Prior to World War II civilian construction firms were awarded contracts by the Navy to build overseas bases such as Guam and Midway. These civilian firms hired U.S citizens as well as local native trade which were supervised by naval officers in charge of the construction project. These civilians under international law could not resist enemy military attacks; should they resist they could be executed as was the case on Wake Island. Thus, the need for a military construction force was recognized after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Read more in the attached PDF.

History of the Navy Seabees