GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Kaldenbach, a native of Willow Park, Texas, 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.”
Kaldenbach is a steelworker 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.
Kaldenbach attended Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas, and graduated from Three Way High School ISD in 2022.
Kaldenbach joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for new opportunities, to start fresh in a place with new and different people,” said Kaldenbach. “My dad was in the Air Force, my grandfather was in the Air Force and my great-grandfather also served in the military. My brother is a submariner in the Navy. I wanted to do welding but my brother told me to talk to the Navy. I learned about the Seabees and that caught my interest. I just wanted to weld.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Willow Park.
“I have always been friendly, have a great work ethic and help others to the best of my ability my whole life,” said Kaldenbach. “I think just being friendly to people in general, you know you have people who will help you out and who you can help. Having friends benefits both of you in building your career. I'd rather have one friend than one enemy.”
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.
Kaldenbach 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.”
Kaldenbach has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My accomplishment would be to do my job to the best of my ability while carrying responsibilities to help better myself as a leader,” said Kaldenbach.
Kaldenbach can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting your country and loved ones,” said Kaldenbach.
Kaldenbach is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my friends who helped me through rough patches in my life,” added Kaldenbach.
“I joined the Navy for new opportunities, to start fresh in a place with new and different people,” said Kaldenbach. “My dad was in the Air Force, my grandfather was in the Air Force and my great-grandfather also served in the military. My brother is a submariner in the Navy. I wanted to do welding but my brother told me to talk to the Navy. I learned about the Seabees and that caught my interest. I just wanted to weld.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Willow Park.
“I have always been friendly, have a great work ethic and help others to the best of my ability my whole life,” said Kaldenbach. “I think just being friendly to people in general, you know you have people who will help you out and who you can help. Having friends benefits both of you in building your career. I'd rather have one friend than one enemy.”
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.
Kaldenbach 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.”
Kaldenbach has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My accomplishment would be to do my job to the best of my ability while carrying responsibilities to help better myself as a leader,” said Kaldenbach.
Kaldenbach can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting your country and loved ones,” said Kaldenbach.
Kaldenbach is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my friends who helped me through rough patches in my life,” added Kaldenbach.