Rockledge Native Jonathan Waters Exemplifies ‘We Build, We Fight’ Legacy of U.S. Navy Seabees

By  //  July 4, 2019

Waters is serving as a Navy hospital corpsman

“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Waters, a 2002 Rockledge High School graduate and native of Rockledge, Florida, builds and fights around the world as a member of Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, located in Little Creek, Virginia. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting)

VIRGINIA BEACH Va. – “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Waters, a 2002 Rockledge High School graduate and native of Rockledge, Florida, builds and fights around the world as a member of Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, located in Little Creek, Virginia.

Waters is serving as a Navy hospital corpsman, who is responsible for the medical needs of the unit.

“I am like a self-sufficient medical department because I am the only medical professional in the command,” he said. “I do all the medical administration, treatment diagnosis while also planning medical training.”

Waters credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Rockledge.

“I used to be a police officer and EMT before I joined, so the transition into the Navy was pretty easy as a corpsman with the Seabees,” said Waters.

The mission of CBMU-202 is to provide contingency public works support at existing Navy main operating bases and forward operating bases as well as erection and operational support to Navy expeditionary medical facilities.

They also provide disaster recovery support to Navy regional commanders throughout the United States and around the world.

Merritt Island Native Lt. Chris Reilly Trains the Next Generation U.S. Naval Aviation WarfightersRelated Story:
Merritt Island Native Lt. Chris Reilly Trains the Next Generation U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters

“It’s an honor to lead this group of ‘Can Do’ Seabees,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Mazur, commanding officer, CBMU-202. “I’m inspired by the professionalism and dedication they exhibit every day and know they stand ready to answer the call.”

The jobs of many of today’s Seabees 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 more than 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. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Waters is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans.

More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Three New Army 2nd Lieutenants Presented Commissioning Sets During Florida Tech ROTC CeremonyRelated Story:
Three New Army 2nd Lieutenants Presented Commissioning Sets During Florida Tech ROTC Ceremony

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career. Waters is most proud of earning honor graduate for his hospital corpsman ‘A’ school class.

“I was able to test out early from some classes and taught other junior sailors the skills I’ve learned, which helped me learn even more,” said Waters.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Waters, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Waters is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“I have four family members who served including my dad,” said Waters. “He was also a hospital corpsman, and his career definitely influenced me to join.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Waters and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means service at another level to my country, community and family,” added Waters.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Commander Born at Sea After Parents Fled Vietnam Pays it Forward Through ServiceRelated Story:
U.S. Air Force Reserve Commander Born at Sea After Parents Fled Vietnam Pays it Forward Through Service

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS