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 Jun Sarmiento, a sailor from Yigo, Guam, is one of those sailors.
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.”
Sarmiento is a gunner’s mate currently serving with Naval Construction Group 2 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Sarmiento, who graduated from Simon Sanchez High School in 2015, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“My older brother, Richard Sarmiento, was in the Navy,” said Sarmiento. “This inspired me to join because I wanted to experience what’s outside this tiny island and see what it’s like to be on my own.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Guam.
“At a young age, I learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others,” said Sarmiento. “Take your time, life isn’t a race.”
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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.”
Sarmiento is a gunner’s mate currently serving with Naval Construction Group 2 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Sarmiento, who graduated from Simon Sanchez High School in 2015, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“My older brother, Richard Sarmiento, was in the Navy,” said Sarmiento. “This inspired me to join because I wanted to experience what’s outside this tiny island and see what it’s like to be on my own.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Guam.
“At a young age, I learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others,” said Sarmiento. “Take your time, life isn’t a race.”
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.
Sarmiento 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.”
Sarmiento has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was seeing one of my junior sailors advance in rank from seaman to petty officer second class,” said Sarmiento. “I pretty much took her under my wing and my leadership helped her to advance.”
Sarmiento can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I enjoy meeting friends along the way because even if you have to ‘embrace the suck,’ at least you know that you’re not alone,” said Sarmiento.
Sarmiento is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Melanie, because she supported me during my time since I joined the Navy,” said Sarmiento.