During the first portion of 2001, 7th ESB deployed personnel in support of United States Department of State-sponsored Humanitarian Demining Training Program in Djibouti, Africa. During the second half of 2001, Company B deployed to Egypt with Brigade Service Support Group (BSSG)-1 while participating in Exercise Bright Star 01 where it built and maintained a base camp for 3500 Marines. After the September 11 attacks, 7th ESB attached engineers to MEU Service Support Group-15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Task Force-58. The Marines were among the first American forces to enter Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) as they helped establish Camp Rhino providing water purification, electricity, heavy equipment, security and EOD support.
