PORT HUENEME, Calif. — Lt. Col Stace Hayward, a native of Dallas, Texas, and a 15-year Dallas Police Officer, is currently assigned to the Seabees of the 9th Naval Construction Regiment which is currently deployed to Port Hueneme, Calif., in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Hayward attended the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, as well as Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. He and the Seabees in his regiment departed from their homeport of JRB Fort Worth, Texas, to complete a six-month deployment to Port Hueneme.

Hayward is the only Marine within the element. He performs the duties of the Senior Military Advisor to the Regimental Commanding Officer regarding Tactical & Operational matters.

Hayward, who's been in the Marine Corps since February 1985, says he feels proud to be part of an event that is making history.

"Because Seabees occupy almost the same ground the Marine Corps does on the battle field, it behooves both services to have cross service representation embedded," said Hayward. "This relationship enhances mission success for both and fosters prompt deconfliction between the Bee's mission and the Ground Combatant Commander's mission."

Seabees bring a broad range of technical and military skills which, in combination, provide a unique capability to the engineering mission. In addition to construction, these essential capabilities include robust organic support functions such as logistics, maintenance and communications.

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