Joyously Celebrating the 84th Anniversary of the Seabees on March 5, 2026

WHEREAS, The Seabees are celebrating their th Anniversary in 2026. The Seabees were created at Davisville, Rhode Island, in 1942 by United States Navy Rear Admiral Ben Morrell, Chief of the Bureau of Yards, to meet our nation's need for building and maintaining overseas bases during World War II; and

WHEREAS, More than 350,0 Seabees served their nation during World War II as members of the United States Navy construction forces. They participated in virtually every United States Theater of operations, from England, Italy and France to North Africa, China, Burma, and numerous islands throughout the vast Pacific. They built vital bases and airfields under very difficult conditions, including being bombarded by enemy ships and planes, and were killed by snipers or booby-trapped mines and bombs. They had to deal with extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and extreme heat, and often had to suffer debilitating medical conditions such as malaria; and

WHEREAS, The Seabees constructed piers, hospitals, airfields, housing, and every imaginable kind of facility. They unloaded vital food and medical supplies quickly and efficiently and saved lives every day during all of America's wars and conflicts. Thanks to the Seabees, the United States has the ability to bring the war, if necessary, into our enemy's sphere of influence; and

WHEREAS, The Seabees have served our nation with honor and valor during times of peace and war. They answered our nation's call to duty during all of its modern conflicts, from World War II and the Korean War, to Vietnam and our various engagements in the Middle East. They have earned a reputation for ingenuity, innovation, courage and for having a "can do" and "just get the job done" spirit that is renowned throughout the United States military and across the globe; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby congratulates the Seabees on the joyous celebration of their th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Rear Admiral Bradley J. Andros, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.