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NMCB 21 Seabees Commemorate 63rd Anniversary

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050330-17
Release Date: 3/30/2005 3:22:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Ron Kuzlik, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21 Public Affairs

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 21 commemorated the 63rd birthday of the Naval Construction Force March 19 with the Seabee Ball in Verona, N.Y.

More than 200 current and past members of the "Blackjack" Battalion, along with spouses and significant others, attended the dinner with Seabees from other battalions, and Army and Marine Corps personnel in attendance.

In addition to observing the anniversary of the Seabees, NMCB 21 Sailors also were celebrating their return just two weeks earlier from a successful mission in Operation Frosty Teamwork, the "Bearing Duel" field exercise at the national mobilization site aboard Camp Shelby, Miss.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Capt. William McKerall, commanding officer, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, and Commander, 20th Seabee Readiness Group.

"We gather at these types of events for fellowship and camaraderie, to laugh and remember old times and old friends as part of this family we call 'Seabees'" said McKerall. "But, we're also here to remember our heritage - where we started, what we have accomplished together and what significance our role has been in the history of the Seabees."

While it was a time to memorialize the gallant history of Seabees, it was also a time to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Who are these people?" asked NMCB 21 Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick Perfetti, master of ceremonies for the evening. "They are our fellow Seabees, friends and shipmates. Many Seabees in this room tonight have probably lost such a friend in war, or in the day-to-day tasks of military life."

Fallen Seabees were honored with a solitary table at the ball, including seven 'Bees from NMCB 14 who died in Iraq last year.