The SECOND Reserve Naval Construction Regiment (RNCR) came into being on 12 August 1966 when the Chief of the Civil Engineer Corps signed a letter establishing the Naval Reserve Construction Regiment Program. The SECOND RNCR was a part of the Reserve Naval Construction Forces Program as outlined in BUPERSINST 5400.42 series. The first Commander, SECOND Naval Construction Regiment was CAPT M. C. WAKEFIELD, CEC, USNR (Baton Rouge, La.). The staff had an allowance of four officers and four enlisted in pay status.

The SECOND RNCR was headquartered at Recruit Command Center, Chicago, Illinois, and had under its command Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 15 (RMCB 15), Kansas City, MO; Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 25 (RMCB 25), Great Lakes, IL; Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 26 (RMCB 26), Chicago, Illinois and Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 27 (RMCB 27), Gary, Indiana.

The battalions had been authorized since June 1960 when the Chief of Naval Operations authorized the establishment of 18 Reserve Naval Construction Battalions. Each battalion had an allowance for a staff of eight reserve officers and 26 enlisted, and up to 13 assigned Seabee divisions. The Seabee Division concept had existed since 1947. Seabee Divisons were naval district Seabee units at reserve centers numbered within the naval district. A Seabee Division consisted of 32 enlisted, 10 Chief Petty Officers and 5 Officers.

Readiness duty for the SECOND RNCR staff in 1967 was organizational in nature.

The first operational Readiness Duty for the Regiment was in January 1968 at the Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. RMCB’s 15 and 25 were on board at the time with RMCB 26 receiving military training with the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Reserve training at Gulfport was done in two cycles, military and operational.

In June 1968 the existing Seabee Divisions were renamed Mobile Construction Battalion Sub-units. The Naval Construction Regiments were also designated shore commands and the Mobile Construction Battalions as combat components of the Naval Reserve. The Chief of Naval Operations authorized two more regimental staffs and each staff was assigned three RMCBs for a total of 16 battalions and six regiments.

On 1 July 1968 RMCB 26 and RMCB 27 were combined with the men of RMCB 27 coming under the banner of RMCB 26. Rather than being deactivated, RMCB 27 was administratively transferred to the New England area to take the place of RMCB 12. RMCB 12 (CBC, Davisville, R. I.) had been recalled in May 1968 to active duty in Vietnam along with RMCB 22 (NAS, Dallas, TX).

In September 1969 the Chief of Naval Operations established the FIRST Reserve Naval Construction Brigade at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Washington, D.C. RADM George Reider, CEC, USNR, was the first Commander. The SECOND RNCR came under the command of Commander, FIRST Reserve Naval Construction Brigade along with eight other reserve regiments.

In January 1969 the Regiment, and all three battalions assigned, trained concurrently at CBC, Gulfport establishing a record of the largest deployment of Navy Reservists in one place at one time. In August 1969 RMCB 26 was transferred to the SIXTH Reserve Naval Construction Regiment, Alexandria, Virginia.

Until 1970 RMCBs performed as a unit only during their annual two weeks of active duty for training. During the rest of the year the Sub-units at reserve centers drilled as independent detachments with little or no command and control from the battalion headquarters.

In January 1970 the Regiment, along with assigned Battalions RMCB 15 and RMCB 25, returned to CBC Gulfport for the construction of an Advanced Base Camp named Camp Hill in the DeSota National Forest about 20 miles from Gulfport. The SECOND RNCR was the first of several Reserve Regiments that participated in the construction of the 1000 man camp designed to simulate such camps in South East Asia. In July 1970 CAPT H. R. ELLINGSON, CEC, USNR, assumed command of the SECOND RNCR with the change of command ceremonies taking place during REDDU 70.

On 1 August 1970 the SECOND RNCR moved the Regiment headquarters from the Recruiting Command Center in Chicago to Naval Base Great Lakes, Illinois.

In January 1971 the Regiment deployed for REDDU 71 at the Advance Base Camp, Camp Hill. Military training for the two battalions was provided by one week of range firing with the M16 rifle and other infantry weapons and one week of military tactics. In July 1971 the manning allowance for a battalion mirrored that of active duty Seabee battalions with 24 officers and 738 enlisted; RNCF year-end strength in 1971 was 10,694 officers and enlisted.

In January 1972 the Regiment returned to CBC Gulfport with both battalions for readiness duty with an emphasis on crew training and formal technical classroom training. In July 1972 CAPT James E. MANTEL, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Ellingson as Commander.

In July 1973 each reserve battalion was renamed Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (RNMCB) vice RMCB to conform to the titles of active duty NMCBs. Construction began on 12 of the RNMCB Permanent Drill Sites in June 1973 and all 18 were usably complete as training sites by 1974. RNMCB 15 was at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, Kansas City, Missouri and RNMCB 25 was at Naval Base Great Lakes, Illinois.

In January 1973 the Regiment deployed to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. Advance party arrived on 21 January. Training for both battalions was under the direction and support of the 31st Naval Construction Regiment, CBC Port Hueneme. Deployment was at Camp Talega and the emphasis was on military skills training. The activities included convoying equipment from CBC Port Hueneme to Camp Talega. In addition 800 complete sets of new 782 gear were permanently issued to battalion personnel. A total of 886 officers and men participated in live weapons firing the first week and a field exercise the second week. Rear Admiral George Reider, Commander, FIRST RNCF, was on board on 8-9 February. REDDU 73 ended on 10 February with a delay party remaining to turn over vehicles and supplies to CBC Port Hueneme. In July 1973 CAPT K. BOBKOFF, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Mantel as Commander.

In January 1974 the Regiment and both battalions deployed to CBC Gulfport for Readiness Duty training. A detachment of RNMCB 25 was sent to the Panama Canal Zone for operation construction projects. In July 1974 CAPT D. M. CONNETT, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Bobkoff as Commander.

In April 1975 the Regiment and battalions deployed to CBC Gulfport with an emphasis on crew training, operational construction and classroom instruction. Chemical Biological and Radiological (CBR) training was also conducted. A 30 man detachment of RNMCB 25 was deployed to Hawaii for operational training.

At the end of 1975 all 17 reserve battalion Permanent Drill Sites were in place with Readiness Support Allowances valued at $750,000 on board. Assigned among the 17 PDSs were 112 active duty enlisted Seabees who were responsible for security and maintenance of the RSA’s equipment, supplies, and vehicles plus the PDS facilities.

In January 1976 the Regiment deployed to CBC Gulfport to conduct technical classroom training, military field training, and construction operations. The combined units consisted of 820 officers and men.

On 1 July 1976 the RNCF Regional Program offices were established with the Central Region office located at the Naval Base Great Lakes. In October 1976 CAPT R. COSTELLO, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Connett as Commander.

In March 1977 the Regiment staff and both battalions deployed to CBC Gulfport and Camp Shelby, Mississippi.

In February 1978 the Regiment and both battalions deployed to CBC Gulfport.
In May 1978 CNO directed the RNCF to establish air detachments in each Reserve battalion similar to those in active duty battalions to shorten their response time in arriving at theater of operations. An era came to an end when the “Father of the Seabees,” retired Admiral Ben Moreell, CEC, USN, passed away on July 30, 1978. In October 1978 CAPT R. PURDUM, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Costello as Commander.

In December 1978 Chief of Naval Operations ADM Thomas B. Hayward and Chief of Naval Reserve RADM Fredrick F. Palmer visited the RNMCB 15 Permanent Drill Site.

In January 1979 the Regiment and both battalions deployed to CBC Gulfport. Annual training was now called Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) instead of Readiness Duty (REDDU). RNMCB 25 deployed two detachments and sent 40 men to Rota Spain and 20 men to Warner Springs, California.

In April 1980 the Regiment began a new practice of deploying assigned RNMCBs to different sites for independent ACDUTRA. RNMCB 25 deployed to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in April. The main body of RNMCB 25 was delayed from departing the base due to the return of elements from the Iran hostage rescue mission (Desert One) to MCB Quantico. RNMCB 15 deployed to MCB Quantico in April. In October 1980 CAPT David O. SMART IV, CEC, USNR, relieved CAPT Purdum as Commander.

On 1 October 1980 Naval Construction Force Support Unit TWO (NCFSU 2) was established at Denver, Colorado. The unit’s mission was to support a construction regiment and up to four battalions. The authorized allowance of the unit was 12 officers and 202 enlisted personnel. NCFSU 2 was attached to the SECOND RNCR.
In February 1981 the Regiment deployed RNMCB 25 to CBC Port Hueneme for technical training. RNMCB 25 deployed detachments to NAS Glenview; NB Great Lakes; Naval Base Guantanamo, Cuba; Twenty-Nine Palms, California, and Volk Field, Wisconsin. In October 1981 CAPT Richard CASWELL, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Smart as Commander.

In April 1982 the Regiment deployed RNMCB 25 to Camp Blanding, Florida, for military training.

In February 1983 the Regiment deployed to CBC Gulfport. The Air Detachment (89 men and one officer) of RNMCB 25 was the first to deploy independently from the main body when the air detachment convoyed from CBC Gulfport to the Gulfport airport and exercised there for five days completing a Bailey bridge project and Rapid Runway Repair project. Detachments of RNMCB 25 deployed to Hawaii; Adak, Alaska; Rota, Spain; Midway Island and Gulfport. In September 1983 the first unit of 15 Construction Battalion Hospital Units, designated CBHU - 11C, was established at Forest Park, Illinois, and attached to the SECOND RNCR. In October 1983 CAPT T. E. SMITH, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Caswell as Commander.

In April 1984 the Regiment deployed to MCB Camp Pendleton, California along with RNMCB 25, RNMCB 15 and ______. RNMCB 25 sent detachments to the Panama Canal Zone and NAF Detroit.

In October 1984 the SECOND RNCR moved the Regiment headquarters from Naval Base Great Lakes to Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois near Chicago.

In April 1985 the Regiment deployed to MCAGCC Twenty Nine Palms, California. RNMCB 15, a 100 man detail of RNMCB 25, NCFSU 2 and Construction Battalion Hospital Unit -11C underwent military training and completed 400 man-days of projects. RADM Thomas Maddock, Commander, FIRST Naval Construction Brigade, visited the ACDUTRA site. In September RNMCB 25 conducted a “Greenstinger” exercise deploying its Air Detachment by military aircraft from NAS Glenview to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. While deployed at Fort McCoy construction projects were completed by the Air Detachment. In October 1985 CAPT Kenneth GUTZWILLER, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Smith as Commander.

In April 1986 the Regiment deployed to CBC Gulfport with a 115 man detail of RNMCB 15 and the NCFSU 2 and CBHU 11C units for technical training and completion of 200 man-days of construction projects. RNMCB 25 deployed to MCB Camp Pendleton in April for construction projects and military training. In September 1986 RNMCB 15 conducted a Greenstinger exercise. It mounted out from THEPPS at Richards - Gebaur AFB, Missouri to Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. In 1986 CBHU-11C was detached from the Regiment and CBHU-7 was attached.

In March 1987 the Regiment deployed to USAB Fort Benning, Georgia along with RNMCB 15, RNMCB 25, NCFSU 2 and CBMU - 7. Military training was conducted by a majority of the Regiment with some construction work completed for the base. Detachments were sent to Rota, Spain; Adak, Alaska and Camp David, Maryland. The Regiment’s representatives participated in the first RNCF Equipment Roadeo in mid-May.

A change in tasking to the Regiment resulted in assigning detachments for construction project work at additional out-of-continental United States sites. A detachment from NCFSU 2 deployed to Costa Rica/Honduras for technical assistance on various civic projects. In July 1987 the Regiment and its units began receiving Zenith 248 computers and SAMMS software for improved management and control. In October 1987 CAPT Robert R. FERRITTER, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Gutzwiller as Commander.

In October 1987 the Regiment began remodeling of the Headquarters at NAS Glenview. In March 1988 the Regiment deployed along with elements of RNMCB 15, RNMCB 25 and NCFSU 2 to Army National Guard Camp Ripley, Minnesota, for cold weather training. The combined force consisting of --- men. A detachment of RNMCB 25 deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In April 1989 the Regiment deployed to CBC Gulfport with both battalions and NCFSU 2 for rate training and CBR training. In addition two detachments of 100 men each deployed to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, returning this time for construction project work.

In Fiscal Year 1989 RNMCB 15, commanded by CDR Timothy Bredahl, was named “Best of Type” in the Reserve Naval Construction Force. On October 13, 1989, the RNCF dedicated its permanent headquarters support facility at the Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS. In October 1989 CAPT W. H. Hinton, II, CEC, USNR, relieved CAPT Ferritter as Commander, SIXTH RNCR.

In 1990 the Regiment deployed attached units in task oriented elements. In February 1990 the main body element of RNMCB 25 conducted a Flyaway from NAS Glenview in support of TACON 90, Camp Mataguay, (near San Diego)California. The main body completed construction project work there. Three detachments (one each from RNMCB 15, RNMCB 25 and NCFSU 2) completed a Deployment for Training at Camp Mitchell, Spain. RNMCB 15 deployed its main body to Camp Mataguay. Construction detachments were sent to Hawaii and Guam and completed over 2300 man-days of construction project work. In October 1990 CAPT Winston D. WILLS, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Hinton as Commander.

In Fiscal Year 1991 the activities of the Regiment and its units were dominated by the events of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Military training was emphasized. Several individuals were cross assigned out to those RNCF units activated for Desert Storm and were recalled to active duty in the first quarter. On 24 February 1991 RNMCB 15 deployed as a unit to CBC Port Hueneme for Pre-Mobilization Training during Annual Training Duty. If ordered the Battalion would have been activated for Desert Storm during the month of March. After the end of hostilities in Kuwait and Iraq in February the anticipated activation and deployment of RNMCB 15 was halted.

In total the RNCF activated 2,575 reserve members for Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 14 different units, detachments or augment groups. Deactivation occurred for those individuals by July 1991.

In March 1991 an element of RNMCB 25 deployed to NAS Miramar, California. Projects were also completed in the San Diego area. A major construction project site was N&MCRC Spokane, Washington, in June 1991. Several detachments of approximately 2 men each from RNMCBs 15 and 25 went to 29 Palms for several construction projects including the construction of concrete 1, 2, and 3 man bunkers.

On 26 July 1991 the Regiment was renamed “SECOND Naval Construction Regiment” as a result of the lessons learned during mobilization of reserve units for Desert Storm. Subordinate commissioned units were similarly renamed dropping the word “Reserve” from their titles.

Crew served weapons training for elements of NMCB 25 and NCFSU 2 was completed at Camp Lejeune in August 1991. CBHU 23 was attached to the Regiment in ___.

In April 1992 the Regiment deployed to TACON 92, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, along with NMCB 15 and NMCB 25.

In September 1992 the SIXTH Naval Construction Regiment was decommissioned at NAS Glenview, IL. As a result of the decommissioning of the 6th NCR, two of its units NCFSU 4, Granite City, IL, and CBHU-22 were attached to the SECOND Naval Construction Regiment.

That event was part of a broader action where two reserve battalions (NMCB 2, San Francisco and NMCB 12, Davisville, RI) were decommissioned. In addition to the 6th NCR the 5th NCR, San Francisco, CA and NCFSU 1, McKeesport, PA, were decommissioned. This left 15 reserve battalions, six regiments and 3 NCFSUs. In October 1992 CAPT Norman RADERER, CEC, USNR relieved CAPT Wills as Commander.

On 1 October 1992 the reserve Seabees were reorganized under active duty commands for operational command and control. The reserve Seabee units were organized under either the 2nd Naval Construction Brigade (NCB), Norfolk, VA, and the 3rd Naval Construction Brigade, Pearl Harbor, HI. The 2nd NCB Commander was RADM William A. HEINE, III, CEC, USNR, and the 3rd NCB Commander was RADM G. B. ESTES, CEC, USN. As a result the SECOND NCR reported to 3rd Naval Construction Brigade. The Reserve Naval Construction Force Support Command was organized at CBC Gulfport, MS, with RADM W. Heine, Commander, RNCF Support Command.

In 1993 changes in reporting relationships resulted in changed priorities for Annual Training. The concept of Tiered Readiness (units trained on a rotation basis to Tier I - Mobilization Ready units or Tier II - Contributory Support units) resulted in Contributory Support tasking for the units of the SECOND NCR. As a result the Regiment shifted the tasking of its units to construction execution and crew support. In June 1993 the Base Realignment and Closure Commission announced that NAS Glenview was to close (BRAC 93).

In 1993 the Seabee Combat Warfare Specialty qualification program was completed as part of the Navy’s warfare qualification program. The pin device became available in Navy exchanges and authorized active duty and reserve personnel began wearing the device in about April.

In 1994 the Regiment continued the contributory support of Pacific Navy and Marine Corps bases. The authorized allowance of the Regiment was 12 officers (8 CEC, 4 others) and 51 enlisted personnel.

During fiscal years 1993 and 1994 the Regiment managed the initial implementation of the Tier I/Tier II system, the establishment of the NMCB Augment units (company sized augment units designed to augment active duty battalions) and the realignment of the reserve battalions. During this period the women and men of the Regiment accomplished the following:

• the emergency repair and upgrade of the road system at San Clemente Island (NMCB 25)
• construction of a Navy Exchange furniture store at NAS Lemoore (NMCB 15)
• completion of road repairs at Twenty Nine Palms (NMCB 25 and NCFSU 4)
• construction of a complete EOD office and storage facility at NAB Coronado (NMCB 15)
• completion of a rehab of the entire concrete barracks at USMC Camp Pendleton (NMCB 25)
• provided over 5000 man-days of augmentation to the active duty Construction Battalion Unit in the southern California are (NMCB 15 and NMCB 25)

In 1994 orders were received by the SECOND NCR to prepare for its decommissioning in September. NCFSU 4, Granite City, Illinois was to be scheduled for decommissioned also. NMCB 15 and NMCB 25 were to be transferred to the NINTH Naval Construction Regiment, Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas. NCFSU 2 was to be detached, its headquarters moved from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to NRC, Santa Barbara, California and to be attached to the FIRST Naval Construction Regiment, Armed Forces Reserve Center, Los Alamitos, California.

This action was part of the general reserve construction force unit action whereby other units were to be decommissioned at the end of the fiscal year: NMCB 13, Peekskill, NY; NMCB 16, Los Alamitos, CA; and NMCB 20, Columbus, OH, along with the 8th NCR, Columbus, OH (recently of Philadelphia, PA).

This action left 12 reserve NMCBs and two NCFSUs in addition to eight NMCB Augment units and two CBMUs (both unit types stood up as a consequence of Desert Shield/Desert Storm). The commands and units remaining were the two active duty brigades (NCBs) each with two reserve Naval Construction Regiments, six reserve NMCBs, one reserve NCFSU, four reserve NMCB Augment units and one reserve CBMU. NR CBHUs continued to be attached to the remaining reserve regiments. The strength of each brigade was about 6,000 reserve Seabee officers and men in units. In September 1994 the authorized end strength of the Naval Reserve was 118,000. The total on-board strength of the RNCF at the time was approximately 14,000.

At 0830 hours on 17 September 1994 a Decommissioning Ceremony was held in Hanger 1 at NAS Glenview. The keynote speaker was RADM David J. Nash, CEC, USN, currently Commander, 3rd Naval Construction Brigade, and Commander, Pacific Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. RADM Nash presented CAPT Raderer with the Meritorious Service Medal. CAPT Raderer presented awards to several members of the Regimental staff. In his remarks RADM Nash spoke of the operational highlights of the Regiment in recent years as its assets were directed toward construction support at Pacific command Navy and Marine Corps bases. He also spoke of the changes in the world and the necessary changes in the Navy as a result. CAPT Raderer spoke of the recent history of achievements of the Regiment, its units and the Seabees of those units. After remarks by CAPT Raderer the regimental colors were struck and presented to RADM Nash. An audience including former members of the Regiment and its units were on hand for the ceremony. The ceremony was concluded at 0950 hours.