Bob Barnett of Oak Harbor takes particular interest in the terrorist suspects being held prisoner in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His son works there.

Chris Barnett, 25, is a petty officer third class and is one of nearly 140 Seabees tasked with construction of 320 housing units, guard towers, and buildings for supply personnel and basic medical facilities.

Chris Barnett is the chip off the ol’ block when it comes to joining the Navy. His dad, Bob, did it twice, serving his first tour of duty at NAS Whidbey in the late ‘60s. He left the Navy and later rejoined, and today is Command Master Chief, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 61.

At the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, Chris Barnett finds himself in the middle of a construction boom, not only for facilities needed by the detainees but also for quality-of-life improvements for the soldiers and Marines responsible for the security of Camp X-ray.

“We build everything that’s on the blueprints,” Barnett said in a Navy news release. Beyond his daily duties, he finds satisfaction in helping his country in a time of need. “I’m glad I was able to take part in the operation,” he said. “I joined the Navy because I take pride in defending my country.”

The Seabees arrived in Cuba in early January. Working with Marine Corps engineers, they have made a lot of progress. “The most interesting aspect of my job is being able to see such great accomplishment achieved in such a short period of time, Barnett said.

Established in 1941, Navy Seabees have a combat history all their own. More than 325,000 Seabees served in World War II building airstrips, bridges, roads, hospitals and housing. Seabees also undertake humanitarian projects around the globe, building schools, orphanages and public utilities, and providing relief in natural disasters.

Serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Barnett finds himself living up to the Seabees’ motto: “We build, we fight.”