GULFPORT, Miss. — Chief Petty Officer Carolynn Breeden, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Breeden graduated from Heritage High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norfolk.
“Growing up, I worked in many odd jobs and watched my mom working multiple jobs, and it taught me a strong work ethic,” Breeden said.
Breeden joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Breeden serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy because of my oldest son,” Breeden said. “I wanted to provide for him with stability and financial support.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors of NCBC Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Breeden has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Making chief is my proudest accomplishment,” Breeden said. “The biggest reason is that early in my career, my mentors were chiefs and senior chiefs. They told me about the sisterhood and brotherhood of the Chiefs Mess. I almost gave up on becoming chief, because it’s getting close to retirement. But my son pushed me to give it a try one last time, and I made him promise to go to college. I got selected as a chief petty officer, and he held up his end of the bargain. And now he’s on the dean’s list.”
Breeden serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being able to prove that as long as I apply myself, I am able to accomplish anything,” Breeden said. “Especially in a male-dominate job field, I have to apply more to prove that I can do it. That means a lot. And being that 1% to serve in the military gives me meaning.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Breeden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Theresa Walker, who’s with me through every high and every low,” Breeden said. “She’s been there at every advancement and award, and she’s been there to push me along the way. Every deployment, she’s been there to take care of me and my family. I wouldn’t be able to make it far in my career without my mom.”
Breeden also has a message for anyone who considers joining the military.
“Serving in the military is not as scary as people think,” Breeden added.
By Ensign Han Fiori-Puyu, Navy Office of Community Outreach