Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 82^nd anniversary of the establishment of the United States Naval Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” and thanking them for their service to our country. The lead Democratic sponsors are U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA-26).

Mississippi’s entire Congressional Delegation joined Senator Wicker and U.S. Representative Ezell in honoring the Seabees: U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-MS-03).

“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,” Senator Wicker said.

“For more than eight decades, the Seabees have served with honor, ingenuity, and a ‘Can Do’ attitude,” Representative Ezell said. “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.”

“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,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.  “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.”

“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 Thompson said.

“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,” Representative Guest said. “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.”

In addition to building critical infrastructure in support of Navy and Marine Corps operations overseas, the Seabees have played a major role in disaster relief and recovery in the United States, especially on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Mississippi’s Seabee history dates to 1942, when some of the first Seabees were stationed at Advanced Base Depot Gulfport for training before deploying to serve during World War II. The base went through several changes in name and function before becoming the permanent home to Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport in 1952. Today, NCBC Gulfport is the homeport for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees and houses one of the nation’s two Naval Construction Training Centers.

###