seabees in ww2 pacific

I have sent to ST. Louis for my dads assignment records. Iknow he was in honolulu and manila and maybe guam . He never did talk about any of his experiences much.His name was Troy AP Armstrong ,machinist mate 3c .I know he was forced to change outfits in manila .He was sick and he got separated from his outfit then their ship wassunk by torpedo. Ihope I can find out the ID of these units.Anyone remember any thing like the above? Slim McMillian (spelling) was one of his best buddies.