Senate Resolution 23

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE U.S. NAVY SEABEES ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR DIAMOND (75TH) ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy Seabees from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and around the nation have kicked off a series of celebrations throughout 2017 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the creation of the Naval Construction Force on March 5, 1942; and

WHEREAS, the Seabees were created on March 5, 1942, after then Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks, recognized the need for a militarized construction force. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy approved the formation of the first naval construction battalions. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, established in 1842, is the Navy's oldest systems command. The Navy Civil Engineer Corps was established in 1867 following the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, success in World War II hinged on the ability of the military to quickly complete ambitious construction projects under dangerous conditions, so the U.S. Navy established the military's first Naval Construction Battalions under the direction of officers from the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. More than 325,000 Seabees served during World War II. Continuing this proud tradition, the Seabees have provided critical support to American troops in every conflict since then; and

WHEREAS, the Seabees are construction workers fully trained in defending themselves against enemy attack while building the infrastructure to keep the war effort moving. The drive and ingenuity of these fighting builders allowed the U.S. military to stay a step ahead of the enemy in both World War II Theaters of Operation and were a key factor in securing victory. Following World War II, the extraordinary contributions of the Seabees led to them becoming a permanent part of the Navy's fighting forces, building and fighting in every military conflict since their inception; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians welcomed the U.S. Navy to the Gulf Coast, March 31-April 8, with units coming from around the country to celebrate the Bicentennial of Mississippi Statehood and the 75th Anniversary of the Seabees. Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week's purpose is to share the Navy's story with the people of the community and raise awareness of the Navy, its mission, and its people. To promote this, there were multiple events scheduled throughout the week, including jumps by the Navy Parachute Team "The Leapfrogs," static displays of oceanographic systems and underwater drones with Sailors from the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, multiple performances by the Navy Band Southeast, and school visits with Sailors from USS Mississippi (SSN 782) and USS Ramage (DDG 61), as well as Naval Construction Group 2. Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes and other local dignitaries conducted a ceremony with the presentation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week Proclamation, April 1, 2017, at Centennial Plaza during the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration; and

WHEREAS, for 75 years, the Seabees have been protecting the nation and serving the Navy and Marine Corps with great pride and dedication. As we kick off this year-long celebration, let's not forget those who have fought bravely and given their all in support of us, our families, our way of life, and our great state and nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the U.S. Navy Seabees on the occasion of their Diamond (75th) Anniversary Celebration and join the Seabee Command Unit in Gulfport in celebrating this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Commander of the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport and the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.