From the sandy beaches of Midway Island during World War II to the deserts of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Seabees have built and fought around the world. The Seabee history is passed on so future generations of Americans will know the contributions and sacrifices these brave Sailors have made for their country.

Since October 1947, the men and women of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, California, have done just that-- preserve the memories and educate the public on the accomplishments of the Seabees. The museum opened a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning exhibit June 6, dedicated to educating children on not just who Seabees are but what Seabees do.

Over a six-week period, 29 Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 helped with layout, design and construction on the learning center.

"I feel honored to be able to contribute to the community and further the Seabee name," said Steel Worker 3rd Class Trent Carney, STEM construction team.
The STEM project is an interactive exhibit that will allow kids to get hands-on experience. It provides a section for each of the seven rates within the Seabees: builder, construction electrician, construction mechanic, engineering aide, equipment operator, utilitiesman and steel worker.

According to the project crew leader, Construction Electrician 2nd Class Christopher Ethington, the museum is visited by approximately 40,000 kids per year, and that is exactly who this project is intended to benefit.

"The museum has tons of displays that show you things, but nothing that allowed you to get hands-on before this project," said Ethington.

The idea of the STEM project is to provide a fun and engaging learning tool for kids to enjoy and provide awareness to those who do not know what Seabees do.

"If your husband or wife is a Seabee, and you have no idea what their job entails," says Ethington "then I highly recommend you come down and take a look."

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.public.navy.mil/necc/1ncd/Pages/NMCB4 or follow NMCB 4 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NMCB4

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/.