GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI – 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. Constructionman Alina Townsend, a Hutto native, is one of those sailors. Townsend is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“My mother, father and others in past generations have served in the military,” said Townsend. “They all talked highly about the military.”
Townsend graduated from Hutto High School in 2020.
“I want to thank my mom for sculpting me into the woman I am today,” said Townsend. “I also want to thank my dad for always supporting me in everything I do.”
The values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hutto.
“No matter where you come from, you can always make your mark and become a positive influence on others,” said Townsend.
Townsend currently serves as a construction electrician with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Serving in the Navy means Townsend 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 need a strong Navy to provide for our national defense,” said Townsend.
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 Admiral 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.”
Townsend has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’ve always been a reserved person, so being able to put myself out there has helped a lot with showing my abilities to the world,” said Townsend.
Townsend can take pride in continuing an 80-year legacy of service in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the military means sacrificing your own time and self-effort to better those around you,” added Townsend.
