Special thanks to the always amazing Popular Science for this!
The U.S. Naval Construction Battalions (aka: the Seabees) build all sorts of military constructions projects for the U.S. Navy.
*Fun Fact*
Detroit’s Selfridge has one of the best Seabees units in the U.S. Naval Reserve!
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, was awarded the Rear Adm. John R. Perry Award as the most outstanding naval construction battalion in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
A sailor welds two pieces of metal together in a training pool.
U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Charles E. White
From salvaging wrecks to building aquatic infrastructure, master divers like Chief Warrant Officer James Emerson handle some of the U.S. Navy’s most complex subaqueous projects—because if something is tricky on dry land, it can be diabolical in the drink.
Emerson is in charge of turning Seabees (the name comes from the abbreviation for “Construction Battalion”) into underwater experts. Out of 160 Seabee divers, only 2 to 4 percent will ultimately earn the title of “master.”
STEP 1: JOIN THE SEABEES
Enlisted sailors learn construction and demolition, without the added pressure of doing it underwater.
STEP 2: BECOME A SEABEE DIVER
Now to perform those same tasks in scuba gear. Lessons include hydraulic cutting and welding—and avoiding electrocution.
STEP 3: LEARN ON THE JOB
One of Emerson’s first tasks was to cut up a ruined Virginia pier in “some of the coldest, darkest water you can imagine.”
STEP 4: GO BACK TO DIVE SCHOOL
Five or more years later, Seabee divers can try for First Class level, learning project management and how to treat injuries.
STEP 5: TEST FOR MASTER DIVER
After 12 to 20 years, a written test, and rigorous dive simulations in the Gulf of Mexico, you’re certified as one of the Navy’s best.
Seabees
http://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/Pages/default.aspx
Learn more
https://www.navy.com/careers/engineering-applied-science/construction#ft-key-responsibilities
