(SUBMITTED PHOTO) Navy steelworker Samuel Johnson knew from a very young age that he wanted to be in the service. By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach
“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Construction man Samuel Johnson, a 2018 Greenwood Community High School
graduate, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Johnson is serving as a Navy steelworker, who currently works in supply providing material for the Seabees to do their job. Johnson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Indianapolis.
“I learned the importance of respecting elders at home, and this carried over into my service in the Navy,” said Johnson. He is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Johnson is most proud of earning steelworker qualifications.
“I learned how to weld, how to read blueprints and construction mathematics,” said Johnson. Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Johnson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Johnson is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Army,” said Johnson. “When I was young, he talked about his service, so it was in my mind to join the service, as well.” As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Johnson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I really love the people here,” said Johnson. “Seabees are a small community that’s definitely rich in character. Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back and to make my mom and dad proud.”
Building in austere environments is a challenge that Johnson and the Seabees face along with
adverse fighting conditions. The Seabees must have perseverance and determination that they show at Gulfport. The jobs of many of today’s Seabees have remained un-changed since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum. For more than 75 years, Sea-bees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Navy Office of Community Outreach
“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Construction man Samuel Johnson, a 2018 Greenwood Community High School
graduate, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Johnson is serving as a Navy steelworker, who currently works in supply providing material for the Seabees to do their job. Johnson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Indianapolis.
“I learned the importance of respecting elders at home, and this carried over into my service in the Navy,” said Johnson. He is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Johnson is most proud of earning steelworker qualifications.
“I learned how to weld, how to read blueprints and construction mathematics,” said Johnson. Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Johnson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Johnson is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Army,” said Johnson. “When I was young, he talked about his service, so it was in my mind to join the service, as well.” As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Johnson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I really love the people here,” said Johnson. “Seabees are a small community that’s definitely rich in character. Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back and to make my mom and dad proud.”
Building in austere environments is a challenge that Johnson and the Seabees face along with
adverse fighting conditions. The Seabees must have perseverance and determination that they show at Gulfport. The jobs of many of today’s Seabees have remained un-changed since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum. For more than 75 years, Sea-bees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
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