GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashton Studer, a native of Joliet, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.

Studer graduated from Joliet West High School in 2020. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Joliet.

“I learned the importance of being respectful and providing help to those in need,” Studer said. “Back in high school, I was in ROTC, and that taught me how to be respectful and to help others that are in need.”

Studer joined the Navy five years ago. Today, he serves as a culinary specialist.

“I joined the Navy for family support and to honor a relative’s service,” Studer said. “My grandfather was in the Navy, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I also really wanted to find a way to help support my family.”

Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases.

Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.

Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors of NCBC Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.

Studer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of my recent Navy Achievement Medal for the work I did during a combat deployment,” Studer said. “I received the award for managing the maintenance of over 600 Damage Control Petty Officer items, ensuring our equipment stayed mission-ready while we were deployed.”

Studer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“I view my service as a strategic foundation for my life after the military and a way to ensure my future success,” Studer said. “It means a lot to me because it provides career opportunities and the chance to better my education by going back to college if I choose to.”

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.

With 90 percent 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.

Studer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I owe my strength to the three most important women in my life for their unwavering belief in me,” Studer said. “I want to thank my mom, my wife, and my daughter. They always support me and give me the courage that I need to take this next step in the Navy.”

 

Story courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink, Navy Office of Community Outreach. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach.