GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Construction Apprenticeman Ian Burcham, a Willow Wood, Ohio, native 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.”
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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.”
Burcham is a construction electrician 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.
Burcham, who graduated from Symmes Valley High School in 2021, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I wanted to go out into the world and make a name for myself,” said Burcham.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Willow Wood.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned that a strong work ethic goes a long way,” said Burcham. “That work ethic has been crucial in helping me succeed in the Navy.”
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.
Burcham 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.”
Burcham has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of all the hard work I’ve put in and helping other sailors around me,” said Burcham.
Burcham can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Burcham. “It’s very rewarding to be a part of something that helps so many people around the world. Not only does it give me a chance to help others, but I learn more about myself and better myself at the same time.”
Burcham is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Catherine Burns, my father, Anthony Burcham, my siblings, Ethan Burcham, Haley Dial, Luke Burns, Matthew Burns and Wyatt Burns, for all their love and support,” added Burcham.
“I wanted to go out into the world and make a name for myself,” said Burcham.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Willow Wood.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned that a strong work ethic goes a long way,” said Burcham. “That work ethic has been crucial in helping me succeed in the Navy.”
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.
Burcham 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.”
Burcham has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of all the hard work I’ve put in and helping other sailors around me,” said Burcham.
Burcham can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Burcham. “It’s very rewarding to be a part of something that helps so many people around the world. Not only does it give me a chance to help others, but I learn more about myself and better myself at the same time.”
Burcham is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Catherine Burns, my father, Anthony Burcham, my siblings, Ethan Burcham, Haley Dial, Luke Burns, Matthew Burns and Wyatt Burns, for all their love and support,” added Burcham.