Operation Energize the Coast

Official Statements

• Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, November 10: “The Unit-of-Actions that undertook the Downtown Long Beach clean-up met the Mayor of Long Beach, Tim Pierce. Their primary task was to collect trash around city hall and the greater downtown area. While there, Senior Chief Wymore spoke to a local news outlet, WLOX, to spread the word about the unspoken tasks that Seabees do for their community.

  WLOX: What are we doing? CMCS Wymore: "Going around supporting the community by picking up trash." WLOX: Why are we doing it? CMCS Wymore: "It's a way for us to give back to a community that supports us. It also builds resilience and camaraderie." WLOX: How often do we do this? CMCS Wymore: "Typically we do this about once a quarter, then about once a month through various programs." WLOX: Where else do we do this? CMCS Wymore: "We do this also internally and also any communities we are a part of. We have other personnel currently at the aquarium and elementary as well." WLOX: How many do we have doing this? CMCS Wymore: "Approximately 75 at Long Beach then around 400 in various other places.

  The group that visited the Humane Society Of Southern Mississippi assumed the responsibilities of walking every dog in the shelter, cleaning out all individual crates and cages, building storage containers, making treats for all animals, and renovating the outdoor track.

  A third Unit-of-Action supported efforts at the Armed Forces Retirement Home by cleaning, pressure washing, building shelves for storage units, and relocating items from one storage area to another.

  Another group Of Seabees led volunteer efforts at Bayou Elementary School, 28th Street Elementary School, and Gulfport High School. Their projects included a cleanout of the crawfish pool, STEM classroom, and construction classroom as well as the demolition of planters in the gardens. The group at GHS also provided mentorship and information about the Navy to high school students.

  The Mississippi Aquarium also got a new look due to the volunteer effort. The Seabees assigned to this facility supported landscaping projects and organized the Aquarium's storage buildings.

  Other Seabees on NCBC set up for Fright Night, a yearly Halloween festival. Their efforts included setting up tents for haunted houses and power distribution to run the event. The MWR hosted a successful night for Sailors and their families.

  Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 is grateful to have participated in this event and looks forward to continuing Our community partnerships across the Gulf Coast.”