Thursday, October 3, 2024

Wiggins native supports 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. Master Sgt. Chisoni Husband, a native of Wiggins, Mississippi, is serving in the Marine Corps supporting 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.” 

Husband is a Marine advisor 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.

Husband graduated from Stone High School in 2005. Husband earned an associate degree in general studies and a bachelor’s degree in management. Additionally, Husband earned a Master of Business Administration from American Military University in 2024 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in global security through American Military University.

Husband joined the Marine Corps 19 years ago.

“I joined to serve my country and ensure future generations have the same opportunities I’ve had,” said Husband. “I chose the Marines for the challenge and because they are first called to defend our nation. The pride of becoming a Marine far outweighed any benefits of service.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Marines are similar to those found in Wiggins.

“Growing up in a small town taught me to be content,” said Husband. “We had no cable and only one gas station. This simple life helped me adapt to the military, as harsh conditions weren’t a shock. I grew up without AC and did daily farm work, so the military’s demands felt normal. I am a simple man.”

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.

Husband serves alongside 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.”

Husband has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishments are earning my master’s degree through the military, setting a positive example for my son, Ethan, and having the honor of leading Marines into combat,” said Husband.

Husband, who is an infantry unit leader and a ground combat specialist, led combat deployments to Afghanistan and was a Jungle Warfare and School of Infantry instructor. Husband also served on the Presidential Security detail for President George W. Bush.

Husband can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Marines is a selfless duty, contributing to something greater than yourself,” said Husband. “People often mistake comfort for security, not realizing how quickly it can change. Every job in the military is vital, as the enemy will exploit any weakness. Service also means supporting those around you and preparing the next generation to carry on when your time is up.”

Husband is grateful to others for helping make a career in the Marine Corps possible.

“I would like to give a shoutout to the residents of Wiggins, Mississippi,” said Husband. “I truly love that town and the people in it. It always feels like home to me, and I am always proud to tell people I am from a small, middle-of-nowhere town in Mississippi.”