Seabee Power

During WWII, Seabee construction of new sea and air bases was a vital factor in the success of American naval operations. As most of the bases were built in undeveloped locations, it was necessary for the construction battalions to bring all of their equipment and a large amount of their materials from the United States.

Two factors influenced the nature of the equipment taken by the battalions to advance bases -- the climate and advance base construction experience. The climate could be anticipated, and proper equipment to cope with that factor was provided from the start.

As the equipment finally evolved, mechanized subsistence equipment for each battalion included eight water purification units, a water supply and distribution system, and when needed, a water distillation system. The purification units had chlorination and filter elements which could provide up to 10,000 gallons of purified water in a day. The water was stored in canvas or wood tanks. The fire-fighting system consisted of two 500-gpm centrifugal gas-driven trailer pumps and chemical fire extinguishers.

For electrical power, eight 15-kw three-phase 60-cycle gasoline-driven generators were provided. Communication was handled by a 50-circuit telephone system, a portable field telephone set, and a public address unit. On special request an FM radio station of 30- to 60-mile radius was included in the equipment.

For advance base purposes, two distinct designs of refrigerators were developed. The first was a self-contained unit with a storage capacity of 150 cubic feet. It could be operated on gasoline or electricity; it was weatherproofed so that it could be moved from place to place. The second type of refrigerator was the walk-in, knock-down type, 675 cubic feet and 6,800 cubic feet capacity. The knock-down types were used in quonset huts and temporary buildings.