Delmont native works as Navy SeaBee electrician

With two generations of military men in his family, Derek Hughes of Delmont felt a strong duty to make a contribution of his own as the third.

“My grandfather served in the Marine Corps as an infantryman during the Korean War and my uncle served in the Navy in the aviation community,” Hughes said. “I felt like joining the Navy was something that I just had to do and serve and defend my country just as they did.”

Hughes serves as a construction electrician with the Navy Seabees at Port Hueneme, Calif., responsible for electrical equipment and construction projects for his battalion.

“I enjoy the camaraderie amongst my fellow Seabees,” said Hughes, a 2017 graduate of Greensburg Salem High School. “It’s a tight-knit family atmosphere; we take care of one another.”

Port Hueneme is the West Coast home port of the Navy’s Seabees, one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airman, 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.

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.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Hughes said he is most proud of receiving a flag letter of commendation from an admiral for his participation in humanitarian relief efforts for the communities affected by the 2018 Tinian typhoon.

“This was my very first award in the Navy that I received and this gave me a sense of pride because it was a testament of all the hard work and sacrifice that I put in during these relief efforts,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Delmont.

“I learned a work ethic from my father who was a carpenter,” Hughes said. “Coming from a military family, I learned self-discipline that made my transition into the Navy easier than others.” He said it means a lot to be part of the Seabees’ rich tradition.

“It’s an honor to be part of a special family,” he said.