“A Chief’s Mess cannot be tighter than when scattered to all corners of the world. The Seabees of Naval Support Unit, State Department, have the privilege to lead and impact the lives of others in parts of the world that others may never see. I would challenge any Seabee to seek out special duty assignments to grow and develop in unfamiliar territory to lead and represent amongst the many communities of our great Navy. Bringing this diverse experience back to the Naval Construction Force better prepares us all to build and fight!”

FORCM Percy Trent, USN, (ret.)
17th Force Master Chief of the Seabees

“George Washington said, ‘Discipline . . . makes small numbers formidable; it procures success to the weak and esteem to all; U.S. Navy Seabees attached to the Naval Support Unit, State Department, are the epitome of this sentiment, performing well beyond expectations and what their numbers would suggest possible. Their ubiquitous support to a worldwide mission ensures some of the most sensitive diplomatic missions are provided with the requisite security to keep our secrets and our personnel safe. From my own firsthand knowledge working with Seabees while assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, I can unequivocally say that Detachment November provides a rare and compelling look into an operational area that is often overlooked but indispensable to the United States’ interests and objectives around the globe.”

MCPON Russell Smith, USN, (ret.)
15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

“The U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) and Seabees have a history of superlative commissioned and non-commissioned officers that have defined our legacy. Detachment November illustrates the true character of our community by shining light on a less visible mission essential to our nation’s stature and global leadership. The fine men and women of the Department of State Naval Support Unit have spread the CEC and Seabee legacy worldwide for more than half a century. And only now, through extensive research and personal experience, Timothy Dahms leads us through the complete story of U.S. Navy Seabees in Diplomatic Security!”

RADM Bret Muilenburg, CEC, USN, (ret.)
44th Commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command and Chief of Civil Engineers

“Throughout my career, it was the norm that when we visited an overseas post, U.S. embassy workers were unanimous in exclaiming: ‘Yay! The Seabees are here!’ I am extremely pleased that Timothy Dahms has finally put this story to print. From Cold War drama to more recent security challenges, Timothy Dahms’s wellwritten and extensively researched review of this partnership for national security comprehensively memorializes the stories and successes that, until now, have been limited to lore, war stories related between colleagues, and a disparate smattering of official documents.”

John Fitzsimmons,
former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Assistant Director, Countermeasures Directorate, Bureau of Diplomatic Security

“The history of the Diplomatic Security Service is not complete without the dynamic involvement of the U.S. Navy Seabees since 1964. Through captivating storytelling of adventures in the far reaches of the world, Detachment November does justice to the unheralded men and women of the Diplomatic Security Service that advance U.S. foreign policy, safeguard national security interests, and further diplomacy around the world.”

Ambassador Eric Boswell,
former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, 1996-1998 and 2008-2012

“Having served more than forty years with the Department of State, I experienced firsthand the discovery of clandestine listening devices in Moscow, the armoring of cars, and installing protective devices and barriers to keep our diplomats and secrets safe. During every step of that journey, I was accompanied by U.S. Navy Seabees. Detachment November immediately brought me back to relive the incredible history between the Foreign Service Officers and Seabees of the Diplomatic Security Service that continues today.”

John Bainbridge,
former Director of the Office of Security Technology, Bureau of Diplomatic Security

“Detachment November adds an important chapter to the true essence of the Seabee legacy. Through detailed accounts of fascinating historical events, U.S. Navy Seabees in support of the State Department mission have embraced the same ‘Can Do’ spirit as those serving in the Naval Construction Force since WWII.”

RADM Mark Handley, CEC, USN, (ret.)
former Commander of the First Naval Construction Division

“The intertwined history of the Seabees and State Department is as thrilling as a Cold War spy novel with operations all around the globe. Detachment November tells a fascinating history of U.S. Navy Seabees in Diplomatic Security. Told through the lens of one of the very few U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officers that have had the privilege to lead this unit, it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities encountered as the Officer in Charge.”

RDML Michael Giorgione, CEC, USN, (ret.)
and author of Inside Camp David