SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Liliana Piña Ramirez, a native of Kerman, California, 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 |
Piña Ramirez graduated from Kerman High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kerman.
“I learned how to have a good work ethic,” Piña Ramirez said. "Being from a small town, there are a lot of field workers. Everyone from the town highly valued work ethic above all else. I have been able to apply this work ethic on a daily basis. The Navy requires 100% and I'm able to give it every day."
Piña Ramirez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Piña Ramirez serves as an equipment operator.
“I wanted structure in my life,” Piña Ramirez said. "While going to college, I realized I wanted something different that provided the opportunity to go professionally and personally. After looking at different opportunities in the Navy, being an equipment operator allowed me to do something that I could never do in the civilian sector as a Seabee."
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.
Piña Ramirez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is my first deployment,” Piña Ramirez said. "I was an E-2 at the time when I was able to go support a contract with civilian contractors. I received a Flag Letter of Commendation for my efforts and contributions to the mission. I was able to apply my diligence every day and the recognition of my efforts set a strong foundation on which I could build my career, such as seeing the final product of two helipads built off the coast of San Clemente island. We additionally had to build our own foundation for the helipad moving thousands of pounds of dirt every day."
Piña Ramirez 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 is being prideful every day,” Piña Ramirez said. "Especially as a Seabee, we have the opportunity to make bonds unlike any other. I have been around the world twice working with the best and for the best. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I would definitely do it again."
Piña Ramirez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mentors,” Piña Ramirez said. "My entire family has been there every step of the way. I have had hard days but they push me to be good with being uncomfortable and to go beyond my limits. My mom has been alongside me every step of the way as well as my dad. I would also like to thank my mentors who have provided essential mentorship throughout my time in the Navy."
“The Navy has provided unique experiences I wouldn't have otherwise,” Piña Ramirez added. "From seeing Tonga to spending my birthday in Fiji, I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world."