SAN DIEGO – Constructionman Naing Aung Lu, a sailor from Yangon, Myanmar, 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 |
Aung Lu graduated from Business Education High School 1 Thingangyun in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Myanmar.
“Growing up in Burma I learned patience,” Aung Lu said. "In Burma, life didn't always go according to plan. I had various plans before leaving Burma but I eventually found myself in the United States, a place I never imagined. Life and the Navy always don't go exactly how you plan and being adaptable and flexible is essential to succeed."
Aung Lu joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Aung Lu serves as an engineering aide.
“I was an engineer back in Burma,” Aung Lu said. "After three years as an engineer, I wanted to continue to practice my work. I was selected to receive a visa out of 50,000 people to come to the United States for more opportunities. I always wanted to work in the military and I studied shipbuilding. The Navy allowed me to practice my degree in a profession I always dreamed of.”
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.
Aung Lu has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is receiving my Seabee Combat Warfare pin and passing the fundamentals of my engineering exam,” Aung Lu said. "It was a culmination of all the hard work I went through. From traveling all the way from Burma, to boot camp, to selecting Seabees, it was a testament to all my efforts over the past several years."
Aung Lu 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 provides a sense of purpose every day,” Aung Lu said. "I was working for three years in the corporate world. I don't have to worry about the profit of my work, I get to put the best product out there possible for others. My work goes beyond money and has purpose every single day."
Aung Lu is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family first and foremost,” Aung Lu said. "They have been the biggest supporter since day one. I wouldn't be able to be where I am today without them."
“The Navy has provided opportunities I would've never imagined,” Aung Lu added. "The camaraderie you experienced in the military is unparalleled. It's the little things you will always remember. From traveling to the Philippines for work to having a friendly competition during boot camp, with my sister company to take their flag, these are memories that last a lifetime."