Many Americans enjoy do-it-yourself projects and some Americans make a living in construction.

There’s a group of US 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 2nd Class Ronald Hutson, a 2009 Lexington High School graduate and native of Lexington, South Carolina, 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 information systems technician, Hutson is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks and operating radios for the command.

Hutson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Lexington.

“My town is small and everyone is kind and personable,” said Hutson. “In the Navy, if you’re friendly to everyone it makes life a lot easier.”

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% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80% of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90% 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.”

Hutson 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, Hut-son is most proud of serving as a leading petty officer at his previous command, Naval Computer Telecomunications Area Master Station.

“It was challenging, but also rewarding,” said Hut-son. “There’s a balance between serving the sailors in the command while also making sure the communication watches are manned and operating properly.”

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

“My dad was an officer in the Air Force,” said Hutson.

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

“Serving in the Navy is a great opportunity to travel the world while also serving our nation and bettering myself and others,” added Hutson. “The community and camaraderie here is great. We all know each other and go out of our way to help each other, even if it’s not officially part of our job.”