Very early in WWII, the Seabee insignia we know today was created by Frank Iafrate to represent the 1st Naval Construction Battalion and eventually all Seabees. Some of the first Seabee units were attached to the Marines. Thy received USMC utility uniforms known as HBTs with the USMC insignia stenciled on the left pocket and USMC over the pocket. Some examples have the user’s name stenciled across the upper back. But some of these WWII Seabee battalions seem to have wanted more.
The first examples of Seabees using their new “Bee” insignia on a utility uniform started turning up on Marine HBT utilities. The US Navy Seabee Museum has three examples on the Seabee insignia on WWII utility uniforms or coats. The first examples found were stenciled in black ink on the USMC P-1941 utility coat made of Herringbone Twill (HBT), seemingly influenced by the traditions of the Marines.
This USMC P-1941 utility coat is the first example in the Collection to show the Seabee insignia on a working uniform. A member of the 121st Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) wore it. As part of the 4th Marine Division, the 121st were issued HBT utilities. Battalion members asserted their distinct identity by stenciling their Seabee insignia on the back of the coat with the owner’s name. The MCB 3 was added when the owner was recalled to active duty as a reservist during the Korean Era.
The first utility coat with the Seabee insignia on the left breast is found on this USMC P-1941 utility coat, worn by a Seabee who served with Construction Battalion Detachment 1041, the 25th Special and the 27th Special. Though slightly faded from wear and use, the stencil is distinct with its placement over the left breast pocket close to the shoulder.
This N-1 Deck Coat is currently on exhibit and was worn by a member of 106th NCB. The battalion participated in the invasions and build up of Iwo Jima and Ie Shima, Okinawa. On the back of the coat is the first example of a multi-colored Seabee insignia on something other than a dress uniform. It was created sometime between 1944 and early 1945. The owner also wore the jacket in Japan during the early Cold War when he was recalled to active duty
For more information on the creation of the Seabee insignia:
U.S. Navy Seabee Museum 