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 Kaylyn Rasser, a native of Wappingers Falls, New York, 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.”
Rasser is a utilitiesman currently serving with Naval Construction Training Center at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Rasser graduated from Roy C. Ketcham Senior High School in 2016 and is currently a student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, working on an associate degree in entrepreneurship.
Rasser joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I learned that college was not for me at the time,” said Rasser. “I lived a rough childhood and needed something to put me on the right track, so I did not fall into the generational curse. My father, James Rasser, served in the Air Force as did most of my family, so I chose the Navy to follow in my father’s footsteps of service while also writing my own story.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wappingers Falls.
“After getting my first job, I learned more of what working as a team really meant and how much it really ties into our lives out in the real world,” said Rasser. “I also learned that not everyone will get along, but we can still get tasks done no matter what.”
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.
Rasser 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.”
Rasser has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy is advancing in rank to petty officer second class,” said Rasser. “It meant so much to me, seeing where I came from and where I am now.”
On a deployment to Ghana, Rasser was the project safety supervisor for building an elementary school as their first major project.
“I was able to successfully keep everyone safe to come home,” said Rasser. “I also completed my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin on that same deployment.”
Rasser can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means more to me than just serving the country,” said Rasser. “It has given me the opportunity to have a better future and to be a better version of myself.”
Rasser is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad for pushing me to be better and for being my biggest supporter,” said Rasser. “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for him.”
 |
| Photo by Chief Engineering Aide Chad Hook |
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.”
Rasser is a utilitiesman currently serving with Naval Construction Training Center at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Rasser graduated from Roy C. Ketcham Senior High School in 2016 and is currently a student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, working on an associate degree in entrepreneurship.
Rasser joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I learned that college was not for me at the time,” said Rasser. “I lived a rough childhood and needed something to put me on the right track, so I did not fall into the generational curse. My father, James Rasser, served in the Air Force as did most of my family, so I chose the Navy to follow in my father’s footsteps of service while also writing my own story.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wappingers Falls.
“After getting my first job, I learned more of what working as a team really meant and how much it really ties into our lives out in the real world,” said Rasser. “I also learned that not everyone will get along, but we can still get tasks done no matter what.”
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.
Rasser 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.”
Rasser has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy is advancing in rank to petty officer second class,” said Rasser. “It meant so much to me, seeing where I came from and where I am now.”
On a deployment to Ghana, Rasser was the project safety supervisor for building an elementary school as their first major project.
“I was able to successfully keep everyone safe to come home,” said Rasser. “I also completed my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist pin on that same deployment.”
Rasser can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means more to me than just serving the country,” said Rasser. “It has given me the opportunity to have a better future and to be a better version of myself.”
Rasser is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad for pushing me to be better and for being my biggest supporter,” said Rasser. “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for him.”