Remarks of Capt Jp

Remarks of Capt Joseph Albanese,
Commander Seventh Naval Construction Regiment.
Seabee Dedication Ceremony, October 18, 2008

Welcome, honored guests, friends, and Seabees.

What a wonderful day and a perfect occasion for us to dedicate the Seabee that stands behind me waiting to be unveiled in its splendor.

This Naval Construction Force icon dates back to 1942, when Frank lafrate, the originator of the Seabee insignia, over three hours on a Sunday afternoon, took pen to paper, and developed what would become the identity of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

On that day, did he have any idea of the history that we would have today - Some 67 years later?

What a legacy this Bee has left, and how proud we all are to be a part of this.

Many of you here have heard me mention that, RADM Cellon, our NCF Division Commander, often asserts that in our history, there is no better time than now to be a Seabee. I can quote him as he said. "Whether supporting the Global War on Terror, supporting the Maritime Strategy through building relationships with other nations, or providing disaster relief to people in need, the positive impact the Seabees are making around the world has never been greater."

What is most amazing to me is the history that we continue to make today.

As we welcome our Vietnam Era Seabee brothers in attendance today; and reflect with great admiration and respect on their accomplishments can those of our Seabees in World War II, Korea, and numerous conflicts and humanitarian actions that came before our time - we are also very proud of the history that we are creating this very day.

What are Seabees doing today? Emphasis on today … not history ... because today IS history!

Supporting the Global War on Terror

Seabee regiments and battalions continue contingency operations throughout Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan in direct support of Marine Expeditionary Forces and Special Operations Forces efforts.
They are supporting the Maritime Strategy at home and around the world.
In the past year, Seabees continued in their role as the Navy's goodwill ambassadors, completing community relations projects, repairing and constructing schools and medical facilities in Vietnam, the Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Thailand.
In November 2007, Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) ONE provided direct disaster response support during the Southern California wildfires, constructing ten miles of emergency firebreaks and erecting a 500-person evacuee tent camp at NAB Coronado. Over the last 60 days Seabees have been poised to respond to Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast.
Currently, in Eastern Africa, Seabees are working on Kenyan water wells and Ethiopian schools and a veterinary clinic. In Djibouti, Seabees of the Mobile Utility Support Equipment unit completed the largest expeditionary power plant since the Vietnam era, capable of powering nearly 4,000 residential homes.
Seabees participating in Africa Partnership Station recently replaced school roofs in Cameroon and Gabon, renovated three schools in Sao Tome and constructed a medical clinic in Ghana.
In the Pacific, Seabees recently renovated three schools on the islands of Mindanao and Basilan and have begun work on three schools in Marawi, Philippines.

Seabees are in high demand

Because of the high demand for Seabee expertise, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 and the 25th Naval Construction Regiment were commissioned in Gulfport, Miss. last September.
Seabee training has expanded its capacity to meet a 250% growth in Seabee accessions resulting from the increased demand on the Naval Construction Force. 250% growth in accessions!
As the Navy's goodwill ambassadors, Seabees contribute to the Maritime Strategy of preventing war through humanitarian efforts that build trust and demonstrate goodwill.
Time and again, Seabees have answered the call to aid victims of earthquakes, floods and hurricanes at home and abroad.
Seabees play an essential part in the mission of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command - NECC, comprising 40% of its manning.

There is no better time to be a Seabee ..."the positive impact the Seabees are making around the world has never been greater."

It is with great pride that we gather today to rededicate this Bee - the icon of the United States Navy Seabees, and it is that much more relevant because of the contributions that we continue to make to our Nation's strength and security.

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		Remarks of Capt Joseph Albanese, Commander Seventh Naval Construction Regiment. Seabee Dedication Ceremony, October 18, 2008 Welcome, honored guests, friends, and Seabees. What a wonderful day and a perfect occasion for us to dedicate the Seabee that stands behind me waiting to be unveiled in its splendor. This Naval Construction Force icon dates back to 1942, when Frank lafrate, the originator of the Seabee insignia, over three hours on a Sunday afternoon, took pen to paper, and developed what would become the identity of the U.S. Navy Seabees. On that day, did he have any idea of the history that we would have today - Some 67 years later? What a legacy this Bee has left, and how proud we all are to be a part of this. Many of you here have heard me mention that, RADM Cellon, our NCF Division Commander, often asserts that in our history, there is no better time than now to be a Seabee. I can quote him as he said. "Whether supporting the Global War on Terror, supporting the Maritime Strategy through building relationships with other nations, or providing disaster relief to people in need, the positive impact the Seabees are making around the world has never been greater." What is most amazing to me is the history that we continue to make today. As we welcome our Vietnam Era Seabee brothers in attendance today; and reflect with great admiration and respect on their accomplishments can those of our Seabees in World War II, Korea, and numerous conflicts and humanitarian actions that came before our time - we are also very proud of the history that we are creating this very day. What are Seabees doing today? Emphasis on today … not history ... because today IS history! Supporting the Global War on Terror Seabee regiments and battalions continue contingency operations throughout Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan in direct support of Marine Expeditionary Forces and Special Operations Forces efforts. They are supporting the Maritime Strategy at home and around the world. In the past year, Seabees continued in their role as the Navy's goodwill ambassadors, completing community relations projects, repairing and constructing schools and medical facilities in Vietnam, the Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Thailand. In November 2007, Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) ONE provided direct disaster response support during the Southern California wildfires, constructing ten miles of emergency firebreaks and erecting a 500-person evacuee tent camp at NAB Coronado. Over the last 60 days Seabees have been poised to respond to Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast. Currently, in Eastern Africa, Seabees are working on Kenyan water wells and Ethiopian schools and a veterinary clinic. In Djibouti, Seabees of the Mobile Utility Support Equipment unit completed the largest expeditionary power plant since the Vietnam era, capable of powering nearly 4,000 residential homes. Seabees participating in Africa Partnership Station recently replaced school roofs in Cameroon and Gabon, renovated three schools in Sao Tome and constructed a medical clinic in Ghana. In the Pacific, Seabees recently renovated three schools on the islands of Mindanao and Basilan and have begun work on three schools in Marawi, Philippines. Seabees are in high demand Because of the high demand for Seabee expertise, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 and the 25th Naval Construction Regiment were commissioned in Gulfport, Miss. last September. Seabee training has expanded its capacity to meet a 250% growth in Seabee accessions resulting from the increased demand on the Naval Construction Force. 250% growth in accessions! As the Navy's goodwill ambassadors, Seabees contribute to the Maritime Strategy of preventing war through humanitarian efforts that build trust and demonstrate goodwill. Time and again, Seabees have answered the call to aid victims of earthquakes, floods and hurricanes at home and abroad. Seabees play an essential part in the mission of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command - NECC, comprising 40% of its manning. There is no better time to be a Seabee ..."the positive impact the Seabees are making around the world has never been greater." It is with great pride that we gather today to rededicate this Bee - the icon of the United States Navy Seabees, and it is that much more relevant because of the contributions that we continue to make to our Nation's strength and security. Close Window


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