Mike McDonald
    I was in the naval Reserve for 6 years when I graduated from a small college in southern Oregon, 1966. I was sent to Treasure Island to begin my active duty. Since I was an electronics technician 3rd class at the time, I was sure I would be assigned to a ship and therefore would be safe and warm for the duration. Not to be--when I got my assignment it was just a small scrap of paper with "MCB 11" on it. I didn't know what kind of a ship an "MCB" was. Finally someone saltier than me said "Hell that's the Seabees". I thought to myself "Why would I be going to the Seabees"? Anyway, off to Port Hueneme, then to Camp Pendleton, then to Da Nang, then to Dong Ha as part of the advance party. All of it happened so fast - especially for a guy that thought he had "Dodged a Bullet" by joining the Navy. But, after two deployments to "Nam" with "11" I am a Seabee and proud of it. I was awarded a battlefield promotion to ETN2 during our 1968 deployment. Although my rate is a Fleet Rate, my only active duty time was with MCB11 and I consider myself a Seabee.
    When I came back the "The World" at the end of 1968, I got a job selling construction equipment and I've been doing that since. I now own an equipment dealership in Stockton and I'm still trying to sell iron. I think this all happened because of the Seabees. So, MCB 11 had a major effect on the rest of my life. ETN2, MCB 11, 1967-1968.