Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class James Hong | PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2025) - U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Angerman, commanding officer,...... read more read more
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GULFPORT, Miss. — Seabees, both past and present, shared stories, memories and advice over dinner at the Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 11 veterans’ reunion in Pensacola, Florida, Sept. 17, 2025.
The reunion, which brought together Vietnam veterans from MCBs 11, 5 and 8 from across the country, also invited active-duty NMCB-11 Seabees as guests of honor.
The veterans, most of whom served in the Vietnam War, were eager to share their lived history with their active-duty counterparts.
“We got to hear what the Seabees were back then versus what they are now,” said Builder 2nd Class Sean Jones. “I remember a vet saying they were fixing equipment with nothing but a spud wrench.”
NMCB-11’s Vietnam service holds special significance for the battalion, as the only Seabee awarded the Medal of Honor, CM3 Marvin G. Shields, served with the battalion in Vietnam.
“Most of the men I met had the courage to go back to Vietnam despite the rats, snakes and canned ravioli,” said Builder 1st Class Melissa Desalvo. “They were an amazing and welcoming group, and I will continue to honor them by sharing their stories and legacy.”
The active Seabees were not the only ones with an opportunity to learn. The veterans were excited to hear about the new capabilities and missions of the modern-day construction battalion.
“It’s hard to believe I was that young once,” said Garry Fanthorpe, who served with MCB-11 from 1965 to 1967. “The Seabee spirit is still there. It’s strong and taken care of.”
As the night wound down, the sentiment behind NMCB-11’s motto — “Constructing the future, remembering the past” — was very much alive.
“It was a true honor to attend the event and share the experience with the young Seabees who will one day be my replacements,” said Command Master Chief Buddy Parsons. “Seeing them connect with the MCB-11 veterans, hearing the stories of those who came before, brought home the weight and the privilege of the legacy we carry as warfighters.”
NMCB-11, assigned to Naval Construction Group 2, is homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, as part of the Naval Construction Force.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2025 15:28 |
| Story ID: | 549336 |
| Location: | PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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