GULFPORT, Miss. – Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Constructionman Caleb Post, a Chesapeake, Virginia, native is one of those sailors.
“My dad is in the Navy and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Post. “He’s a nuclear electrician aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Bush. I also wanted to prepare for my own future.”
Eighty years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects.
Post graduated from Deep Creek High School in 2021.
“I’d like to thank my family,” said Post. “I appreciate them for pushing me to be the best I can be and to never give up.”
The values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesapeake.
“I learned the importance of a strong work ethic,” said Post. “Work for what you want in life.”
Post currently serves as a steelworker with Naval Construction Training Center at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Serving in the Navy means Post is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We need a strong Navy to provide the freedoms people enjoy in our country, so they can do what they want when they want,” said Post.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Post has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of graduating boot camp and becoming a better person,” said Post.
Post can take pride in continuing an 80-year legacy of service in the United States Navy.
“I have two younger siblings, and I want the best for them,” added Post. “When they grow up, I don’t want them to have to worry about anything. My twin brother is also joining the Navy. He’ll leave for boot camp next week.”
By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach