thumb|right|The Naval Infantry Battalion Flag was mandated by Naval Regulation as the military colors for the Construction Battalions. thumb|USMC-directed fixed bayonet drill at Camp Peary NTC, VA in 1943 On 28 December 1941, Adm. Moreell requested authority to commission three Naval Construction Battalions. His request was approved on 5 January 1942 by Admiral Nimitz. The 1st HQ Construction Company was used to commission the 1st Naval Construction Detachment, which was assigned to Operation Bobcat. They were sent to Bora Bora and are known in Seabee history as "Bobcats".
thumb|right|The Naval Infantry Battalion Flag was mandated by Naval Regulation as the military colors for the Construction Battalions. thumb|USMC-directed fixed bayonet drill at Camp Peary NTC, VA in 1943 On 28 December 1941, Adm. Moreell requested authority to commission three Naval Construction Battalions. His request was approved on 5 January 1942 by Admiral Nimitz The 1st HQ Construction Company was used to commission the 1st Naval Construction Detachment, which was assigned to Operation Bobcat. They were sent to Bora Bora and are known in Seabee history as "Bobcats".