The final deployment of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 ended June 24 during a transfer of authority ceremony with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, at Camp Mitchell aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain.
As the flag detail lowered the battalion flag, it marked the end of NMCB 74’s final deployment prior to being decommissioned next month, and the beginning of NMCB 133’s deployment here in Rota.
“Bittersweet,” described Cmdr. David McAlister, commanding officer of NMCB 74. “This turnover not only represented the culmination of NMCB 74’s current deployment, but the culmination of NMCB 74’s proud history during World War II and since 1966.”
Homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, NMCB 74 was originally commissioned April 28, 1943 and was deactivated Oct. 31, 1945, before being commissioned again on Dec. 6, 1966. The “Fearless 74” will decommission July 25 following more than 70 years of service.
NMCB 133, also homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, relieved NMCB 74 and assumed command of Camp Mitchell as well as ongoing Seabee missions throughout four combatant commands in Africa, Bahrain, Europe and Guam.
[mappress] Press Release, June 25, 2014; Image: US Naval Forces