Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Warfield, a native of North Babylon, New York, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB-1) operating out of San Diego, California.

Warfield joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Warfield serves as an equipment operator.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something better with my life, and I realized the Navy would provide that opportunity,” said Warfield.

Growing up in North Babylon, Warfield attended North Babylon High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Warfield uses the same skills and values learned in North Babylon to succeed in the military.

“My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work at an early age,” said Warfield. “Nothing in life comes free, and you have to work hard for everything you want.”

Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE’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 who all make up the U.S. Naval Construction Forces.

“ACB One is a force multiplier that allows for rapid, joint-service operations around the globe, wherever our country needs us,” said Capt. Rafael A. Miranda, commanding officer, Amphibious Construction Battalion One “Our unique mix of hard-working Seabee, surface Sailors, and equipment means we are able to bring capabilities to an area that no one else can.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Warfield and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“Since I’ve joined the military, I’ve formed some amazing bonds with my shipmates,” said Warfield, “I have no doubt that we will go on to be lifelong friends.”

As Warfield and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back to my country, which has given me so many freedoms and opportunities,” added Warfield.