“As Seabees, we acknowledge the significance of camaraderie, custom, and celebrating our achievements,” stated Cmdr. Matthew Lenzer, a Civil Engineer Corps officer assigned to Navy Expeditionary Fight Command employees and lead planner for this yr’s Hampton Roads Seabee Ball. “This yr’s Seabee Ball is a chance for us to come back collectively, replicate on our accomplishments, and renew our dedication to service. As we honor our previous and embrace the current, we additionally goal to encourage the long run as we collect to commemorate the values that make us proud to be Seabees.”
Though the Navy designated the primary development battalion in January 1942 to meet the speedy want for the development of a fueling station on Bora Bora in order that ships and planes may proceed defending open sea lanes in the direction of Australia, the time period “Seabee” was not coined till March 5, 1942. The Seabees shortly turned an indispensable asset to the U.S. navy throughout World Conflict II as a consequence of their capacity to quickly assemble important infrastructure in war-torn areas. Their efforts earned them a status because the Navy’s premier builders and solidified their place in navy historical past.
“For 82 years, the Seabees have been an integral a part of the Navy’s mission,” stated Seabee Grasp Chief Robert Balmaceda, NECC Workers Senior Enlisted Chief. “From 1942, with males at a spread of ages from all development trades, to as we speak’s women and men who concentrate on our seven Seabee rankings. We’ve got upheld our motto, ‘With compassion for others, we construct, and we battle for peace with freedom.’”
Mr. Ken Stethem, the brother of Steelworker Second Class Robert Stethem who died in a terrorist assault whereas serving with Underwater Building Workforce One, served because the keynote speaker for this yr’s occasion.
“The depth of Rob’s braveness and resolve within the face of overwhelming adversity by cowards who had nothing extra towards Rob than the truth that he represented the very best that America has to supply,” stated Stethem. “He was younger, he was robust, he was proud, but he was additionally form and humble – the attain and the ability of Rob’s spirit is ready to contact others coronary heart, and their spirit, and that is how he continues to encourage all who hear his story.”
In June 1985, Stethem and 4 different members of Underwater Building Workforce One had been returning to the U.S. from abroad obligation aboard Trans World Airways Flight 847, when terrorists hijacked the flight and diverted it to Beirut, Lebanon. The terrorists singled out Stethem as a Navy Sailor and beat and tortured him to steer him to satisfy their calls for. Stethem’s heroic refusal to help the terrorists in the end led to his dying. Stethem was posthumously promoted to Second Class Petty Officer and later to Grasp Chief Constructionman (CUCM) for making the last word sacrifice within the protection of freedom and his fellow Individuals. Stethem was additionally awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Coronary heart for his heroism.
In his honor, the Navy commissioned the usStethem (DDG 63) on October 21, 1995, in Port Hueneme, Calif., because the thirteenth Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The crew of USS Stethem carries on the legacy of Stethem, alongside the Naval Building Pressure, with their motto “Steadfast and Brave” to honor his steadfast devotion to obligation and brave service.
“The price of freedom is sacrifice,” stated Ken Stethem. All Individuals ought to know Rob’s story and bear in mind his sacrifice. After we put out of your mind Rob’s story, and others who’ve sacrificed their lives for our freedom . . . we don’t dishonor them . . . we dishonor ourselves.”
Since their inception in 1942, the Seabees proceed to supply a variety of navy development and superior basic engineering help to operational commanders around the globe in competitors and battle. The Naval Building Pressure permits infrastructure enchancment initiatives together with roadway institution, boat ramp development, pier and mooring inspections, and water properly installations. In disaster, they’ll present expeditionary and speedy airfield harm restore and port harm restore capabilities in help of distributed maritime operations.
“For the previous 82 years, the Naval Building Pressure supplied naval engineering and development capabilities to the USA and our allies and companions the place and when it mattered most,” stated Rear Adm. Brad Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Fight Command. “As we glance to the long run, I’ve little question the Seabees will proceed their legacy of service to the Fleet, bridging the hole from sea to shore with their ‘Can Do’ angle and working in essentially the most difficult of environments.”
The Naval Building Teams, Regiments and Battalions, serve inside the Navy Expeditionary Fight Pressure, who present capabilities in complicated and austere environments for the Navy. For extra details about NECC and our items, go to our web site: https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/
