Milan native a proud Seabee

GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittany Harkovich, a Milan, Michigan, native is one of those sailors.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel and provide humanitarian work in other countries,” said Harkovich.Eighty years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects.Harkovich, a 2013 Milan High School graduate, currently serves as a steelworker with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi.“I would like to thank my parents,” said Harkovich. “They always pushed me to do better.”According to Harkovich, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Milan.“My family taught me to be independent and not rely on anyone,” said Harkovich. “You are solely in charge of your own career at the end of the day, so you have to do what's right for yourself.”Serving in the Navy means Harkovich is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.“The Navy leads strategic planning and deterrence,” said Harkovich.With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”Harkovich and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.“I am most proud of maintaining training standards for my company to ensure they are up to date in qualifications,” said Harkovich.As Harkovich and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in continuing an 80-year legacy and serving their country in the United States Navy.“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose and pride in what I do because not everyone can serve,” added Harkovich.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Milan native a proud Seabee