Mississippi Gulf News

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) have spearheaded a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the United States Naval Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” and expressing gratitude for their service to the nation. The resolution, which also has lead Democratic sponsors U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), has garnered support from Mississippi’s entire Congressional Delegation.

Senator Wicker emphasized the importance of the Seabees, stating, “The Seabees are an integral part of Mississippi’s military history and Gulfport’s community. They have often put themselves into dire situations, whether assisting with natural disaster recovery or humanitarian missions across the globe. Our country and world are better off because of them.”

Representative Ezell echoed these sentiments, praising the Seabees for their decades of service, saying, “For more than eight decades, the Seabees have served with honor, ingenuity, and a ‘Can Do’ attitude. I am proud to have the Atlantic Fleet Seabees call South Mississippi home, and I am incredibly grateful for their contributions to our nation and to our coastal communities.”

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith highlighted the significant impact of the Seabees, remarking, “Our world would be very different today without the Seabees. From their start, their heroic endeavors have paved the way to better things, whether we’re talking about military successes or disaster recovery. We take great pride in the fact that the Seabees have a home in Mississippi, and we acknowledge a strong sense of gratitude for all they do.”

Representative Bennie Thompson emphasized the resilience and dedication of the Seabees, stating, “For 82 years, the Seabees have woven themselves into the fabric of Mississippi's storied history. Their resilience, determination, and unwavering grit are a true testament to their dedicated mission of serving our nation.”

Representative Michael Guest highlighted the vital role the Seabees play in military operations, saying, “I’m proud that the Seabees have been entrenched in Mississippi history for the last eighty-two years and for the critical role they play in constructing key infrastructure for the success of Navy and Marine Corps operations. General Douglas MacArthur relied on the Seabees during World War II, and we continue to need their expertise and skills for the challenges we face today. I am pleased to celebrate their good work on this 82nd anniversary.”

The Seabees have a long history in Mississippi, dating back to 1942, and have continued to play a crucial role in supporting Navy and Marine Corps operations overseas, as well as in disaster relief efforts in the United States, particularly on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Today, Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport serves as the homeport for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees and houses one of the nation’s two Naval Construction Training Centers.