GULFPORT, Miss. — Constructionman Ben Staggs, a native of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Staggs graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elizabethtown.
“I learned the value of hard work through my family and athletics, while also gaining a deep sense of compassion and kindness,” Staggs said. “My hometown taught me hard work from my parents and from playing football. My parents always instilled a love of Christ and showed me how to have compassion and kindness, which follows along with the Navy.”
Staggs joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Staggs serves as a builder.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill a lifelong desire to serve my country and honor my family's tradition,” Staggs said. “My father served in the Navy along with several other family members in the military, so I wanted to continue that tradition.”
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.
Staggs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I believe my greatest achievement is simply earning my place within the Navy community,” Staggs said. “I am incredibly proud to serve because of the people I work with. I am surrounded by a team of individuals who are willing to do anything for me at a moment’s notice.”
Staggs serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the safety of my family and a pathway to lifelong technical expertise,” Staggs said. “Serving means protection for the ones I love, and it gives me the opportunity to learn valuable skills that I can use throughout my time in the Navy and even after I transition out.”
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.
Staggs is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I owe my gratitude to my parents, Ryan Staggs and Katie Newton, and my girlfriend, Liz McMillen, for their constant encouragement,” Staggs said. “I want to thank my parents and my girlfriend for always supporting me. Without them, I wouldn’t have the foundation I need to take the next step in my career.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Staggs graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elizabethtown.
“I learned the value of hard work through my family and athletics, while also gaining a deep sense of compassion and kindness,” Staggs said. “My hometown taught me hard work from my parents and from playing football. My parents always instilled a love of Christ and showed me how to have compassion and kindness, which follows along with the Navy.”
Staggs joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Staggs serves as a builder.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill a lifelong desire to serve my country and honor my family's tradition,” Staggs said. “My father served in the Navy along with several other family members in the military, so I wanted to continue that tradition.”
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.
Staggs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I believe my greatest achievement is simply earning my place within the Navy community,” Staggs said. “I am incredibly proud to serve because of the people I work with. I am surrounded by a team of individuals who are willing to do anything for me at a moment’s notice.”
Staggs serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the safety of my family and a pathway to lifelong technical expertise,” Staggs said. “Serving means protection for the ones I love, and it gives me the opportunity to learn valuable skills that I can use throughout my time in the Navy and even after I transition out.”
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.
Staggs is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I owe my gratitude to my parents, Ryan Staggs and Katie Newton, and my girlfriend, Liz McMillen, for their constant encouragement,” Staggs said. “I want to thank my parents and my girlfriend for always supporting me. Without them, I wouldn’t have the foundation I need to take the next step in my career.”