PORT HUENEME, Calif. - “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than seven decades. The Navy Seabees are an elite group of personnel trained in both combat and the craft skills of the construction industry.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Merle Burger, a native of Albrightsville, plays a key role in supporting those who build and fight around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.

Burger, a Navy electronics technician, is responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance on communications equipment and training and equipping different battalions with mission-essential gear for deployments.

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, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.

“I learned a lot about what they call ‘green gear,’ which is mostly mobile communication systems,” Burger said. “It’s broadening my trade skills in the equipment that I work with.”

Seabees have served in all American conflicts for nearly 80 years. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Burger is a 2014 Jim Thorpe Area High School graduate. Burger said the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Albrightsville.

“Growing up with my father and mother who both served in the military, I learned a great sense of discipline and respect for others,” Burger said. “This made my transition into the Navy lifestyle easier than most.”

Port Hueneme is the West Coast homeport of the Navy’s Seabees. It’s one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines in construction trades and military skills for Department of Defense operating forces to accomplish contingency and peacetime construction, chemical, biological and radiological operations, and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.

According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Burger is most proud of receiving his first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

“My first NAM showed me that what I was doing was appreciated by my leadership,” Burger said. “I was working with navigation and ship steering systems and managed to repair critical component failure along with repairing some remote stations for navigation data.”

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

“My grandfather on my father’s side served in the Navy and my father, mother, and uncle, Jesus, all served in the Marine Corps,” Burger said. “My twin brother is currently serving in the Navy, my brother-in-law served in the Army and my stepbrother is currently in the Army. It’s an honor to not only continue the tradition but to know that I am serving a great cause just as they did, is both rewarding and fulfilling.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Burger, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“It’s an honor to serve with the Seabees because of their history and it definitely broadens my horizons in regards to Naval tradition,” Burger said.