Oak Hills native continues Navy's 'We Build, We Fight' Seabee tradition
By Petty Officer 1st Class David R. Finley Jr. Navy Office of Community Outreach
PORT HUENEME, Calif. — "We Build, We Fight" has been the motto of the U. S. Navy's Construction Force, known as the "Seabees," for more than seven decades. The Navy Seabees are an elite group trained in both combat and the craft skills of the construction industry.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Kathryn Berube, a native of Oak Hills, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.
Berube is serving as a Navy construction mechanic, who is responsible for maintaining and fixing heavy construction equipment.
"I work as a mechanic," Berube said. "I fix and maintain heavy equipment such as cargo trailers and Humvees."
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination, according to officials with the U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command.
These are the kinds of people being trained at Port Hueneme, to provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
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, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.
"We learn a wide variety of skills," said Berube. "I enjoy that we are a small community and always help each other out."
Seabees have served in all American conflicts for nearly 80 years. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Berube is a 2006 graduate of the Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley. According to Berube, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found at the school.
"Growing up I played multiple sports," Berube said. "There I learned teamwork and leadership skills that have helped me in the Navy because teamwork is so important."
Port Hueneme is the West Coast homeport of the Navy's Seabees. It's one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airman and Marines in construction trades and military skills for Department of Defense operating forces to accomplish contingency and peacetime construction, chemical, biological, and radiological operations, and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.
Port Hueneme, and the men and women who serve there, play a key role in the Navy's broader mission of protecting American interests on the world's oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70% of the Earth is covered by water and 90% of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
"I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow," said Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of Naval operations. "We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners."
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Berube is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievements Medal in 2019.
"It is a recognition of my hard work and going above and beyond my limitations," Berube said. "Also it is something for my kids to so see and be proud of.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Berube, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Berube is honored to carry on that family tradition.
"Both my grandfathers served in the military," Berube said. "What they went through and fought for will continue through me and that makes me proud."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Berube, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.
Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"Being a Seabee means hope for those we build and fight for," Berube said. "Even though we aren't currently at war, we are ready when called upon."