Osceola Native Serves with Seabees in U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper carries on family legacy of service as a construction mechanic in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A detailed, photorealistic painting of a Seabee construction vehicle or piece of equipment, such as a bulldozer or crane, bathed in warm, golden sunlight and casting long shadows across a quiet, urban landscape.The steadfast dedication of Seabee personnel like Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper helps power the U.S. Navy's global construction and disaster relief efforts.Osceola Today

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper, a native of Osceola, Arkansas, serves in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee construction mechanic at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Hopper, who graduated from Osceola High School in 1989 and earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University in 1994, has carried on his family's legacy of Navy service, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who served during World War II and his father who served during the Vietnam War.

Why it matters

Hopper's story highlights the important role that Seabees play in the U.S. Navy, providing construction support and disaster relief around the world. As the Navy celebrates 250 years of service to the nation, Hopper's dedication to his work and his family's tradition of military service exemplify the values and skills that the Navy seeks to cultivate in its personnel.

The details

As a Seabee construction mechanic, Hopper is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and machinery used in the construction projects undertaken by the Navy's construction forces. Hopper credits the work ethic and dedication he learned growing up in Osceola as key to his success in the Navy, which he joined 19 years ago. Hopper says that serving in the Navy is the 'least I can do for the country that has done so much for me'.

  • Hopper graduated from Osceola High School in 1989.
  • Hopper earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University in 1994.
  • Hopper joined the Navy 19 years ago.

The players

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper

A native of Osceola, Arkansas, who serves as a Seabee construction mechanic in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Hopper's Grandfather

Served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Essex, earning 13 battle stars.

Hopper's Father

Served during the Vietnam War.

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What they’re saying

“My work ethics and dedication. It taught me to be part of something that's bigger than myself. It gave me the 'never quit' attitude. I will do my best and give it my best.”

— Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper, U.S. Navy Seabee

“Joining the Navy is the least I can do for the country that has done so much for me. My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Essex. He earned 13 battle stars. Both his sons served during the Vietnam War.”

— Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper, U.S. Navy Seabee

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being able to serve at the leisure of the president of the United States and the pleasure of the great citizens of this country. There's no medal that can be pinned on my chest that could be a bigger accomplishment than that.”

— Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper, U.S. Navy Seabee

“I would like to thank my wife, Renee. She's been my biggest support. We've been married for 21 years, and she's always supported me. She's been there with me every step of the way. She moved 10 times while I'm in the Navy, sometimes all by herself, and she's always happy to be there. I would also like to thank my grandchildren, Zachary, Tristan, Payton and Emilee, and my daughter, Hannah. They all supported me and did all the deployments too. They are a great family. I couldn't ask for a better family.”

— Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper, U.S. Navy Seabee

What’s next

The Navy will continue to highlight the contributions of Seabees like Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Hopper as it commemorates 250 years of service to the nation in 2026.

The takeaway

Hopper's story exemplifies the values and skills that the U.S. Navy seeks to cultivate in its personnel, including a strong work ethic, dedication to service, and a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself. His family's legacy of Navy service also underscores the important role that the military plays in many American communities.