Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Construction Apprentice Felicia Elms, a Campbell native, is one of those sailors.
“I hope to be a good example to my daughters by being in the Navy,” Elms said. “The Navy sets high stands of values to live by. I joined to make a path for my daughters to look up to.”
Eighty years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects.
Elms, a 2006 Maysville High School graduate, currently serves as a builder with the Naval Construction Training Center at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Miss.
“I would like to thank my mother because she has been my support system, has written me letters every day and is always a phone call away,” Elms said. “I also thank God for taking me this far. Without him, I would not have the strength to get where I am today.”
According to Elms, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Campbell.
“I learned in my hometown that connections and community can determine a successful experience,” Elms said. “My mom has always taught me to have confidence and to strive to reach my dreams because anything is possible. This has gotten me through each test and every emotional moment.”
Serving in the Navy means Elms is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is present all around the world and ready to defend at sea and on land to keep us safe,” Elms said.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Elms and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being promoted, becoming a fire team leader and having held the top of my class since we started at the school house,” Elms said.
As Elms and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in continuing an 80-year legacy and serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy is a family of sailors who have created a path of direction that is visible to my two daughters,” she said.
