Courtesy Photo | Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 23 enjoy a special steak and lobster...... read more read more
By Chief Journalist Suzanne Speight
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Seabees in Iraq celebrated their 63rd year against a fitting wartime backdrop and amongst friends. “I can think of no better place to mark this occasion than here alongside our comrades in arms,” said Rear Adm. Raymond K. Alexander, addressing Seabees, Marines and soldiers in a ceremony held at Camp Fallujah. Alexander, commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Group, spoke of the work Seabees have accomplished in Iraq since the war began.
“For what we have done here, you won’t find directions in any publication,” he said. Seabees were in Fallujah on the heels of some of the fiercest urban fighting since Vietnam, assessing infrastructure damage and restoring essential services.
Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, was guest of honor at the event, and he offered his own take on the admiral’s words. “You all came in and started making the city livable for the good citizens of Fallujah,” he said. “You turned on the power and the water. This city will now be better than it was before because of the work you’ve done. There is no guide book for that kind of thing.”
Seabees in Fallujah enjoyed a special meal at the camp dining facility, including a traditional birthday cake cut by the oldest Seabee, Builder Chief Andrew Sprague, 57, and the youngest Seabee, Steelworker Constructionman Michael Gilchrest, 19. The meal was followed by a viewing of the 1942 John Wayne classic film “The Fighting Seabees.” In March, 1942, the Secretary of the Navy authorized officers of the Civil Engineer Corps to exercise military authority over all officers and enlisted men assigned to construction units, paving the way for the eventual establishment of Construction Battalions, known today as Seabees.
“Honor, courage, commitment,” said Sattler, in reference to Seabees who had served alongside I MEF Marines. “It’s not a card you carry in your wallet, it’s words written on your heart. There are many people willing to read history, but few are willing to make history. You, Seabees, have made history for 63 years.”
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2011 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 79380 |
| Location: | FALLUJAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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