Electrical Construction and Maintenance Supervisor Tomas Todd (aka T. Todd) just celebrated 20 years with Seattle City Light. Based at the utility’s North Service Center, his role encompasses the prioritization of the Relay Unit’s projects and support to the Distribution, Transmission and Power Production electrical systems. This includes Relay testing to meet the North American Electrical Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) compliance regulations.
This week, we shine the (spot)Light on Tomas for his previous occupation: 21 years of service with the United States Navy Seabees. “They told me that the ‘Navy is not just a job, it’s an adventure’ and I wanted to see the world,” said Tomas. And see the world he did—from the tropical region of the Marianas Islands to the arid countries of South East Asia and North Africa.
Tomas still serves his community today. Involved with local causes in Edmonds, he’s spent the last 12 years on the 4th of July planning committee and serves on the Coast Guard Auxiliary. “You know what the Navy stands for? Never Again Volunteer Yourself,” he joked. “But I can’t help it. I enjoy working with others.”
Tomas diving the deep blue sea.
“Everyone thinks the Navy is ships, submarines and aircrafts, but I was in the occupational 13 field as a Constructional Electrician, responsible for the electrical power production, transmission and secondary supply. There are approximately 7,500 Seabees assigned worldwide. The Seabees was formed during WWII to provide horizontal, utility and vertical construction in times of conflicts and contingencies, something that today is ongoing in a few parts of the world. During peacetime, the Seabees provide civic action support throughout the world. Most recently, they completed building schools in Ethiopia and Honduras, as well as humanitarian assistance to several other areas.”
“The military is probably the most diverse organization. People come from all over—it’s a mix of ages, social areas, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. It exposed me to different ways of life which allowed me to understand and experience other ideas. I think the Navy was part of my success in being a people person. I like to learn about people’s ideas, thoughts and cultures, especially when it comes to food, languages and traditions.”
“I always wanted to come to Seattle. I liked the idea of everything being green—it’s the Emerald City! I also like the ocean. I’ve dived most of my life, even in the Navy. I decided to drop my anchor here because it had the best opportunities for me.”
“I try to dive a couple times a month and take advantage of being close to the Puget Sound and Canada. I also taught diving at my local dive shop and dove Alki beach often. Diving is great pastime because it allows you to explore a different environment that isn’t seen every day. It also changes with the time of year which brings different species of flora and fauna. Underwater photography is a great way to capture these dives and can be shared with others or kept as mementos. The most interesting critter I’ve encountered in these waters was a Giant Pacific Octopus.”
Tomas, we salute you for 21 years of service to our country! We also thank you for your contributions to your community, the City of Seattle and all over the Pacific Northwest.