SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonel Almagro, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, 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 |
Almagro graduated from Abraham Clark High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elizabeth.
“I learned how to have the tenacity and grit to build something from nothing,” Almagro said. "In the Navy work ethic is essential. I'm able to come into work every day with a unique perspective to be more empathetic and have more ownership of my work every day."
Almagro joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Almagro serves as a steelworker.
“I wanted to experience something out of my town,” Almagro said. "I was studying engineering at the time and the Navy provided the opportunity to finish my degree. My dad's side of the family served in the Ecuadorian military and I wanted to also serve. I wasn't sure in what capacity originally but the Navy had the most opportunities that interested me. After finishing my associate's degree, the Navy provided me the opportunity to receive work experience and be positioned to finish my degree."
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.
Almagro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is when I finished 'A' school in Fiji,” Almagro said. "Watching the completion of a project that had direct implications on the lives around me was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. We had the opportunity to add ceilings, doors, windows, electricity and plumbing for kids to have a better experience in school. The look on the kids' faces was priceless."
Almagro 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 giving back,” Almagro said. "We are able to help others on a daily basis bringing a sense of accomplishment that you couldn't experience anywhere else."
Almagro is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to think my dad,” Almagro said. "He has provided a lot of influence and guidance to allow me to be where I am today. After having a kid myself, I'm able to see from his perspective and appreciate all that he did for me. I would also like to thank my mom who built the building blocks for who I am today. They invested everything to provide me the opportunities I have today."
“I plan to finish my bachelor's degree with the Navy soon,” Almagro added. "The Navy has several educational opportunities. I plan on continuing to progress in my Naval career. It has been a very rewarding job. You make a lot of sacrifices but if you know how to manage it, you will have a very fulfilling life. The Navy has provided me the opportunity to lead by example for my siblings and son. To show them that stepping out of your comfort zone will always create opportunities will be rewarding to us all."