PORT HUENEME, Calif. - “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than seven decades. The Navy Seabees are an elite group of personnel trained in both combat and the craft skills of the construction industry.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bradley Gee |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Mack Bickel, a native of Yakima, Washington, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.
Bickel is serving as a Navy equipment operator, who is responsible for being a primary crane operator and executing pile-driving operations for the battalion.
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination, according to officials with the U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command. These are the kinds of people being trained at Port Hueneme, to provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
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, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.
“I enjoy working with my peers and I like the camaraderie that I share amongst my fellow Seabees," Bickel said. "It's a tight-knit family atmosphere."
Bickel is serving as a Navy equipment operator, who is responsible for being a primary crane operator and executing pile-driving operations for the battalion.
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination, according to officials with the U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command. These are the kinds of people being trained at Port Hueneme, to provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
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, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.
“I enjoy working with my peers and I like the camaraderie that I share amongst my fellow Seabees," Bickel said. "It's a tight-knit family atmosphere."
Seabees have served in all American conflicts for nearly 80 years. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Bickel is a 2012 Selah High School graduate. According to Bickel, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Yakima.
“The parental figures in my life, from karate school to my biological parents, taught me good structure, morals and a strong work ethic,” Bickel said. “This has made me into a better person and will prepare me to be a good father and role model for my child that I am expecting in June of this year.”
Port Hueneme is the West Coast homeport of the Navy’s Seabees. It’s one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines in construction trades and military skills for Department of Defense operating forces to accomplish contingency and peacetime construction, chemical, biological, and radiological operations, and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.
Port Hueneme and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Bickel is most proud of receiving the Presidential Service Badge.
“I received it for being one of the base firefighters at Camp David,” Bickel said. “It's the most unique and important job I had in my naval career.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Bickel, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bickel is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers served in the Army during WWII and personally, I think it's a way to connect with my grandparents as we can compare our time from serving in different generations,” Bickel said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bickel, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I think it's an honor to be a part of a community that is rich in tradition and history and uniquely different from any other job in the military,” Bickel said.