History
Since March 5, 1942, the U.S. Navy has employed an elite cadre of construction battalion Sailors, better known as Seabees. Guided by the motto, “We Build, We Fight,” over the past 75 years the Seabees have served in all major American conflicts, supported humanitarian efforts, and helped to build communities and nations around the globe.
Construction Battalion Maintenance Units originated during World War II when 136 units were established. During the Vietnam Conflict two units were activated, CBMU 301 and 302. Following Vietnam, CBMU 302 was retained and during recent realignment CBMU 202 and 303 were formed.
CBMU 202 was commissioned February 2005, on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and is headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. Initially there were five detachments located at Anacostia, Washington, D.C., Camp Lejeune, NC, Kings Bay, GA, Jacksonville, FL, and Key West, FL. With force realignments we currently have an active detachment in Jacksonville, FL and two reserve detachments stationed in Jacksonville, FL, and Norfolk, VA.
CBMU 202 provides contingency Public Works operations, maintenance, and repair at Forward Operating Bases and Expeditionary Medical Facilities. Additionally, CBMU 202 responds to Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) and Defense Support Civil Authority (DSCA) missions.
The command has historically supported the execution of CONTINUING PROMISE (CP) and SOUTHERN PARTNERSHIP STATION (SPS) exercises as an annual training mission. These missions focus on providing medical, engineering, and veterinary humanitarian assistance activities in Central and South American countries to strengthen partnerships and improve cooperation with partner nations, interagency organizations and nongovernmental organizations in response to emergent Foreign Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (FHA/DR).
Though not deploying as an entire unit, CBMU 202 has continued to support current multiple theatre military missions. Personnel assigned to the command have completed 30 Individual Augmentee (IA) assignments supporting operational requirements in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Africa and Guantanamo Bay. They continue to provide engineering as well as vertical and horizontal construction support to other U.S. government agencies and partnership nations abroad.
MAJOR EVENTS
In 2009, 21 personnel deployed onboard USNS COMFORT (T-AH-20) to the FOURTH Fleet Area of Operations from April 2009 to August 2009. 21 Seabees executed 2,087 man-days of construction, resulting in markedly improved health care facilities and educational institutions, while improving diplomatic relations as a goodwill ambassador. They completed 13 construction projects and four Community Relations projects, contributing directly to the success of the humanitarian assistance efforts throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
In October 2012, 41 personnel deploy within 96 hours of notification onboard the USS SAN ANTONIO in support of (ISO) Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations, in response to Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. The combined capabilities of all three squads enabled remarkably quick completion of all USCG requested support. Tasking included a 54,000 square feet beach restoration, removal of 125 trees, demolition and removal of a damaged structure, and general debris clearing to include the relocation of 32 dislocated storage sheds. The Detachment provided humanitarian assistance to people in Sandy Hook, NJ, and restored quality of life to the area.
On February 15, 2013, 12 Seabees deployed aboard the USNS SWIFT (HSV2) in support of Operation Southern Partnership Station 2013 (SPS13). The Detachment completed 1,050 man-days of quality construction including the following. They constructed a 12’ X 12’ field shower with six stalls to improve quality of life of the 78 force personnel. Constructed a 12’ X 12’ stick frame structure on 4” concrete steel reinforced pad with plywood sheathing, rafters, and corrugated roofing. The structure provided a storage facility for coastal riverine equipment that will minimize unnecessary maintenance and replacement costs due to inclement weather conditions. Additionally, they renovated a 3,200 SF CMU Block Reserve Center to improve the training and quality of life for 150 assigned Reserve component and the active Belize Defense Force personnel. They constructed a 20’ X 16’ reinforced concrete pad extension for boat ramp access allowing Guatemalan Forces and US agencies to launch and recover interdiction boats in an expeditious manner. Lastly, they renovated a 60,000 square feet CMU Block barracks to improve the training and quality of life for 300 personnel assigned to the active Honduran Naval Force. This mission strengthened and advanced U.S. relations and partnerships with military counterparts in Central and Latin America.
On May 22, 2014, 20 personnel deployed in support of Operation Southern Partnership Station 2014 aboard the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV1) SPEARHEAD. The team of Seabees successfully worked alongside USMC and HN engineers to complete a Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) and a CN funded project in three Central America countries. In Belize, the team completed renovations to four Belizean Defense Force (BDF) facilities including a complete makeover to one barracks and upgrades in the male head, medical and galley buildings. Humanitarian construction was completed at the Punta Gorda, Bethel S.D.A. schoolhouse which included electrical, plumbing and carpentry upgrades as well as renovating and installing all new appliances and fixtures in the kitchen. In Guatemala, the primary focus was on the renovation to the public library located in the town center of Puerto Barrios. Crews also completed roadway repairs on the base and assisted USMC engineers with the construction of a SEAHUT to be utilized by Batallon de Infanteria de la Marina (BIM) forces.
On 03 OCT 2016 CBMU 202 received Execution Order (EXORD) 17-001, directing the unit to prepare to deploy an initial response capability within 24 hours in support of (ISO) Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations, in response to Hurricane Matthew. They expediently deployed a 42 personnel element consisting of three separate squads, onboard the USS MESA VERDE and USS IWO JIMA. The squads were employed in supporting airlift and assisted Combat Cargo to maneuver equipment in the cargo hold. Joint Task Force (JTF) Hurricane Matthew was later designated as a Foreign Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operation instead of DSCA.
CBMU 202 deployed 15 personnel detachment to selected countries in the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility from January to April 2017. This detachment conducted Civil-Military Operations, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) and building partner nation capacity (BPC), sending a strong message of U.S. commitment and partnership with the people of Central and South America, as well as preparing to be more ready to provide HA/DR support in response to a crisis in South America. CBMU 202 specific task include the establishment of a 200 man forward operating base at three specific locations to include direct support of the medical mission teams providing comfort and care to host nation citizens.