Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Julia Brownley (D-CA) today introduced a resolution marking the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the United States Naval Construction Force, known as the “Seabees.” The resolution recognizes the tremendous sacrifices and contributions by the Seabees, who have fought and served on behalf of our country.
“The remarkable history of the Seabees began right here in Rhode Island,” said Whitehouse. “This resolution highlights the many contributions of the industrious Seabees in service to our country, and recognizes the role the Ocean State has played along the way.”
“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,” said Wicker.
“For more than eight decades, the Seabees have served with honor, ingenuity, and a “Can Do” attitude,” said Ezell. “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.”
“On the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Navy Seabees, we acknowledge the thousands of service members – past and present – who have bravely defended our shores in every conflict since World War II. With a ‘Can Do’ motto, the Seabees carry out a mission to build bases, roadways, airstrips, and other essential infrastructure necessary for our military at home and around the world,” said Brownley. “As the proud representative of Naval Base Ventura County and home of the Pacific Seabees, I am honored to recognize and pay tribute to these remarkable sailors and their distinguished service to our country.”
Davisville, Rhode Island, served as home to some of the first U.S. Navy Construction units, which were established on January 5, 1942. For more than 80 years, the Seabees have built critical infrastructure in support of the Navy and Marine Corps overseas.
The resolution acknowledges Frank J. Iafrate, a native of North Providence, Rhode Island, who designed “The Fighting Bee” logo in 1942 before joining the Naval Construction Force as a Chief Carpenter’s Mate. The logo is still used by the U.S. Navy Seabees today.
The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Michael Guest (R-MS), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Nick Lalota (R-NY), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), John Rutherford (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
