The regiment changed several times during its deployment and sometimes included naval mobile construction battalions (NMCBs) (commonly known as Seabees), Marine Corps engineer support battalions, and Army combat engineer battalions.

28 November 1945
At the end of World War II, 40 CB joined the ranks of the other CBs when it was decommissioned on 28 November 1945 for the post-war draw-down. The 40th earned the Army’s WWII equivalent of the Presidential unit citation on Los Negros Island while attached to the 1st Cavalry Division.

Seabees in World War II

The Seabees are part of the Navy and focus their work on the completion of construction projects that serve combat and non-combat missions. The Marine Corps is its own separate branch of the military and often is the first of U.S. forces to engage in a combat situation.

A major highlight for NMCB FORTY during this period was construction of a complete medical facility for the Republic of Korea Army detachment in Quang Ngai. After three highly successful deployments to Vietnam, FORTY’s wartime operations were completed and the Battalion turned their talents to more peaceful operations.

“Fighting FORTY” performed their mission but was left with nine dead and 47 wounded after two nights and three days of fierce battle. In November 1945, FORTY was disestablished and remained so for 21 years. In February 1966 the Battalion was reestablished for duty at Chu Lai, Vietnam, under the command of CDR Ben L. Saravia.

With the arrival of the first nine-man team on December 10, 1992, NMCB FORTY provided construction support to the forces of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. After the January 24, 1993, arrival of the Battalion’s main body, the in-country strength w as over 500 personnel.