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 Petty officer 3rd class Christopher Wernsing is a steelworker
with NMCB 1, a unit specializing in building structures in areas of
conflict. Sailors attached to NMCB 1 and other similar units,
nicknamed “Seabees,” are a unique group in the Navy whose motto is
“We build, we fight.”
Wernsing is responsible for fabricating and erecting steel building
components that can be used to form the skeleton of a building or
bridge, or as reinforcements for concrete or masonry structures.
“This job keeps me very busy,” said Wernsing. “If I’m not out on a
project I’m planning, determining resources and time, acquiring
materials or going over blueprints for future projects.”
Seabees are trained as builders and fighters. They not only build
bridges, roads, runways and other structures in war zones; they also
defend those structures after they’ve built them.
 Wernsing and the rest of the sailors assigned to NMCB 1 are part of
the Navy’s construction force that has been around for more than 70
years. Seabees have built entire bases and bridges and bulldozed and
paved thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips for the U.S.
military all over the world, playing a vital role in every major
conflict the U.S. has been involved with since World War II.
“So far I’ve been to Okinawa, Japan with NMCB 1 where we worked on
projects at the Marine Corp base,” said Wernsing.
With nearly 600 personnel assigned to the battalion, jobs are highly
varied and every job plays an important role in keeping the
battalion ready to deploy around the world to defend America
wherever needed.
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Wernsing’s commanding officer said he’s proud of the hard work and
dedication from the battalion over the past 12 months preparing for
their next deployment.
“This battalion works extremely hard, ” said Cmdr. Kemit Spears.
“They are ready to execute missions in any environment, in areas all
over the world.”
Working with NMCB1 and serving in the U.S. Navy, Wernsing said he is
learning about himself as a leader and person.
“I’ve really sharpened my leadership and project management skills
here and down the road I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree
through the Navy to further my career,” said Wernsing.
[By Navy Office of Community
Outreach, Public Affairs]
"Why Being There Matters" - On our
planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being
there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is
uniquely positioned to be there; the world's oceans give the Navy
the power to protect America's interests anywhere, and at any time.
Your Navy protects and defends America on the world's oceans. Navy
ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands
of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the
world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when
we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday
and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our
shores, defending America at all times.
Thank you very much for your support of the men and women in U.S.
Navy, deployed around the clock and ready to protect and defend
America on the world's oceans.
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