We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for the past 75 years. A 2006 Trion High School graduate and Summerville, Georgia, native builds and fights around the world as a member of an amphibious construction battalion center located in San Diego, California.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Lindsay works as a construction mechanic in the Navy assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB 1). ACB 1 provides ship-to-shore transportation of combat cargo, bulk fuel and water, and tactical camp operations supporting Navy and Marine Corps amphibious force operations.
As a construction mechanic, Lindsay is responsible for fixing construction equipment such as command bulldozers, cranes and dump trucks.
Lindsay has carried lessons learned from his hometown into to his military service.
“I was pretty well disciplined and I feel like that helped me make a good adjustment serving in the military,” he said.
The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.
For the past 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
“I am proud of the hard work that Seabees do every day,” said Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “Their support to the Navy and Marine Corps mission is immeasurable, and we look forward to the next seven decades of service.”
Seabees around the world are taking part in a year-long celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary. The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”
“The Seabees have built a legacy over these past 74 years,” said Capt. Scott O. Cloyd, commanding officer of ACB 1. “I am proud of that tradition and of what our Seabees are doing everyday around the globe. I am privileged to serve with them again here at PHIBCB ONE; seeing their talents, teamwork, and dedication, I am proud and confident of their future and the heritage that Seabees continue to build today.”
Lindsay’s proudest accomplishment was receiving the Seabee Combat Warfare pin.
“My command makes a big deal about it,” added Lindsay. “At first, I didn’t understand the importance, but now that I have received it, I feel like I am more than just an employee. I feel like I am a part of my Seabee community and have a better understanding of our mission.”
Serving in the U.S. Navy, has allowed Lindsay to continue learning about the legacy for future Seabees.
“It feels unique for me because I never heard of the Seabees before I joined,” said Lindsay. “Then I found out that they do a lot of humanitarian missions and put a lot of help and effort into places that need it the most. To me that is very meaningful and I take a lot of honor and pride in being part of something special.”
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