GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Cedric Waithiani, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Waithiani graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hagerstown.
“I learned to be resilient,” Waithiani said. “After graduating from high school, I had a taste of real life, and I learned that I have to be resilient, and I was able to apply that to the Navy.”
Waithiani joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Waithiani serves as a construction mechanic.
“I was in a position that I thought would be beneficial to serve in the military,” Waithiani said. “I never thought I would be in the Navy. I was able to talk to a Navy veteran, and the recruiter got ahold of me, and I got in.”
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.
Waithiani has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I got a letter of commendation for the humanitarian work I did in Guam,” Waithiani said. “I am very proud of that.”
Waithiani serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I learned a trade, and it gives me meaning. I would do it again,” Waithiani said. “I used it as a tool to change my life, and this is one of the best decisions that I ever made.”
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.
Waithiani is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to shout out to my best friend, Vince,” Waithiani said. “We talk all the time and hang out together, and he always supports me.”
Waithiani is looking forward to the future of his Navy career.
“I want to work on a special program, like the Naval Special Warfare Development Group,” Waithiani said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Waithiani graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hagerstown.
“I learned to be resilient,” Waithiani said. “After graduating from high school, I had a taste of real life, and I learned that I have to be resilient, and I was able to apply that to the Navy.”
Waithiani joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Waithiani serves as a construction mechanic.
“I was in a position that I thought would be beneficial to serve in the military,” Waithiani said. “I never thought I would be in the Navy. I was able to talk to a Navy veteran, and the recruiter got ahold of me, and I got in.”
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.
Waithiani has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I got a letter of commendation for the humanitarian work I did in Guam,” Waithiani said. “I am very proud of that.”
Waithiani serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I learned a trade, and it gives me meaning. I would do it again,” Waithiani said. “I used it as a tool to change my life, and this is one of the best decisions that I ever made.”
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.
Waithiani is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to shout out to my best friend, Vince,” Waithiani said. “We talk all the time and hang out together, and he always supports me.”
Waithiani is looking forward to the future of his Navy career.
“I want to work on a special program, like the Naval Special Warfare Development Group,” Waithiani said.