Lodi’s Hanchey serving country as member of ‘Seabees’
PORT HUENEME — “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.
Lodi native and Tokay High graduate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Samantha Hanchey, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme.
Hanchey works as an information technician in the Navy.
“I manage computer accounts and work with the Navy’s network system,” Hanchey said.
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.
“I like the deployments we have as Seabees where we go to one country and stay there for awhile,” said Hanchey. “I will deploy to Japan later this year.”
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 will take part in a yearlong celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary. 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, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1.
Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Hanchey to continue learning about herself and the legacy she wants to leave to future Seabees.
“My grandfather was a Seabee, so it’s a special opportunity to celebrate 75 years,” said Hanchey. “It’s a real blessing to be here at this time to take part in the change that we can make as the younger generation. Knowing that I’m having a positive impact for others around the world is an honor.”