SAN DIEGO – Capt. Andrew Litteral, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy as the commanding officer of 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 |
Litteral’s journey to the Navy began in Ohio, where he graduated from Calvary Christian School in 1995. From there he would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cedarville University in 1999. His passion for learning didn’t stop there, as he later earned a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a Master of Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Growing up in Cincinnati, he learned the importance of listening to those with experience—something that has shaped his leadership style in the Navy.
“People come from different backgrounds and have different attributes,” Litteral said. “Every sailor has something to add and contribute to the team. Every sailor has a unique perspective. My dad always told me to listen to my chiefs and the people who have been doing the job. He learned that lesson himself as a parachute rigger from 1962 to 1966. At first, we never really talked about the Navy, but over time, we found ourselves having more conversations about it. That connection has served me well in my role today.”
Litteral joined the Navy 25 years ago. Today, Litteral serves as a Seabee. His original plan wasn’t to make a career in the Navy. He joined in 1999 through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program, intending to take advantage of educational opportunities, but over time, his perspective shifted.
“I originally joined the Navy to help pay off school,” Litteral said. “I intended to leverage the Navy for education opportunities. During my service, however, I didn’t feel fulfilled compared to what others had done. But after spending a day in the civilian sector, I realized the leadership opportunities in the Navy are unparalleled. The Civil Engineer Corps allowed me to jump in and lead sailors right away.”
That decision led him to an extensive career spanning multiple continents, where he took on leadership roles that shaped Navy infrastructure and logistics.
“I was sent to the very command I am in charge of today in 2004," Litteral said. "I had the opportunity to work in public works on installations and deploy to Afghanistan for an individual augmented assignment. It was challenging but rewarding. After that tour, I went to graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, which helped me realize I had more skills I could apply to the Seabees. I then went to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic and had a successful tour before deploying to Afghanistan again with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11. That’s when I realized how fulfilling this work was for me."
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.
For Litteral, his career has come full circle. Taking command of ACB-1 is something he considers one of his greatest achievements.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is coming to take command here," Litteral added. "From a career perspective, this is what I am most proud of. We are the only amphibious construction battalion left, and it is a very relevant command for the future. To lead this command alone and unafraid is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Litteral serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Beyond his leadership responsibilities, Litteral values the sense of purpose and community that Navy service provides.
“It has given me a sense of purpose," Litteral said. "I don’t come to work every day to increase a profit margin or develop a widget. I am here to develop future leaders to defend freedom tomorrow, and I am charged with leading freedom today. Secondly, it provides a sense of community. We are the only one of our kind in the country. This select few makes us very close. There are a lot of difficulties that come with service, but the Navy provides resources and a strong support network.”
His commitment to service is also something that’s becoming a family tradition.
“My nephew recently enlisted in the Seabees as a Navy builder and will be reporting to Port Hueneme, California," Litteral said. "He will be carrying forward the new family tradition of being a Seabee. It has been very rewarding to see him pursue that opportunity.”
Reflecting on his journey, Litteral is especially grateful to his family for standing by him through the challenges of military life.
“I would like to thank my wife, Angela, and my children, Audrey, Austin, and Annabelle, first and foremost, for all their support over the years," Litteral added. "My mom has always supported me and understood why I chose this crazy lifestyle, despite the extra burdens it brings. Her support and pride in what I do have motivated me every day.”