SAN DIEGO – Seaman Wiraya Fennema, a native of Pasadena, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 operating out of San Diego, California.
Fennema graduated from International University with a master’s degree in business administration in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pasadena.
“I joined the Navy because I’ve had family who served in various branches and I learned about it from them,” Fennema said. “I knew what I was getting into because of that background.”
Fennema joined the Navy nine months ago.
“I joined the Navy because I love to travel and because I like to learn about new cultures,” Fennema said. “I also joined for the benefits like free health care.”
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.
Fennema has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of challenging myself and completing boot camp,” Fennema said. “I have also only been in America for four years and I am proud that I’ve proven I can do this job.”
Fennema 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 giving back to a country that has given me new life,” Fennema said. “America has given me a new opportunity and a new life so I want to do something for America.”
Fennema is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for showing me the path of military service and for inspiring me to join,” Fennema said. “I also want to thank Boatswain’s Mate Miranda. English is my second language and he has helped me learn a lot. I want to thank Chief Vaspol Agavatpantich, as well, for mentoring me and making my life easier.”
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Fennema graduated from International University with a master’s degree in business administration in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pasadena.
“I joined the Navy because I’ve had family who served in various branches and I learned about it from them,” Fennema said. “I knew what I was getting into because of that background.”
Fennema joined the Navy nine months ago.
“I joined the Navy because I love to travel and because I like to learn about new cultures,” Fennema said. “I also joined for the benefits like free health care.”
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.
Fennema has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of challenging myself and completing boot camp,” Fennema said. “I have also only been in America for four years and I am proud that I’ve proven I can do this job.”
Fennema 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 giving back to a country that has given me new life,” Fennema said. “America has given me a new opportunity and a new life so I want to do something for America.”
Fennema is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for showing me the path of military service and for inspiring me to join,” Fennema said. “I also want to thank Boatswain’s Mate Miranda. English is my second language and he has helped me learn a lot. I want to thank Chief Vaspol Agavatpantich, as well, for mentoring me and making my life easier.”