GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 2nd Class Leland Macklin, a native of Shawnee Hills, Ohio, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Battalion Fourteen in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Macklin graduated from Dublin High School in 1992.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Shawnee Hills.
“Living in a small town taught me to put forth the maximum effort in your work, because no one else is going to do it,” Macklin said.
Macklin originally joined the Navy in 1992 completing four years active duty, another eight years of reserve duty and is currently working on another active duty enlistment.
“College wasn't my thing,” Macklin said. “I didn't want to do any more school. Also, there’s a family tradition of military service. Both my grandparents were in World War II. One was in the Navy and one was in the Army.”
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.
Macklin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud to participate in funeral honors from 2013 to 2018,” Macklin said. “I supported more than 350 funerals honoring our veterans from all services. I was also honored to play the trumpet at my uncle's funeral. He served in the Army during World War II.”
Macklin 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 us opportunities to see different cultures,” Macklin 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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Macklin graduated from Dublin High School in 1992.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Shawnee Hills.
“Living in a small town taught me to put forth the maximum effort in your work, because no one else is going to do it,” Macklin said.
Macklin originally joined the Navy in 1992 completing four years active duty, another eight years of reserve duty and is currently working on another active duty enlistment.
“College wasn't my thing,” Macklin said. “I didn't want to do any more school. Also, there’s a family tradition of military service. Both my grandparents were in World War II. One was in the Navy and one was in the Army.”
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.
Macklin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud to participate in funeral honors from 2013 to 2018,” Macklin said. “I supported more than 350 funerals honoring our veterans from all services. I was also honored to play the trumpet at my uncle's funeral. He served in the Army during World War II.”
Macklin 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 us opportunities to see different cultures,” Macklin 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.