Hesperia Native Serves at U.S. Navy’s Underwater Construction Team

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Many Americans enjoy do-it-yourself projects and some Americans make a living in construction. There’s a group of U.S. Navy sailors who apply the same creativity required for DIY endeavors along with the engineering discipline of construction, but with a unique twist. They work underwater. Around the world. In some of the most challenging conditions imaginable including hostile environments, extreme heat or cold, or in remote locations where the only support and supplies they have are the ones they brought with them. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Ashley Pritchett, a 2006 Franklin High School graduate and native of Hesperia, California, is one of these sailors serving at Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1, which is responsible for underwater construction, inspection, repair and demolition operations supporting both peacetime and wartime missions. 

As a Navy equipment operator, Pritchett is responsible for driving heavy equipment. 

“I move dirt, haul dirt and play in dirt,” said Pritchett.

Pritchett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Hesperia. 

“I learned to have good morals and keep doing what you’re passionate about,” said Pritchett. 

A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea. 

“The sailors who serve as part of the Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams possess a very specialized skill set,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Johncock, UCT-1’s commanding officer. “The work they do is crucial to providing freedom of the seas in both peacetime and wartime. It’s an honor to lead these sailors and I continue to be inspired every day by their commitment to being the absolute best at what they do. The physical and technical abilities underwater construction technicians demonstrate make them some of the most highly trained sailors in the Navy.” 

Pritchett is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. 

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.” 

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Pritchett is most proud of being promoting to the rank of petty officer first class. 

“The Navy is my dream job,” said Pritchett. “Being able to accomplish this was meaningful to me.” 

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Pritchett, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Pritchett is honored to carry on that family tradition. 

“My grandfather served in the Navy,” said Pritchett. 

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Pritchett and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs. 

“Joining the Navy is what I have always wanted to do and I feel very passionate about it,” said Pritchett. “Defending freedom is a huge deal to me.”