R 281517Z FEB 18
ALMAR 007/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/176TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND, 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS AND 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION FORCES//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of a grateful Marine Corps, congratulations as you commemorate your respective anniversaries.  Marines are thankful for your time-honored legacy of service to our country's Naval Forces.  Navy Civil Engineers and Seabees have labored hard to improve Marine Corps' combat effectiveness through facilities improvements, while simultaneously building and fighting alongside Marines in combat.
2.  Since its founding in 1842 as the Bureau of Naval Yards and Docks, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) has enjoyed a proud heritage, providing our Navy and Marine Corps team with exceptional installations support.  Bolstered by the creation of the Civil Engineer Corps in 1867, NAVFAC has continuously provided superior technical expertise and facilities engineering service.  NAVFAC supports the Marine Corps around the globe with every aspect of infrastructure management, including new construction, facility maintenance and repairs, real estate actions, environmental compliance and planning, family housing, utilities, and energy resiliency.  This critical infrastructure has dramatically improved Marine Corps readiness and the quality of life for Marines, Sailors and their families.
3.  The legendary Seabees continue to build upon their legacy as integrated force multipliers for the Navy and Marine Corps team.  Fifty years ago during the bitter struggle of the Tet offensive in February of 1968, Seabees built and fought in direct support of theMarine Corps.  While the battle for Hue raged at fever pitch, Seabees from Phu Bai were summoned to rebuild and repair two vitally needed concrete bridges.  When enemy snipers drove the Seabees from their work, they organized their own combat teams which silenced the snipers and let them complete their important task.  Seabees have been running to the sound of the guns alongside Marines for 76 years, further strengthening our longstanding bonds on battlefields around the globe since 9/11.  Today, Seabees are providing vital support to our Marines in Afghanistan and forward deployed locations around the globe.
4.  While celebrating your renowned accomplishments and can do spirit, we pause to reflect upon the many Navy Civil engineers and Seabees who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.  Marines everywhere salute your courage, dedication, and unshakable resolve to provide the utmost in construction and engineering support.
5.  Congratulations and Semper Fidelis.  Robert B. Neller, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps//