GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 1st Class Leigh Haynes, a native of Atascocita, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Group Two in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Haynes graduated from Summer Creek High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atascocita.
“I learned the importance of working with a variety of people,” Haynes said.
Haynes joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Haynes serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy for patriotism,” Haynes said. “This country's done a lot for me, so this is an opportunity to pay the country back in a small way”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Haynes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that I helped recommission USS Tortuga from 2018 to 2023,” Haynes said. “The amphibious ship was refurbished and brought back to life.”
Haynes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to give back to this country that has given me so much,” Haynes said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Haynes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father who also served in the Navy,” Haynes said. “He retired after 20 years as an interior communications electrician.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Haynes graduated from Summer Creek High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atascocita.
“I learned the importance of working with a variety of people,” Haynes said.
Haynes joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Haynes serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy for patriotism,” Haynes said. “This country's done a lot for me, so this is an opportunity to pay the country back in a small way”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Haynes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that I helped recommission USS Tortuga from 2018 to 2023,” Haynes said. “The amphibious ship was refurbished and brought back to life.”
Haynes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to give back to this country that has given me so much,” Haynes said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Haynes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father who also served in the Navy,” Haynes said. “He retired after 20 years as an interior communications electrician.”