Buffalo Grove sailor continues 75 years of Seabee tradition

"We Build, We Fight" has been the motto of the U.S. Navy's Construction Force, known as the "Seabees," for the past 75 years.

Buffalo Grove native Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Reese builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California. Reese graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin.

Reese works as a construction mechanic in the Navy.

"I perform maintenance on heavy construction and support equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, Humvees and a variety other equipment," Reese said. "I also perform convoy security operations, and we're constantly training to ensure mission readiness."

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged 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.

"I've always wanted to be a mechanic and I enjoy the rich history of the Seabees," Reese said.

For the past 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

"I am proud of the hard work that Seabees do every day," said Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. "Their support to the Navy and Marine Corps mission is immeasurable, and we look forward to the next seven decades of service."

Seabees around the world will take part in a yearlong celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group's 75-year anniversary. The theme of the celebration is "Built on History, Constructing the Future."

"Seabees deploy around the world providing expert expeditionary construction support on land and under the sea, for the Navy and Marine Corps, in war, humanitarian crisis and peace," said Capt. Mike Saum, commodore, Naval Construction Group 1.

"Seabee resiliency, skill, and resolution under hostile and rough conditions prove our motto, 'We Build, We Fight.' The Seabee patch we wear on our uniform signifies to the warfighter and civilian alike that they're in good hands."

Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Reese to continue learning about himself and the legacy he wants to leave to future Seabees.

"Being a part of such a small community that has been around for 75 years is something I definitely take pride in," said Reese. "The Seabees are at the forefront of many major Navy operations and I'm proud to be a part of such a long lasting Navy legacy."

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