliu, Angaur and Leyte, to Pearl Harbor, for staging, but plans were altered."
Some of the men of the 17th Battalion paid the ultimate price for our freedom. A memorial to these men, listing their names, and to all the Seabees who lost their lives during WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam has been erected in Heritage Park at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, CA., the Home of the Pacific Seabees.
