Seabee Museum Davisville, R.I III Equipment Displays and Volunteers

Along with the restored Quonset huts, several representative items of equipment used by Seabees in their work will be part of the museum display. Some have been acquired from decommisioned military units and others donated by generous friends of the Seabees. The photos below depict only a few of the pieces already on site. The "deuce and a half" 2 & 1/2 ton cargo truck has been fully restored and represents the SEABEES splendidly in local public events. One of the most prominent being the "Oldest Continuous 4th of July Parade in the U.S." in Bristol, R.I., where it carries patriotic decorations and SEABEE insignia out into public view. Other items of equipment and vehicles await the money and manpower for the same treatment the "deuce" got. The 5 ton dump was acquired from the government's property disposal agency and actually belonged previously to a R. I. National Guard Army Engineer Battalion. No matter though, it perfectly represents the type of military tactical dump truck used by SEABEES around the world for decades.

Whether hauling loads of sand, coral, crushed rock, demolition debris, asphalt, or anything else the SEABEES needed to get the job done, and even the SEABEES themselves at times, the tough and reliable military tactical dump truck "carried the load" anywhere it needed to go.

The SEABEES have made many friends and acquired many admirers over the years. Thanks to a number of them who donate their time and some of their property, the SEABEE Museum in Davisville will be a fine tribute to the Navy Construction Battalions. Perfect examples of this are the countless volunteer hours donated to refurbish the weathered SEABEE monument, and also the donation of a running Cat dozer of the type used extensively by the SEABEES in World War II and immediately following. Much needed cosmetic restoration will allow the "Big Cat" of its day to join the other proud displays of SEABEE earthmoving equipment at the SEABEE Museum and Memorial Park.

--Normand Dupuis EOC USNR (Ret.)

"Darling Deuce-and-a half". Like every other military field unit, the Seabees depend on the rugged, ever useful 2 -1/2 ton cargo truck. This restored example is the pride of the SEABEE Museum and will eventually be joined by other restored pieces.	"A workhorse at rest." Thousands of 5-ton tactical dump trucks like this one, hauled coral on far away islands to win WW II. They did not stop between wars, continuing to serve in peacetime construction as well. Once restored, this one will finally rest as a museum display.
"Vintage bulldozer". Donated Caterpillar tractor of the type and model year used in great numbers by Seabee advanced base builders and amphibious landing units in all theaters of the war. This one is still running!	"Museum Mastermind" Retired EQCM (Master Chief Equipment Operator), USN, Richard "Fess" Parker. Gracious host and Island Commander of Navy Seabee Veterans of America. Island X-1, North Kingstown, R.I.
"Stormin' Normand Returns ". Retired EOC (Chief Equipment Operator), USNR, Normand O. Dupuis, poses in front of the "Chapel in the Pines". A native of Woonsocket, R.I., now residing in Florida, visiting in April of 2002.	This photo shows the team effort backing the Museum project. Dick Parker, center, is flanked by two WW II Seabee vets, and backed up by two SEABEE reservists. It takes all types of volunteers! "CAN DO"

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