The Seabees' motto "We Build, We Fight," lives on today as it did in 1944 when they transformed the war-ravaged island of Guam into an advanced military center.

After the liberation of Guam on July 21, 1944, Seabees set the foundation for the island's future prosperity with projects like the Glass Breakwater in Apra Harbor, and the construction of Marine Corps Drive, the island's main road. These projects endowed the island with an advanced infrastructure.

"If you look at the work that was done in the island-hopping campaign in places like Guam, that is where our history is born," said Cmdr. Kemit Spears, commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1.

Since their arrival in July, NMCB 1 has worked on several construction projects including a water treatment facility, improvements to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 compound, and the completion of the Navy Exchange gazebo aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam. The battalion also assisted with relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor which devastated the island of Saipan in August.

"Guam is a very dynamic location for the Seabees of NMCB 1," said Ensign Abigail M. Chek, NMCB 1 Det. Guam, Delta Company commander. "The tasking and construction projects here allow the crews to expand their knowledge and further their construction management skills while maintaining their humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery capabilities."

In addition to building projects that showcase naval construction and engineering, the Seabees have built lasting bonds with the people of Guam. Most notable is the legacy and hospitality of Seabee Betty who, prior to her death, opened her home to hundreds of Seabees throughout the decades.

"My first deployment was to Guam in 1999 and [I attended] a fiesta at Seabee Betty's house and met her family," Spears recalled. "Last year I had the privilege of coming down here personally and speaking at Seabee Betty Day, showing how important she was to us and how important she is to the community of Guam. She [represents] all that is great between the community and the Navy."

Seabee Betty, whose real name was Vicenta Peredo, extended Guam's warm hospitality to Seabees as an appreciation for their hard work and service. In turn, Seabees for many years have also given back to the community by participating in various community relations projects such as cleanups and mentorship programs.

Though NMCB 1 will change charge early next year, the Seabees plan to take on additional projects with their "can do" spirit.

"The biggest Seabee tradition is just hard work in the hot sun," Spears said. "I'm really proud of the team here. They are doing a great job."

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