Though it was inactivated for nearly two-thirds of its 73-year existence, the 2nd Engineer Brigade proved itself more than capable when answering its nation’s call of duty, playing a pivotal role in the development and execution of amphibious operations in both World War II and Korea and providing critical infrastructure support and munitions disposal as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Constituted as the 2nd Engineer Amphibian Brigade on June 12, 1942 and activated eight days later, the unit was an integral component of U.S. Army Engineer Amphibian Command, which was tasked with developing amphibious operations doctrine. “Put ‘em across!” was the motto of Amphibian Command, and that’s precisely what the unit proceeded to do. Operating under both Army and Navy command, the brigade conducted 82 combat landings involving 15 different assault divisions. While the brigade took part in five campaigns, it received Campaign Participation Credit only for New Guinea and Leyte.
In 1950, the brigade took part in one of the most successful amphibious invasions in history when it supported the landings at Inchon on September 15. Over the course of the war, the unit participated in—and received official credit—six campaigns and earned three campaign streamers.
After a 46-year period of inactivation, the 2nd Engineer Brigade was reactivated in September, 2011 and deployed to Afghanistan, where it trained Afghanistan’s National Engineer Brigade and conducted Explosive Remnants of War remediation, disposing of more than 10,000 high-explosive munitions. The brigade was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the War on Terrorism in March, 2015, just two months before its inactivation.
The unit’s CSIB, or Combat Service Identification Badge, was created and approved when it was activated for deployment to Afghanistan. Unlike its Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) the CSIB emphasizes the 2nd Engineer Brigade's vital role in amphibious operations by featuring a sea horse in the middle of a white oval. The Unit Crest, or Distinctive Unit Insignia, features the 2nd Engineer's Special Designation and nickname, "Arctic Trailblazers."
Related Items:
2nd Engineer Brigade Unit Patch (SSI)2nd Engineer Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)