The logo and theme chosen in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Seabees in 2017 was unveiled at the Seabee Ball in Washington, D.C., and Norfolk, March 5.

The logo and theme were selected by a diverse panel representing the Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and the Naval Construction Force.

In December 2015, NAVFAC launched the logo and theme contest encouraging active duty, Reserve components, retirees, civilians and everyone else who supports the "Can-Do" attitude of the Seabee Force to enter the contest to show pride for the Seabees.

More than 70 different entries for both the logo and the theme were submitted to NAVFAC. Artists from around the world participated in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pay homage to the rich history and heritage of the Seabees.

In the end, a logo and theme designed by a retired Air Force master sergeant and a chief musician were selected by the panel.

Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, NAVFAC, said he was impressed by this "joint" venture.

"Our Seabees are known for their ability to operate in joint environments," said Muilenburg. "I'm thankful to the winners for their recognition of our proud Seabee history. I am glad to now have them as a part of that rich history."

"I couldn't believe it and I am still in disbelief," said Chief Musician Jeremy Bustillos, assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, who designed the winning logo.

The winner of the theme contest was in equal disbelief that his entry won.

"I am still in shock that my theme was actually selected," said retired Master Sgt. John Dibble, who served in the Air Force for 22 years. "It is an enormous honor and a privilege that my words will represent this historical event."

While designing the logo and theme respectively, Bustillos and Dibble sought creative inspiration from Seabee history and chief petty officers.

"Built on history, constructing the future was an idea that just came to me and stuck," said Dibble. "It takes cues from the Seabee spirit of building bridges and paving runways or roadways. I really admire what these Sailors have done over the years and continue to do today."

"My inspiration came from a chief who is a Seabee that had so much pride and tradition on being a Seabee and showed me a video of how the Seabees were created and I found that was inspirational in itself," said Bustillos, who added throughout his naval career and friendships with Seabees he has the utmost respect for the service they provide to our nation and our allied partners 365 days a year.

Even though the selection part is over, Bustillos is humbled that his logo was selected and looks forward to being recognized at the March 5 Seabee ball in Norfolk.

"It truly is an honor to have competed against so many talented people and to tell you the truth it still hasn't hit me yet and I am still in disbelief," said Bustillos. "Until I see it on something other than my computer screen, I will believe it."

For nearly 74 years the Seabees have repeatedly demonstrated their skills as fighters and builders and while doing so they have built and fought for freedom both in peace and in war time. The men and women of the Seabees have been engaged globally in support of every combatant command worldwide constructing bases, building airfields, roads, bridges and other support facilities, as well as below the world's oceans and waterways conducting underwater construction.

For more information about the Seabees, past and present, please visit http://www.navy.mil/local/necc or http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit http://www.navy.mil/.