By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GULFPORT, Ms. – “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Petty Officer 2nd Class Cristian Benton, whose parents, Larry and Michaelle Benton live in Fredericksburg, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi.
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| U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bradley Gee |
Benton is serving as a Navy equipment operator, who is responsible for operating heavy equipment, driving trucks and serving as a gunner on top of up-armored vehicles.
Benton credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Virginia.
“Going to high school in Virginia, I learned the value of making good decisions,” said Benton.
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination. These are the kinds of people serving here at Gulfport, the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. These are the people who provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
The jobs of many of today’s Seabees 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.
For more than 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. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Benton is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Benton is most proud of saving another person’s life in 2017.
“A fellow Seabee and I witnessed a vehicle crash into a small body of water, so I grabbed a battery, busted out the window and pulled the driver to safety,” said Benton.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Benton, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Benton is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad served in the Navy as a chief petty officer,” said Benton.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Benton and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I can give back to my community winning hearts and minds,” added Benton.
