GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexia Heath, a native of Concord, Vermont, is one of those sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Yale |
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.”
Heath is a construction electrician currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Heath graduated from Concord School in 2003. Heath joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel and help people and see new things,” said Heath. “I wanted to prove to myself that I can actually do this. I joined the Navy at 35. I started a family right out of high school and I waited until they were older to enlist. My husband at the time was on active duty. I felt like it was the right time of my life to follow my dream.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Concord.
“Growing up, I learned to work hard and developed the ability to welcome everyone,” said Heath. “Because of the nature of the Navy, there are so many people who come and go, the only way to make new friends is to have that ability and the willingness to open up and say, ‘Hello.’”
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.
Heath 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.”
Heath has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to see my brothers and sisters at arms succeed,” said Heath. “If they succeed you’re succeeding.”
Heath can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means to have honor, courage and commitment,” said Heath. “It’s an honor to serve my country and the people. It takes courage to leave home for holidays and kids’ birthdays and stick it out. It takes commitment to stick to it and to have that drive to keep going.”
Heath is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my town as it takes a village to raise one and guide you in the right direction,” said Heath.
Heath said their service with the Navy has been a journey.
“I have traveled to Spain and Guam, became a construction electrician and also became qualified as an ammo and explosives handler,” added Heath.