SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Julian Paulo, a sailor from Waianae, Hawaii, 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 |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Waianae.
“I learned the importance of respect,” Paulo said. "In the military, maintaining your bearing and remaining respectful to everyone around you goes a long way."
Paulo joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Paulo serves as a utilitiesman.
“I wanted a stable job to support my future family,” Paulo said. "I wanted to travel the world and eat as many types of food. The Navy provided the best opportunity for stability and travel. I originally was an air framer and after ten years into my career, the Navy was provided a new opportunity to pursue a new career in the Navy."
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.
Paulo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is gaining the respect of my peers,” Paulo said. "Going to work every day and knowing that my people can count on me and use me as a resource is the most rewarding experience."
Paulo 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 mission first,” Paulo said. "What we do always has a purpose and with that mindset, you are able to come to work every day fulfilled in your job."
Paulo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank everyone who I've served with,” Paulo said. "Each step of the way you meet people who you will never forget."
“The Navy has provided once in a lifetime opportunity,” Paulo added. "While flying off the coast of Japan I got to experience my first reenlistment with my peers. It was an experience unlike any other."