SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Mitchell Zimmergarger, a native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Zimmergarger graduated from Lincoln Academy in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maple Grove.
“I learned growing up to be careful, to not make mistakes and to take accountability when I do,” Zimmergarger said. “The further up in rank you go, the more responsibility you have, so taking accountability goes a long way and helps you succeed.”
Zimmergarger joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Zimmergarger serves as an equipment operator.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something while I figured out what I wanted to do as a career,” Zimmergarger said. “I've been here ever since.”
ACB 1’s primary mission is to provide logistics over-the-shore support for Amphibious Ready Group, Marine Expeditionary Force and Maritime Prepositioning Force operations, including ship-to-shore transportation of combat cargo, bulk fuel/water and tactical camp operations.
With a combination of Seabee and fleet rates, ACB-1 is skilled at offloading equipment through Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) operations, as well as providing camp support, perimeter defense, and limited construction support. Fleet rates qualify as craft masters and deck engineers and are proficient in operating and maintaining INLS. Seabee rates such as builders, steelworkers, electricians, equipment operators, construction mechanics and engineering aides provide construction services. Additional deployable Seabee units include Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, Construction Battalion Maintenance Units, and Underwater Construction Teams, which all make up the U.S. Naval Construction Forces.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Zimmergarger has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer first class,” Zimmergarger said. “I am proud of that because I stayed true to myself and didn’t stick to a specific mold.”
Zimmergarger serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means proving to myself and others that there are numerous ways to succeed and that there is never just one way to do things,” Zimmergarger said.
Zimmergarger is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“The two people who have helped me the most in my career are Senior Chief Joseph Daniel and Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Hagenberger,” Zimmergarger added. “They are my biggest mentors and they helped guide me along my career. I also want to thank my mom, Pattie, for motivating me and for letting me know that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I want to thank my wife, Lillian, as well for being my rock, for always supporting me and for giving me a reason to get through every day. Lastly, I want to thank my entire family because I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”