WWII US Navy Seabees Photo Naval Construction Battalion Demolition Blast Pacific

Original World War II–era photograph showing a large-scale Seabee demolition blast along a shoreline or shallow-water construction site in the Pacific Theater. Circa 1944-1945.

This photo was acquired in a period album attributed to a serviceman of the 78th Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees). The dramatic vertical water plume is consistent with controlled conventional explosives used by Seabees to clear coral, rock, or reef for harbor construction, pier installation, or landing craft access—common work during WWII across New Guinea and nearby Pacific islands.

Visible in the image is what appears to be a construction derrick or pile-driving rig, further supporting a naval engineering or harbor project rather than combat or weapons testing.