By Megan Lemly
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Colton Heerema, a native of Holland, MI, serves the U.S. Navy at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 operating out of San Diego, CA.
Heerema graduated from West Ottawa High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Holland.
“I learned growing up that it is important to have a strong support network and that working hard will always pay off,” Heerema said. “I know that I can always rely on my other sailors if I need help and they know they can rely on me because there is an understanding that we will put forth 100% effort each day.”
Heerema joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Heerema serves as an engineering aide.
“I joined the Navy for more opportunities,” Heerema said. “I also wanted to travel, learn more skills and learn how to be a better leader.”
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.
Prosperity and security
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.
Heerema has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist qualification,” Heerema said. “I am proud of that because it took a lot of hard work and studying off-duty. However, it all paid off and now I can teach other sailors.”
Heerema 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 I can give back to the community,” Heerema said. “I am not doing this for myself, I am doing it for others.”
Heerema is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Sonya and Scott Heerema, and family and friends back home for their support throughout my career,” Heerema said. “I also want to thank one of my high school teachers for encouraging me to take on this challenge.”
