Bartlett native makes a difference with Navy Seabees

"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.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Moore, a 2015 Bartlett High School graduate, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi, home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.

Moore is serving as a Navy construction mechanic, who is responsible for heavy diesel mechanic work.

Moore credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bartlett.

"There's a lot of diversity in my hometown, and that definitely helped in the Navy, where there are a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds," said Moore.

The jobs of many of today's Seabees remain 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.

For more than 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. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Moore 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.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Moore is most proud of earning the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his last deployment to Rota, Spain, in 2018-2019.

"I was in charge of assigning tools, tool boxes and inventorying kits," said Moore.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Moore.

"My uncle served in the Marines," he said.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied upon assets, Moore and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

"We have a really good team of mechanics in our Seabee company," said Moore. "Serving in the Navy is a willingness to do what others won't. It's also a lot of fun. I've never really had a bad day in the Navy."