About NCHB-5

Navy Cargo Handling Battalion FIVE was commissioned in February, 1974. Originally, the Battalion consisted of a Headquarters unit based at NAS, Sandpoint, WA and six detachments, including: Portland, OR, Spokane, WA, Boise, ID, Pasco, WA. When NAS Sandpoint was closed in the early 1990’s, the Battalion was moved to the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Tacoma (Fife), WA. In 1999, a dedicated modern facility was completed and dedicated. Upon completion of the organizational restructure and movement to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, the Battalion now consisted of Headquarters and ten additional companies. Current Battalion manning is 18 commissioned officers and 289 enlisted personnel.

The Battalion has participated in numerous cargo handling operations around the world, including: Freedom Banner, Operation Deep Freeze, RIMPAC, Team Spirit, Cobra Gold, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Trident Arch V/VI/VII, Operation Iraqui Freedom, Freedom Arch, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Battalion has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and is a four time winner of the Navy Cargo Handling Force “Best of Type” Efficiency Award. In 2015, the Battalion won the National Defense Transportation Association Military Uit of the Year award.