Figure 1-1.--Seabees going over one of the obstacle courses during combat training at Camp Endicott, Davisville, Rhode Island, during
World War II.
Because of the urgent need for these men, the first
other ratings, such as Boatswain's Mate, Machinist's
Mate, and Electrician's Mate, were easily distinguished
Seabees had no time for military training. They were
from those who held corresponding shipboard ratings
given medical shots, handed equipment, and sent off to
pick up where the civilian contractors left off. One month
by the Seabee insignia shoulder patch. This now famous
insignia consists of a flying beefighting madwith a
after the first units were organized, Seabees were at
"white hat" on his head, a spitting "tommy gun" in his
work constructing roads on Bora Bora, one of the
front hands, a wrench in his middle hand, and a
Society Islands, thousands of miles out in the Pacific
Ocean.
carpenter's hammer in his rear hand.
Little time was given to training the next group of
Soon the Seabees had grown enough to have their
recruits, who were old hands in the construction trades,
own stations, such as Camp Endicott, Camp Allen, and
averaging 31 years of age. Since they were experienced
Camp Bradford. Camp Peary, near Williamsburg,
in their respective skills, they needed and received
Viginia, became the receiving and training station for
mostly military training. Some additional instruction in
the Seabees. At these camps, they learned such things as
technical matters peculiar to the Navy, such as pontoon
combat formations, combat signals, fire control, combat
orders, first aid, use of various weapons, and military
assembly, was also given these men.
courtesy. Instruction was also given in trail cutting and
Throughout World War II the Seabees were without
jungle warfare.
construction ratings as we know them now. They were
given the most appropriate existing Regular Navy rating
After boot training, the new Seabees were assigned to
on the basis of their civilian vocation and experience;
construction battalions and advanced training began. They
for example, an experienced steelworker or plumber
learned air raid protection, earthmoving, Quonset hut
who had achieved a position of responsibilityperhaps
erection, and dry refrigeration. Crosscountry marches,
as a foreman or owner of a small businesswas rated
sleeping in the open, obstacle courses (fig. 1-1), and
first class or chief Shipfitter. Seabees who held this and
simulated combat exercises toughened them up.
1-2