CONSTRUCTION BATTALION
Brigade (Pearl Harbor) have been established as
MAINTENANCE UNITS (CBMUs)
representatives of the Commander in Chief, U.S.
Atlantic Fleet and the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific
The Construction Battalion Maintenance Units
Fleet, respectively, to exercise command and
(CBMUs) operate, maintain, and repair public works
administrative control over assigned NMCBs. Much of
and utilities at an already established advance base or
this control is exercised through the home port Naval
at a recently constructed base after the departure of
Construction Regiment (NCR). The home port NCR
the NMCB or NMCBs that built it. In addition, the
performs the routine functions related to coordination of
CBMU maintains security against unfriendly acts and
administration, training, project selection, and logistic
is capable of conducting its own defenses. The CBMU
support for assigned units. Logistic support by the home
also provides limited construction support for the
base, for civic action programs, and for self-help
port NCR consists of planning and carrying out the
projects. It also participates in disaster recovery
movement of personnel and equipment, and furnishing
operations.
of services, supplies, and materials.
Functions usually performed by a CBMU are
When a battalion is deployed overseas, it is under
maintenance, repair, and minor construction of
the command and control of a separate NCF
buildings and grounds, existing roads within the base,
commander. Operational command of the NMCB is
and waterfront and airfield facilities. The CBMU
exercised, in all cases, through a designated NCF
operates and maintains automotive, construction,
commander.
weight-handling, and materials-handling equipment,
except for equipment assigned to combat units.
The Chief of Naval Operations may establish Naval
Construction Regiments (NCRs) and Brigades (NCBs)
to meet certain command requirements in particular
AMPHIBIOUS CONSTRUCTION
geographic areas or situations. Operational regiments
BATTALIONS (PHIBCBs)
consist of two or more NMCBs under one commander;
a brigade is made up of two or more regiments under
The Amphibious Construction Battalions
one commander. The mission of the operational
(PHIBCBs) are commissioned naval units whose main
brigades and regiments is different from the mission of
function is to provide military and amphibious
the home port regiments. Operational regiments and
construction support to the armed forces in military
brigades are primary planning groups and exist as
operations. In addition to providing the means for
subdivisions of the military command, exercising the
moving troops and equipment from ship to shore, the
administrative and operational control to meet specific
PHIBCB may
operational requirements. The home port regiments
1. install and operate tanker-to-shore bulk fuel
have broad administrative and logistic duties that are
delivery systems;
discussed in this chapter.
2. develop and improve beach facilities;
3. undertake special construction projects,
CONSTRUCTION BATTALION
especially those requiring surf, open sea, and heavy
UNITS (CBUs)
rigging experience, including work with pontoons and
other floating equipment.
Construction Battalion Units (CBUs) are separate
In some instances, there may be Underwater
activities of the Naval Shore Establishment and are
Demolition Team (UDT) personnel working to remove
components of the Naval Construction Force. The CBU
underwater obstacles that may jeopardize landing
mission is to be prepared to mobilize either as
operations.
contingency augment for active NMCBs or as Fleet
The PHIBCB is organized administratively into a
Hospital public works support units; to conduct
headquarters company, an equipment company, two
individual military and technical skill training essential
waterfront companies, and a single construction
to maintain the required readiness posture; and to
perform construction assignments or other such
based on providing support for landing a reinforced
functions as may be directed to further that intent.
infantry division over four battalion-size beaches,
1-7