Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation become Navy Seabee Foundation

Release from the Navy Seabee Foundation 

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On December 2, 2023, the boards of the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation signed an agreement to merge the two organizations and become the Navy Seabee Foundation. The agreement will take effect on December 31, 2023. This was the culmination of nearly two years of research, discussion and negotiations. 

The purpose of the Navy Seabee Foundation is the preservation and protection of the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy Seabees and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps; the awarding of scholarships to deserving family members of Seabees, CEC Officers, and all who served with the Naval Construction force; supporting the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, monuments, memorials, and other heritage sites dedicated to the U.S. Navy Seabees; and supporting current and former members of the Seabee/CEC Community and their families. 

The board of directors of the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and the board of trustees of the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation will merge to lead the Navy Seabee Foundation. RADM Kevin Slates, CEC, USN, Ret., and RDML Lou Cariello, CEC, USN, Ret., will serve as chair and vice chair respectively and the new position of Vice Chair, Senior Enlisted Leader will be filled by CMDCM Doug Heiner, USN, Ret. Dan Miller, currently Executive Director of both organizations will continue as Executive Director. The Navy Seabee Foundation will be headquartered in Springfield, Virginia and have an office at the Seabee Heritage Center in Gulfport Mississippi. 

From Kevin Slates, “I am thrilled about the combination of the Seabee Historical Foundation and the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association into a single Seabee nonprofit, and the opportunities it will bring to allow us to better support Seabees and their families. It’s long overdue and a huge milestone for all Seabees (past, present, and future).” 

From Lou Cariello, “This is a watershed moment in the history of non-profit organizations serving Navy Seabees. The merger of the Seabee Historical Foundation with the former Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (now Navy Seabee Foundation) represents a golden opportunity to further unify all former and current Seabees and enhance the pride that we have, and future generations will have, for our wonderful Seabee community.” 

From Doug Heiner “This merger is very exciting because we are streamlining our operations to expand our capabilities and strengthens our commitment to serving Seabees and their families now and into the future.” 

From Dan Miller, “I look forward to continuing the events and activities around the country that bring Seabees and Seabee supporters together. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for the Navy Seabee Foundation.” 

For additional information contact Dan Miller at [email protected] or 859-327-1830.