Story by Chief Petty Officer Lowell Whitman
U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, left, and local Seabee leadership and veterans stand with a plaque naming the Port Hueneme, California, post office in honor of U.S. Naval Construction Battalion "Seabees" Fallen Heroes, during a naming ceremony on May 31, 2017. The bill renaming the post office was submitted by Brownley, whose district encompasses Naval Base Ventura County, and signed into law on Dec. 16, 2016. The Seabees were created on March 5, 1942, and 2017 marks the 75th Anniversary of the force. (Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lowell Whitman/170531-N-HA376-339)
The Port Hueneme post office was renamed the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Seabees Fallen Hero post office during a ceremony, May 31.
U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, representative for California s 26th Congressional District, local leaders, Seabees, veterans, and civilians gathered at the Port Hueneme post office for the ceremony to recognize the Naval Construction Force and memorialize Seabees who have died in service to their country with the renaming.
Representative Brownley, whose district encompasses Naval Base Ventura County, introduced H.R. 6138 renaming the post office in honor of fallen Seabees, and the bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Dec. 16, 2016.
Port Hueneme has been a home to the Seabees since two months after their founding on March 5, 1942.
This designation serves as a reminder of the many brave men and women of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, said Brownley. In their 75-year history, the Seabees have served our great nation in times of war and peace with their renowned can-do attitude, and spirit
Capt. Mike Saum, commodore, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, attended as guest speaker during the ceremony, honored the fallen, and spoke of the intimate relationship between the Seabees and the community of Ventura County.
For 75 years we ve trained here, worked here, lived here, raised our families here, and deployed from here, said Saum. The support we receive from the community is gracious, and it is overwhelming.
Following the remarks, a plaque was unveiled to be placed at the post office and attendees departed for a reception.
2017 marks the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy Seabees, 150th Anniversary of the Civil Engineer Corps, and 175 years of Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
The Seabees were created after Adm. Ben Moreell, chief of the Navy s Bureau of Yards and Docks, recognized the need for a militarized construction force. Following Pearl Harbor, the Navy saw the formation of Naval Construction Battalions.
With the motto we build, we fight the Seabees have gone on to construct thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, entire bases, and thousands of other projects around the world.
Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1 prepares Pacific Fleet Naval Construction Force units to conduct deliberate construction in support of Combatant Commanders, Numbered Fleet Commanders, Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, and other warfighter requirements.