Request to share on our local media by Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GULFPORT, Ms. – “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Petty Officer 2nd Class Melissa Desalvo, a native of Amsterdam, Missouri, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Desalvo is serving as a Navy builder, who is responsible for
construction, including wood, concrete, masonry and roofing.
“I’m a builder for the Navy by trade, and
right now I serve as an instructor for new Seabees,” said Desalvo.
Desalvo credits success in the Navy to many of
the lessons learned growing up in Amsterdam.
“Growing up in Amsterdam, I learned about the
importance of hard work, because it can take you just about anywhere to
accomplish anything,” said Desalvo.
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. These are the kinds
of people serving here at Gulfport, the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
These are the people who provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed
around the world.
The jobs of many of today’s Seabees 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, according to Lara
Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.
For more than 75 years Seabees have served in
all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using
their construction skills to help communities around the world. They aid
following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Desalvo is playing an important part in
America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and
reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is
tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy
officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate
freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is
covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast;
and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities
and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and
partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness,
lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these
priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn
distinction in their command, community and career, Desalvo is most proud of
earning her Navy Military Training Instructor qualifications in 2018.
“I shadowed my coworkers and completed all the
required qualifications to ensure I had the knowledge needed to pass the
board,” said Desalvo. “My instructor, when I went through Seabee school,
made such a great impact on me and influenced who I have become. I’m proud to
come back and hopefully impact future Seabees in the same positive way.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of
military service for Desalvo, who has military ties with family members who
have previously served. Desalvo is honored to carry on that family
tradition.
“Both my mom and dad served in the Marine
Corps,” said Desalvo. “They had a lot of influence on my decision to join
the military. They always talked about the opportunities and the difference I
could make by joining. It makes me feel very proud to carry on their
traditions.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most
relied upon assets, Desalvo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy
that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation
needs.
“Serving in the Navy means doing something
bigger than yourself and improving the lives of so many people,” added Desalvo.
“I like the difference we make to the people and countries overseas.”
