Captain Constance Solina is the first woman to lead the Seabees naval construction group

“We Build. We Fight.” That’s the motto of the Seabees, the construction team that crafts the U.S. Navy’s infrastructure from the ground up, literally paving the way to victory. The Naval Construction Group Two (NCG 2) mans, trains, equips and operationally employs the Atlantic Fleet’s naval construction forces.

On July 7 during a ceremony in Gulfport, Mississippi, Capt. Constance (Danner) Solina (BSCE '00) assumed command of NCG 2. She is the first woman to serve as the commodore of a naval construction group.

“I am humbled, privileged and honored to assume command of NCG 2,” Solina said. “There have been a lot of great leaders ahead of me who paved the way.”

Solina seemed destined for a career in the Navy before she ever stepped foot on Purdue’s campus. Her grandfather served in the Navy during World War II and her father joined the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Her family’s Old Gold and Black legacy — her grandfather, aunt and both of her parents graduated from Purdue — combined with the strong reputation of the Lyles School of Civil Engineering set her on the path to becoming a Boilermaker. Working on water systems projects with the Fairfax County Water Authority while in high school led to an interest in the environment and water resources that she cultivated at Purdue.

“I was part of a senior design project working with Professor Larry Nies where we proposed an economic solution for treating recouped water from an acid mine,” Solina said.

Her team won the WERC Environmental Design Contest, a national competition hosted by New Mexico State University. Nies, professor of civil engineering and environmental and ecological engineering, recalls Solina exemplifying exceptional leadership skills as a student.

“Constance possesses numerous personal traits that significantly contribute to her leadership ability,” Nies said. “She sees what needs to be accomplished and steps into the void to meet the needs. She projects confidence and delivers on her commitments. She set a great example of professionalism for the team.”

Solina attended Purdue on an ROTC scholarship and after graduating with her bachelor’s in civil engineering with an emphasis on environmental engineering, she was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. In 2006, she earned her master’s degree in environmental and water resource engineering from the University of Texas. Throughout her career in the Navy, Solina has relied on the foundational education she received as an undergraduate.

“Engineering teaches you problem-solving techniques, and military life is all about problem-solving,” she said. “Engineers have the critical thinking skills to not only foresee problems but also to provide solutions. The rigorous coursework taught me how to manage stress in the right way, which is essential when you’re relied upon to make leadership decisions in high-stakes situations.”

Solina will serve in her command post for two years. She’s one of seven women out of 78 captains on active duty in the Civil Engineer Corps. As commander of NCG 2, she wants to create a positive command climate ensuring the Seabees are structured and prepared to meet the demands of the national defense strategy.

“I’ve never had a bad day in the Navy,” Solina said. “Every assignment comes with its own challenges, but I’ve always been able to make a positive influence. If I can be an inspiration to others, that’s great. It’s difficult to raise a family while pursuing a professional career in the military, but it can be done.

“I have four rules for my kids at home — respect, responsibility, accountability and integrity. Those are the guiding principles stated in my commander’s intent, too. Take care of yourself, your family and each other. Stay safe and enjoy what you’re doing.”