GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Constuctionman Vincent Lewis, an Alabaster, Alabama, native is one of those sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew Waters |
Eighty-two years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects. The Seabees’ motto is “We Build, We Fight.”
Lewis is a steelworker currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, that serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Lewis graduated from Pelham High School in 2021.
“I joined the Navy for a better career opportunity, to support my family and I wanted to be the first in my family to serve in the Navy," said Lewis.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alabaster.
“The lesson I learned from my parents is to strive to do better and be the best that you can be,” said Lewis.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lewis serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lewis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning the Certificate of Recognition from the Senator of Guam, Dwayne T.D. San Nicholas, for rebuilding the Mount Carmel church in Guam,” said Lewis.
Lewis can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting the ones I love, serving my country and exploring the world,” said Lewis.
Lewis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my immediate family for their love and support on this journey,” added Lewis. "I would also like to thank my recruiters, Petty Officer Minks and Chief Petty Officer Henry, for their guidance and mentorship.”
“I joined the Navy for a better career opportunity, to support my family and I wanted to be the first in my family to serve in the Navy," said Lewis.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alabaster.
“The lesson I learned from my parents is to strive to do better and be the best that you can be,” said Lewis.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lewis serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lewis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning the Certificate of Recognition from the Senator of Guam, Dwayne T.D. San Nicholas, for rebuilding the Mount Carmel church in Guam,” said Lewis.
Lewis can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting the ones I love, serving my country and exploring the world,” said Lewis.
Lewis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my immediate family for their love and support on this journey,” added Lewis. "I would also like to thank my recruiters, Petty Officer Minks and Chief Petty Officer Henry, for their guidance and mentorship.”