SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Stenger, a native of Cheviot, Ohio, 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 Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Stenger graduated from La Salle High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cheviot.
“My discipline definitely carried over into the military,” Stenger said. "In the Navy, you have a lot of "ups and downs" like any career. I was able to persevere through the difficult times with the grit and discipline I had developed in my youth."
Stenger joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Stenger serves as an equipment operator.
“I needed a change of pace in my life,” Stenger said. "I wanted to establish myself and set myself up for success. My family has been in construction their whole lives which drew me to the profession I have in the Navy now. I chose the Navy because of several family members who served back in their day."
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.
Stenger has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was being attached to a funeral detail,” Stenger said. "I had the opportunity to conduct a lot of ceremonies for veterans. To pay respect to their service in the capacity I did was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Stenger 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 sacrifice,” Stenger said. "In the Navy, you are away from your friends and family. The Navy provides your own path to pursue opportunities that I wouldn't have anywhere else."
Stenger is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for putting up with me for 21 years,” Stenger said. "They provided the foundation for me to succeed at the level I am today."
“For those who are thinking about joining, regardless of branch, I have to say just do it," Stenger added. "You will definitely gain more benefits here than you will anywhere else. Regardless of length of service, the benefits will always supersede the cost."