SAN DIEGO – Constructionman Dranreb Panesa, a native of Tazewell, Virginia, 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 |
Panesa graduated from Princeton High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tazewell.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of patience,” Panesa said. “We do a lot of waiting in the military. Another helpful thing was knowing the importance of working hard, because we work hard in the military as well.”
Panesa joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Panesa serves as an equipment operator.
“I have family members who served in the military,” Panesa said. “My grandpa was a Vietnam War veteran, my uncle is in the Air Force and my siblings’ spouses are both in the military. I picked the Navy because of the tattoo policy. The Navy is more lenient regarding tattoos. It’s the best branch.”
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.
Panesa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of finishing ‘A’ School and Expeditionary Combat School (ECS),” Panesa said. “In accomplishing ECS, I got to learn to find roadside bombs and how to save someone if they get hurt. It helps save lives.”
Panesa 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 has given me a purpose,” Panesa said. “Before I joined, I didn’t have any work. I knew it was time to do something for myself, and being in the military makes me feel like I have purpose.”
Panesa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank God for keeping me safe and healthy,” Panesa added. “I also want to thank my family for supporting me and my coworkers for helping me do my job correctly and safely.”