VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Akeel Semple, a native of Brooklyn, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Semple graduated from Warwick High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Brooklyn.
“Growing up as a child in New York definitely exposes you to a fast-pace lifestyle. Seeing my mother raise my siblings taught me how to be a "go getter",” Semple said. "It you want to go get something done, get it done, don't wait on anybody."
Semple joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Semple serves as an engineering aide.
“I enlisted in the Navy to push myself beyond my limits in ways I couldn't elsewhere and to serve something greater than myself,” Semple said. "The chance to travel, develop my leadership skills, and be among others committed to a cause pushed me to be the best I could be."
Known formally as the Naval Construction Force, the Seabees are the Navy’s builders, engineers, and problem-solvers who thrive in the toughest conditions. From the jungles of the Pacific in World War II to disaster zones and combat operations today, Seabees construct the infrastructure that keeps the fleet and joint forces moving — airfields, bases, roads, bridges, and beyond. They are trained to build and to fight, ready to lay down concrete one moment and defend their work the next.
Headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Port Hueneme, California, the Seabees deploy worldwide in support of both military and humanitarian missions. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” captures a legacy of resilience and adaptability that has defined them for more than 80 years. Whether responding to hurricanes, constructing expeditionary camps, or supporting frontline operations, Seabees bring the grit and skill that turn vision into reality – quietly shaping the battlespace and the communities they serve.
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.
Semple has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moment in the Navy would be getting meritoriously advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class,” Semple said. “That moment proved to me that hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed and to keep striving for greatness at every paygrade.”
Semple serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“To me, serving in the Navy isn't about yourself but about your fellow countrymen and women,” Semple said. “It’s about serving and protecting those who can’t protect themselves.”
Semple is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to acknowledge both my parents and sisters for raising me to be the person I am today,” Semple said. “Also, thanks to those who impacted me in any aspect of my life.”
“All life is is just effort. It doesn't cost anything to just put some effort in,” Semple said. "I want to leave a positive impact on those around me."