Zelie native proud of Navy job
GULFPORT, Miss. – “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.
Lt. j.g. Sarah Fyda, a 2011 Quigley Catholic High School graduate and native of Zelienople, builds and fights around the world as a member of the naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Miss.
Fyda is serving as a Navy company commander, responsible for leading the builders and steelworkers who do the vertical construction projects, such as tank pivot pads, timber towers and bunkers.
Fyda credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Zelienople.
“I grew up in a small town, so I learned the importance of humility,” said Fyda.
Building in harsh environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination.
These are the kinds of people serving at Gulfport, the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. These are the people who provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
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.
Fyda 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 Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Fyda is most proud of the current job she has as a company commander.
“What makes me most proud are the Seabees I serve with,” said Fyda.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Fyda, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Fyda is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad was in the Navy,” said Fyda. “He retired as a commander. He retired before I was born, so I didn't grow up in the military, but I'm very much like my dad. We have similar traits. It wasn't planned, and he definitely didn't push me into the service, but in the end it's not surprising that I wound up in the military.”
Fyda and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The loyalty and morale of my Seabees is contagious and motivates me to want to do a great job,” said Fyda. “It's an honor to give back to my country, protecting my family and showing appreciation for what I grew up with.”
