Fredericksburg, TX — The National Museum of the Pacific War will celebrate the 84th birthday of the United States Navy Seabees on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Historic Nimitz Ballroom, located at 340 E. Main Street in Fredericksburg. Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Officially established on March 5, 1942, the Seabees, formally known as the Naval Construction Battalions, were created to meet the urgent need for skilled construction forces during World War II. These highly trained engineers deployed across the Pacific and around the globe, building forward bases, airfields, roads, hospitals, and critical infrastructure in some of the war’s most challenging environments. Guided by their enduring “Can Do” motto, the Seabees played a vital role in the Allied victory in the Pacific. Their work enabled naval and air operations to advance across vast distances, often under combat conditions. Today, Seabees continue to serve worldwide, supporting U.S. Navy and joint operations with the same dedication and expertise. The birthday celebration will honor Seabees past, present, and future, recognizing their contributions during World War II and their ongoing service to the nation. For more information, visit www.pacificwarmuseum.org/events # # # About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation. About the National Museum of the Pacific War The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. About Smithsonian Affiliations Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu. | 
