SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Jahein Valcin, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 operating out of San Diego, California.
Valcin graduated from Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pittsburgh.
“Growing up, I learned to take advantage of every opportunity to talk about myself because not everyone gets the chance to be heard,” Valcin said. “In the Navy, what I have learned is that if you don’t speak up for your career and advocate for yourself, no one else will. I also learned that if you aren’t working to get your foot in the door, then no one is going to help you.”
Valcin joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Valcin serves as an engineering aide.
“I joined the Navy because I was waitlisted for college and I wanted to explore the world outside of Pittsburgh,” Valcin said. “I also wanted to take advantage of the Navy paying for my college.”
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.
Valcin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is jumping off a 10-foot diving board because I am scared of heights and can’t swim,” Valcin said. “I am proud of that because I needed to pass the swim test in boot camp to be able to start my career.”
Valcin 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 speaking for people who are not outspoken,” Valcin said. “Throughout my two years, I have been able to help other sailors and advocate for others. Serving means doing my duty to provide for others.”
Valcin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Roseline,” Valcin added. “Although she is in Haiti, she is my biggest motivator. She always encourages me to keep going through obstacles. I failed my first exam in ‘A’ School and was set back. However, she told me that just because I failed this time, doesn’t mean I was going to fail next time. She may not physically be with me, but she is always giving me encouragement I couldn’t find within myself. I also want to thank my sister, Shamma, for always being a listening ear and someone I can talk to.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Valcin graduated from Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pittsburgh.
“Growing up, I learned to take advantage of every opportunity to talk about myself because not everyone gets the chance to be heard,” Valcin said. “In the Navy, what I have learned is that if you don’t speak up for your career and advocate for yourself, no one else will. I also learned that if you aren’t working to get your foot in the door, then no one is going to help you.”
Valcin joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Valcin serves as an engineering aide.
“I joined the Navy because I was waitlisted for college and I wanted to explore the world outside of Pittsburgh,” Valcin said. “I also wanted to take advantage of the Navy paying for my college.”
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.
Valcin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is jumping off a 10-foot diving board because I am scared of heights and can’t swim,” Valcin said. “I am proud of that because I needed to pass the swim test in boot camp to be able to start my career.”
Valcin 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 speaking for people who are not outspoken,” Valcin said. “Throughout my two years, I have been able to help other sailors and advocate for others. Serving means doing my duty to provide for others.”
Valcin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Roseline,” Valcin added. “Although she is in Haiti, she is my biggest motivator. She always encourages me to keep going through obstacles. I failed my first exam in ‘A’ School and was set back. However, she told me that just because I failed this time, doesn’t mean I was going to fail next time. She may not physically be with me, but she is always giving me encouragement I couldn’t find within myself. I also want to thank my sister, Shamma, for always being a listening ear and someone I can talk to.”