SAN DIEGO – Constructionman Recruit Nathanael Frederick, a native of Long Island, New York, 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 |
Frederick graduated from Saint Augustine Community College in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Long Island.
“My hometown taught me how to appreciate the smallest of gestures of life and how to take advantage of every opportunity,” Frederick said. "For all of my friends keep your head up and never give up. There are a lot of opportunities out there that you may miss. You don't want to stay stagnant. The best way to go is beyond what you ever expect. Look beyond what's in front of you and pursue your goals. It can get rough at times, but I would say our hometown has taught us how to persevere through anything. The Navy is a challenging environment at times but my hometown has taught me how to appreciate everything and to seize every opportunity. I've learned how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Frederick joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to achieve the best version of myself,” Frederick said. "As the oldest brother in the house, I wanted to lead by example and make my mom proud. I grew up with limited opportunities and the Navy provided the opportunity to pursue the best version of myself. I had humbling beginnings and I had a lot of struggles through my youth, and my mother helped propel me with the opportunity in the Navy. The Navy provides me the opportunity to further myself and explore my full potential."
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.
Frederick has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from boot camp,” Frederick said. "After seeing my family at graduation, it was the proudest moment of my life. It was by far the most elated I have ever been. Bootcamp showed me that I can push myself beyond the limitations I believe I have. I had developed into an even better man. I had become confident and more self-aware of who I was as an individual. I also recently passed my second-class swim qualification. It took me a while but I took the initiative to go to the pool every day and push myself beyond my limits. These accomplishments have created a strong foundation for me to build off of to continue the career I have ahead of me."
Frederick serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving the Navy has been about opportunity,” Frederick said. "I have the opportunity to make my family proud while seeing the world. I am going on deployment to South Korea, a country I would've never imagined I could've gone to. I have the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally and hold myself accountable every day. My sisters get to have a role model they can aspire towards every day. I will continue to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me."
Frederick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom first and foremost,” Frederick said. "My whole family and girlfriend have been there every step of the way. My RDC's taught me a lot throughout training, especially Hospitalman 1st Class Colon and my other recruit trainers who I was able to look up to for guidance every single day. I understand why they pushed us so hard. It helped me understand more than just boot camp and allowed me to become a better version of myself."
“No matter what you do in life never give up on your dreams and always fight for what's right," Frederick added. "Control what you can control. Time waits on no one and it's important to do everything you can to pursue your own dream. I originally was along a different career path that was demanding and unfulfilling and the Navy provided the opportunity to propel myself to a better future. I will continue to lead by example."