Petty Officer 2nd Class Liam Sheehan, whose parents, Julie and Sam Banter, live in Nashville, Indiana, is among sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force, carrying on the mission of the 82-year-old “Seabees”.
Seabees, formally known as Navy Construction Battalions, build military bases and airfields, support humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects. The Seabees’ motto is “We Build, We Fight.”
Sheehan, who joined the Navy two years ago, is a construction mechanic serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
“I joined the Navy to better prepare myself for the future while learning valuable skills, traveling and serving the country,” said Sheehan. “I wanted to learn a trade and the Navy offered the best opportunity to do that and the best quality of life.”
He said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Nashville.
“Growing up, I had many part-time jobs that taught me to never settle and to always try to work harder day after day,” said Sheehan. “Being on the cross-country team in high school taught me the importance of physical fitness, which I am thankful for now.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Sheehan has many opportunities for accomplishments during military service and said he is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my parents, Julie and Sam Banter, and my family for always sending their love and support no matter where I am,” Sheehan said.
