GULFPORT, Miss. — Constructionman Julian Wheeler, a native of Fresno, California, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Wheeler graduated from Clovis West High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fresno.
“Growing up, I was constantly wanting to be better and do better with different jobs teaching me not to give up and to do the job right,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Wheeler serves as a builder.
“My grandfather served in the Navy, and I wanted to start my career off young and strong,” Wheeler said.
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.
Wheeler has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to be called a Seabee,” Wheeler said. “I'm also proud to help my peers be the best they can be.”
Wheeler 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 means protecting everything and everyone I love,” Wheeler said. “While bettering my life, I'm able to better others, as well.”
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.
Wheeler is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their constant support and love throughout this journey,” Wheeler said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Wheeler graduated from Clovis West High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fresno.
“Growing up, I was constantly wanting to be better and do better with different jobs teaching me not to give up and to do the job right,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Wheeler serves as a builder.
“My grandfather served in the Navy, and I wanted to start my career off young and strong,” Wheeler said.
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.
Wheeler has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to be called a Seabee,” Wheeler said. “I'm also proud to help my peers be the best they can be.”
Wheeler 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 means protecting everything and everyone I love,” Wheeler said. “While bettering my life, I'm able to better others, as well.”
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.
Wheeler is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their constant support and love throughout this journey,” Wheeler said.