By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Electa G. Berassa

GULFPORT – A 2008 Northwest High School graduate and Clarksville, Tenn., native boasts a unique distinction: that of serving in the Navy as part of a premier Navy engineer unit in the world today.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlton Gulley, a yeoman, is assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (NMCB 11), home-ported in Gulfport, Miss., and recently returned from deployment to Rota, Spain. NMCB 11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to fleet and unified commanders.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, more commonly known as the “Seabees,” are the premier military engineer units in the world today. Born out of necessity in the early days of World War II, their exploits are legendary. This legacy is carried on today by the men and women of the Naval Construction Force who build and fight. For over 70 years, the men and women of the Naval Construction Force have been deployed around the world around the clock and have defended America at all times.

Gulley and the rest of the battalion returned from their six-month deployment earlier this year, where they were in charge of providing engineering support to four combatant command areas of responsibility. While deployed, Gulley and the other Navy Seabees of NMCB 11 were responsible for executing a countless number of projects, ranging from security improvements to bases in Africa to the construction of a submarine support facility in Guam.

Gulley said it is an exciting time to be in the Navy. “I have found since joining the Navy, I am maturing very quickly. I have also gotten the opportunity to travel to a lot of places – eight countries in five years. It has been great.”

“This deployment was a huge success for the Naval Expeditionary Task Force Europe and Africa, and for us as a crew,” said Cmdr. Steve Stasick, commander of NMCB 11. “The Sailors did very well executing the mission.”

“We’ve been very pleased with the support of the Naval Station Rota community at large,” said Stasick. “It enabled us to operate in 19 countries in four COCOMS [combatant commands].”

“I feel honored and humbled when I visit countries like Thailand,” said Gulley. “I’m very grateful for everything I’ve gained and feel good about helping others who may not have the same opportunities the Navy has given to me.”

Through concentrated planning and operations, Gulley and other Seabees of NMCB 11 were able to assist the local population and add an unparalleled level of responsiveness and flexibility to our fleet and unified commanders in the area.

When it comes to protecting and defending America, being there matters, and America’s Navy Seabees are already there.