Local Sailor Continues Seabees Tradition

GULFPORT, Miss.— “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. Farmington native and 2009 Farmington High School graduate, Navy Construction worker Brent Garrison, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Miss.

Garrison works as a builder responsible for construction work that requires various skills, such as masonry, concrete pouring, and carpentry.

“I worked in an oil field for five years and I learned the meaning of hard work,” said Garrison. “Those five years taught me great skills I have been able to apply in my job now.”

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000mile 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. They aid 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 commemorating the group’s 75-year anniversary this year. The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”

Seabees deploy around the world providing expert expeditionary construction support on land and under the sea, for the Navy and Marine Corps, in war, humanitarian crisis and peace, said Capt. Mike Saum, commodore with Naval Construction Group 1.

Garrison completed one deployment and that, he said, “represents one of my greatest accomplishments to date.”

Serving in the Navy allows people to create a legacy for the next generation.

“The Navy allows me to serve my country while offering me the opportunity to venture out of my hometown and see the world,” Garrison said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Brent Garrison, a Farmington graduate, is with the U.S. Navy.