Frazer Native Serving In the U.S. Navy, Travels The World As A Navy Seabee

Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy's Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Senior Chief Petty Officer Vangie Beston, a Frazer, native is one of those sailors.

"I joined the Navy because everyone I know went into the service," said Beston. "My dad's side are veterans, but they served with different branches, so I decided to join the Navy."

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.

Beston, a 1997 Frazer High School graduate and a 2007 graduate of University of Phoenix currently serves with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Miss.

"I would like to thank my mother, Marlene, Uncle Dougal, my shipmate, Henry Willians, and last but not least my grandmother, Florence Buck, because they pushed me to call the recruiter and join the Navy," said Beston.

In addition to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, Beston has served at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, Naval Special Warfare Logistics and Support Unit Two, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Naval Special Warfare Group 10.

According to Beston, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Frazer .

"Frazer taught me to be thankful for all I have," said Beston. "I learned to be humble and to work hard."

Serving in the Navy means Beston 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.

"We contribute to national defense by being a forward deployed show of force which helps our allies and deters our enemies," said Beston.

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."

Beston and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Beston has earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, an Army Commendation Medal and various unit and campaign awards. However, these awards are not what makes Beston most proud.

"I am most proud of watching all my mentees promote, advance and be selected for Sailor of the Quarter and Sailor of the Year," said Beston. "Their accomplishments are my proudest moments."

As Beston 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 allows me to defend our country and all aspects we stand for," added Beston. "I am protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves. We serve so that others can be home every night and not think about war."