Sailor with family ties to Knox builds on Seabees 82-year legacy

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Constructionman Jonah Sievers, grandson of Scott and Vicky Bradley, residents of Knox, Indiana, is one of those sailors.

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.”


Sievers is a builder 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.

Sievers joined the Navy two and a half years ago.

“I felt like my purpose was greater than going to college," said Sievers. "I wanted to do something that would make a difference in my life and other people's as well.”

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.

Sievers 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.”

Sievers has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I'm most proud of being picked to go to Romania for my first deployment,” said Sievers. “It showed me that I was doing something right at this command.”

Sievers can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means that I can help other people while helping myself,” said Sievers.

Sievers is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I'd like to thank Mr. Hepner, my Junior Varsity basketball coach and a former Seabee, who previously served in Afghanistan for all his help, insight and support that helped me in my decision to become a Seabee,” added Sievers.