Heather Deviney speaks with George Alger about the Navy Seabee Foundation.
The US Navy Seabees (Construction Battalions) were established during World War II when the Navy required personnel who could both construct vital infrastructure and engage in combat.
Originating in Port Hueneme, California, the Seabees adopted the motto “We Build, We Fight.” They were instrumental in building and defending critical facilities, such as Pacific runways, because civilian defense contractors were not permitted to carry arms.
Three-Part Mission of the Navy Seabee Foundation
The Navy Seabee Foundation operates around three primary pillars:
- Education: Supporting members and their families academically.
- History & Heritage: Preserving Seabee legacy, primarily through dedicated military museums.
- Seabee Support: Assisting active battalions, veteran networks, and Seabee families.
Scholarship Opportunities
The foundation’s scholarship program originated in the early 1970s following the construction of the Seabee Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery, using surplus funds from the memorial project. Today, the program awards over $850,000 annually. These four-year scholarships benefit the children and grandchildren of Civil Engineer Corps officers and Seabees, supporting education at colleges, universities, and trade or technical schools.
Supporting Active Battalions & Families
The foundation directly aids Seabee Readiness Family Groups with grants for homecoming events, sign-making supplies, welcome-home refreshments, and base maintenance projects like restoring Seabee statues. The organization continuously surveys leadership to expand its support for active personnel.
Fundraising and Community Events
Funding is raised through various nationwide events, including:
- Annual Golf Tournaments: Held in regions such as the Gulf Coast, Washington D.C., San Diego, and Virginia Beach.
- “OctoBEEfests”: Gatherings held globally (including at local establishments like Poseidon Brewery) where veterans, families, and supporters connect, share stories, and donate.
- Commemorative Brick Program: Allows supporters to purchase engraved bricks laid outside the US Navy Seabee Museum.
The US Navy Seabee Museum
Located right outside the naval base in Port Hueneme, California, the US Navy Seabee Museum is the second-oldest museum in the Navy History and Heritage Command. The state-of-the-art facility is free to the public and accessible without base entry credentials. It offers interactive displays, children’s play areas, history on the Civil Engineer Corps and Seabee divers, and special exhibits like the “America 250” exhibit.
TV broadcast week beginning 08/09/26
Producer: George Alger
Sponsor: NONPROFIT FIRE, Google Ad Grants Community Building NonProfitFire.org
Sponsor: SKYWORKS MARKETING, Performance Advertising SkyworksMarketing.com