Rushville native builds on Seabees’ 82-year legacy

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

GULFPORT, Miss. – Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 2nd Class Liam Sheehan, a native of Rushville, Indiana, is one of those sailors.

Eighty-two years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects. The Seabees’ motto is “We Build, We Fight.”

Sheehan is a construction mechanic currently 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.

Sheehan graduated from Franklin Community High School in 2020. Sheehan joined the Navy two years ago.

“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.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rushville.

“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 serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Sheehan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning petty officer second class quickly and being able to care for those around me and under me,” said Sheehan. “That was my one goal for the Navy, just to make petty officer second class. I scored really high on the test. I have more responsibility now and I’m able to help the people around me.”

Sheehan can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means I have many opportunities available to me while feeling a sense of pride and purpose in my work,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan 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,” said Sheehan.


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