Navy civil engineers celebrate 145 years

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Established after the Civil War in 1867, the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) celebrated its 145th anniversary March 2. The CEC is made up of uniformed engineers and architects stationed around the globe, responsible for executing and managing the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Navy and Marine Corps shore facilities. Ports, piers, warehouses, shipyards, airfields, and other facilities are delivered through their leadership and personal efforts.

"I am proud of the contributions our engineers are making in war and in peace in support of our warfighters," said Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Commander and Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey. "Not only are CEC officers leading Seabees into combat, but they also are building and maintaining the infrastructure the Navy needs to train, deploy, and take care of our families."

NAVFAC was established as the Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks when one line officer and six civilian employees were assigned to administer public works to the Navy’s seven shipyards located on the east coast of the United States. Today, 1,300 CEC officers are hard at work at NAVFAC commands worldwide strengthening the capabilities of their supported commanders, leading Seabee units, and serving as individual augmentees in a variety of assignments in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

In a recent All Corps message, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos said that Marines take great pride in recognizing the heritage and long-standing service of the Civil Engineer Corps and Seabees.

"Naval engineers and Seabees have worked tirelessly to improve Marine Corps infrastructure, provide quality facilities and support our Marines, Sailors and families, as well as fight alongside Marines in every conflict our nation has known."

"At every Navy base around the world, our civil engineers – and the NAVFAC professionals they lead – are on the job, around the clock, supporting the world’s greatest Navy," said Mossey.