Levittown Native Serving With Navy Seabees In Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt, Navy Office of Community Outreach

“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees”, for the past 75 years.

Today, Levitttown, native and 2012 Bucks County Technical High School graduate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Cumberland, builds and fights with the Navy in Guam and around the world as a member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, based out of Gulfport, Mississippi.

Cumberland works as an equipment operator who is responsible for operating cargo trucks, cranes and a variety of other construction equipment.

“My cousin was a big influence on my enlistment into the Navy,” said Cumberland. “He is currently serving in the Marine Corps, but he enlisted when I was in 7th grade and I saw how well the military benefitted him, which gave me the idea to join.”

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.

For the past 75 years, Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Seabees around the world are taking part in a yearlong celebration to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary this year. The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”

Today, Seabees continue their innovative traditions, ensuring they always meet fast-paced challenges, according to Cumberland.

“I am immensely proud of the Seabees in Guam with me and their ability to make the right decisions with full investment to ensure mission success,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Mattivi, officer in charge for Pacific Command Seabee Response for the Oceania Region. “They amaze me every day with the skills they bring to the fight and by what they can accomplish. I am very blessed to have the next six months with them here in Guam.”

Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Cumberland to continue learning about himself and the legacy he wants to leave to future Seabees.

“I would say the Navy has matured me at lot faster than the people back home would have,” added Cumberland. “It’s given me a better direction in life and if I were to get out it’s given me a good direction of a path I could take.”