PORT HUENEME, California — “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 of personnel trained in both combat and the craft skills of the construction industry.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Fisher, a native of Crestline, Ohio, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.

Fisher is serving as a Navy construction electrician, who is responsible for electrical work, combat readiness, and humanitarian relief.

“I am an electrician and perform various construction work for the unit,” Fisher said.

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.

“The thing I enjoy most about being a Seabee is the humanitarian effort aspect of the job,” said Fisher. “I enjoy being a part of improving lives and helping out in a crisis.”

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.

Fisher is a Colonel Crawford High School graduate. According to Fisher, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Crestline.

“Growing up in Crestline, I learned a work ethic that has helped me adapt to Navy life,” Fisher said.

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 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent 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, Fisher is most proud of being meritoriously promoted to petty officer third class.

“It reflected the hard work of the battalion as a whole,” said Fisher. “Nothing is done individually as a Seabee.”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Fisher, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Fisher is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“To be brothers and sisters in arms with your own bloodline gives you a sense of closeness that can only be understood with service,” Fisher said.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Fisher, 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.

“Serving with the Seabees means that I now have a larger Navy family and will throughout the duration of my lifetime,” Fisher said.