A bipartisan, bicameral resolution recently offered by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) would recognize the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the United States Naval Construction Force, more commonly known as the Seabees.
“The Seabees are an integral part of Mississippi’s military history and Gulfport’s community,” Sen. Wicker said on Tuesday. “They have often put themselves into dire situations, whether assisting with natural disaster recovery or humanitarian missions across the globe. Our country and world are better off because of them.”
Sen. Wicker on April 18 signed on as a cosponsor of Senate Resolution 650 alongside resolution sponsor U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). U.S. Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Julia Brownley (D-CA) on the same day introduced the identical House Resolution 1158 in their chamber.
If enacted, the resolution would recognize that the Seabees have served as goodwill ambassadors across the globe, performing humanitarian and civic action projects to improve access to sanitation, drinking water, and utilities; build schools, hospitals, and roads; and provide emergency relief in the aftermath of major disasters, according to the text of the proposal.
It also would recognize that the Seabees have helped to build both critical infrastructure and valued friendships around the world “with courage, creativity, and a can-do attitude,” the text says.
Under the resolution, Congress would acknowledge and express thanks for the thousands of Seabees members who have protected the United States, improved the lives of countless people in America and around the world, and honor the courage and sacrifices of the Seabees who have perished in defense of the nation, the text states.
Both resolutions have been referred for consideration to the Armed Services committees in their respective chambers.