'We Build, We Fight'
Courtesy photo Navy Constructionman Austin Wells, of Spirit Lake, builds and fights around the world as a member of a construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, Calif.
“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the "Seabees," for the past 75 years. Spirit Lake native and Timberlake High School graduate, Constructionman Austin Wells, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, Calif.
“As a plumber in the Navy, I work with HVAC, septic tanks, drainage and waste systems,” Wells said.
The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.
“I’ve been able to expand my knowledge, construction-wise, while serving here, and it gives me skills I can use outside of work,” Wells said.
For the past 75 years, Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
“I am proud of the hard work that Seabees do every day,” said Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “Their support to the Navy and Marine Corps mission is immeasurable, and we look forward to the next seven decades of service.”
Seabees around the world will take part in a yearlong celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary. The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”
“Seabees deploy around the world providing expert expeditionary construction support on land and under the sea, for the Navy and Marine Corps, in war, humanitarian crisis and peace,” said Capt. Mike Saum, commodore, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1. “Seabee resiliency, skill, and resolution under hostile and rough conditions prove our motto ‘We Build, We Fight.’ The Seabee patch we wear on our uniform signifies to the warfighter and civilian alike that they’re in good hands.”
Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Wells to continue learning about himself and the legacy he wants to leave to future Seabees.
“I’m able to help bring my knowledge into Seabee traditions and learn Seabee traditions from those who have served before,” Wells said.