On December 2nd, 2023, the boards of the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and the
CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation signed an agreement to merge the two organizations and become the
Navy Seabee Foundation. The agreement will take effect on December 31st, 2023. This was the
culmination of nearly two years of research, discussion and negotiations.
The purpose of the Navy Seabee Foundation is the preservation and protection of the history
and heritage of the U.S. Navy Seabees and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps; the awarding of
scholarships to deserving family members of Seabees, CEC Officers, and all who served with the Naval
Construction force; supporting the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, monuments, memorials, and other
heritage sites dedicated to the U.S. Navy Seabees; and supporting current and former members of the
Seabee/CEC Community and their families.
The board of directors of the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and the board of trustees of the
CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation will merge to lead the Navy Seabee Foundation. RADM Kevin Slates,
CEC, USN, Ret and RDML Lou Cariello, CEC, USN, Ret. will serve as chair and vice chair respectively and
the new position of Vice Chair, Senior Enlisted Leader will be filled by CMDCM Doug Heiner, USN, Ret.
Dan Miller, currently Executive Director of both organizations will continue as Executive Director. The
Navy Seabee Foundation will be headquartered in Springfield, Virginia and have an office at the Seabee
Heritage Center in Gulfport Mississippi.
From Kevin Slates, “I am thrilled about the combination of the Seabee Historical Foundation and the
Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association into a single Seabee nonprofit, and the opportunities it will
bring to allow us to better support Seabees and their families. It’s long overdue and a huge milestone for
all Seabees (past, present, and future).”
From Lou Cariello, "This is a watershed moment in the history of non-profit organizations serving Navy
Seabees. The merger of the Seabee Historical Foundation with the former Seabee Memorial Scholarship
Association (now Navy Seabee Foundation) represents a golden opportunity to further unify all former
and current Seabees and enhance the pride that we have, and future generations will have, for our
wonderful Seabee community."
From Doug Heiner “This merger is very exciting because we are streamlining our operations to expand
our capabilities and strengthens our commitment to serving Seabees and their families now and into the
future.”
From Dan Miller, “I look forward to continuing the events and activities around the country that bring
Seabees and Seabee supporters together. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for the Navy Seabee
Foundation.”
For additional information contact Dan Miller at danmiller@seabee.org or 859-327-1830.
To stay current with Navy Seabee Foundation news and events, visit www.seabee.org.