“My Dad was in the Seabees in World War Two so as he was winding up his career...I was born...so all my life, all I knew, was the Seabees,” Master Chief Petty Officer Frank Thompson proudly shared to a Navy Memorial film crew while attending the All Seabee Reunion in Hampton Virginia. Thompson joined the United States Navy Seabees as a construction recruit. His first two weeks were spent at Camp Lejeune North Carolina with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4. Upon completion of Construction Mechanic A School he was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7. Recalling his active duty experience in NMCB 7, Thompson recalled, “I was the guy that was in charge of the detail to put the battalion on the airplanes to go to Vietnam.” At the conclusion of his first enlistment, Thompson decided to reenlist.

He had extensive service in Guantanamo Bay Cuba and participated in jobs in Rota Spain. As a reservist, he also participated as a military instructor. While in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 23, Thompson remembered his final assignment which would be a part of history.  "I was the last official, 106 Recoilless Rifle instructor. We had to train 23, 106 people, they were only due to be in the system for another year and half till they were phased out and we had to have them trained.” Thompson’s final service with the United States Navy Seabees would be Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 20.

When reflecting on his service Thompson stated, “My Dad was in and I had never thought about being anything else but a Seabee and I think he was proud because I did make it to E-9.”

Aboard the USS America, Richardson would be assigned to the V-3 Division on the hanger deck which would serve to support the air operations of the aircraft carrier. Richardson remarked, “The finest memory was my contribution personally to the activities of the ship on a day to day basis...just knowing that I was a small piece of the pie. It didn’t matter what you do on board ship, how you do it reflects on the entire operation of the ship. One can't operate without the other.  We can’t launch planes without the guys 12-13 decks below manning all of the machinery and the things relative to launching aircraft…. The most memorable moment for me is probably just being a part of 5500 guys keeping that ship afloat and securing our missions every day.” Richardson’s inspirational words on the value of teamwork and everyone serving together to reach a common goal resonated throughout his interview.

To hear the story of Petty Officer Second Class Donald W. Richardson come alive; view his detailed experience that has been digitally archived by the Navy Memorial.

The United States Navy Memorial honors Master Chief Petty Officer Frank Thompson, USNR, featured within this series titled, Stories of Service, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial.