Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Construction man Recruit Cory Lulai, from Faleniu, American Samoa, is one of those sailors.
Lulai is currently serving with Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Lulai graduated from Samoana High School in 2023 and joined the Navy five months ago.
“I joined the Navy because it was my dream when I was a kid to join the military,” said Lulai. “I’m the first person in my family to join the Navy.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Faleniu.
“The reason I chose my rate was because I grew up helping my dad, Roni, and grandad, Lo’i, doing construction,” said Lulai. “My grandfather was a construction man back home, so I already had some experience for this job.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lulai serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lulai has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that I graduated from boot camp and that I’ll finish ‘A’ school this Friday,” said Lulai.
Lulai was naturalized as an American citizen during boot camp,” he said “Serving in the Navy means I’m serving my country and helping people.”
He thanked his parents, Inosia and Roni,”. He said, “I told my parents about my dream to join the military when I started high school, and when I finished school they pushed me to join. They wanted me to join for a better future for myself. I also want to thank my uncle, Junior. He served in the Army and inspired me. He wanted me to join the military.”
