Construction electrician (United States Navy)

Construction electrician
Rating insignia
Issued by	United States Navy
Type	Enlisted rating
Abbreviation	CE
Specialty	Construction

Construction electrician (abbreviated as CE) is a United States Navy occupational rating.

A Construction Electrician (CE) is a highly skilled and versatile professional within the United States Navy, specifically within the esteemed Navy Seabees. Renowned for their expertise in electrical systems, Construction Electricians contribute significantly to building, maintaining, and operating power production facilities and electrical distribution systems for Naval installations. This demanding and vital role is part of a 5-year enlistment program, attracting individuals committed to excellence in both construction and combat tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

CEs perform a wide array of duties to ensure the seamless operation of electrical systems critical to military infrastructure. Key responsibilities include:

• Telephone Systems and Power Networks: Installing, maintaining, and repairing telephone systems and high and low voltage electrical power distribution networks, both overhead and underground.
• Cable Work: Splicing and laying cables, erecting poles, stringing wires, and installing transformers and distribution panels.
• Lighting and Alarm Systems: Installing, repairing, and maintaining street lighting, fire alarm systems, public address systems, inter-office systems, and telephone switchboard systems.
• Interior Wiring: Installing, maintaining, and repairing interior wiring for lighting and electrical equipment.
• Equipment Operation: Working with batteries, electric motors, relays, solenoids, switches, and operating electrical generators.
• Blueprints and Estimates: Reading and interpreting blueprints, preparing sketches for projects, and making estimates of material, labor, and equipment requirements.

Training:

"A" School for Construction Electricians is held at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, TX, spanning approximately 17 weeks. This intensive training equips graduates with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.

Career Path:

Following basic technical training, Construction Electricians can expect assignments to a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) in Port Hueneme, CA, or Gulfport, MS, or to an Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) in San Diego, CA, or Little Creek, VA. NMCBs operate on a rotating basis between homeport and overseas locations such as Spain, Okinawa, or Guam. Seabees receive additional specialized combat and construction skills training during home port duty, contributing to the construction of buildings, roadways, utility systems, and other shore facilities to support the Navy and Marine Corps operational and expeditionary forces worldwide.

Working Conditions:

CEs may work in various conditions, independently or as part of a large team. Their diverse duties may be performed in climates ranging from tropical to arctic.

Qualifications:

• ASVAB Requirements: ASVAB score of AR + MK + EI + GS = 201 is required.
• Physical Requirements: Proficiency with tools, equipment, and machines is crucial. CEs must climb to the top of a 35-foot wooden pole using gaffs (metal spikes on climbing boots) within a six-minute time limit. The ability to use lineman's equipment to climb poles and towers is mandatory.
• Knowledge and Skills: Proficiency in algebra, good memory, resourcefulness, and curiosity are essential. Detailed work, repetitive tasks, accurate record-keeping, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are crucial.
• Health and Sensory Requirements: Normal hearing, color perception, and corrected vision to 20/20 are required.

Construction Electricians in the Navy Seabees exemplify dedication, versatility, and technical expertise, contributing to the success of critical military operations worldwide.

Three of the seven Seabee ratings compress to one rating at the E8 level, and all Seabee rates then merge at the E9 level. All E8 Seabee ratings are equally considered for advancement to E9, regardless of NEC or Special Program.

• CUCS: BU/SW/EA
• CBCM: CE/CU/CM/EO/UT

See also

• List of United States Navy ratings