SAN DIEGO – Constructionman Joshua Kindred, a native of Benton Harbor, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 operating out of San Diego, California.
Kindred graduated from Countryside Academy in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Benton Harbor.
“I learned growing up the importance of being at the right place at the right time,” Kindred said. “In the Navy, you have to show up on time and be ready because people rely on you.”
Kindred joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Kindred serves as a utilitiesman.
“I joined the Navy because I didn’t want to go to college,” Kindred said. “I also wanted to get my hands dirty and be a part of the Seabees.”
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.
Kindred has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of helping another sailor in ‘A’ School get help for their suicidal thoughts,” Kindred said. “I am proud of that because I made a difference and prevented him from taking his own life. He is doing well now.”
Kindred serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being in the Navy means serving my country with the highest honor,” Kindred said.
Kindred is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife because she stayed with me throughout boot camp, ‘A’ School, training and has helped me get through the tough moments,” Kindred added.