From Seabees to T5 Data Centers: Building Excellence with Jonathon LaPolice

The United States Naval Construction Battalions, known as the Navy Seabees, are celebrated for their unique combination of construction expertise and military readiness. Since its establishment in 1942, the Seabees have earned a reputation for accomplishing what is seemingly impossible: building mission-critical structures under extreme conditions. Whether building airstrips in remote jungles, erecting bases in harsh environments, or providing critical infrastructure in combat zones, the Seabees abide by their motto, “We Build, We Fight.” This dual mission, serving as expert builders while under fire and being dedicated supporters of global operations, is critical to the United States Military. Hollywood even recognized their contributions, immortalizing their efforts in films like The Fighting Seabees. This led to the lighthearted nickname “Hollywood Bees,” a testament to their visibility and impact.

For Jonathon LaPolice, U.S. Navy CE2 (Retired), serving in the Seabees was not just a military commitment but a foundation for an enduring career in engineering and operations. Serving from 2007 to 2012, primarily stationed at Port Hueneme, Naval Base Ventura County, California, Jonathon participated in a range of challenging missions. These included water well drilling in Andros Island, the Bahamas, constructing a Tactical Operations Center in Afghanistan, and working on the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia. These experiences honed both his technical expertise and his adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership skills—traits that have proven invaluable in his civilian career.

After transitioning out of the Navy, Jonathon leveraged his Seabee experience to enter the digital infrastructure industry. His first major civilian project involved contributing as an electrician to a flagship data center for a leading telecom provider, a role that tested Jonathon’s ability to overcome challenges in critical environments. This pivotal experience confirmed his passion for operations and innovation, ultimately leading to a role at T5 Data Centers in 2014.

The skills Jonathon developed as a Seabee—resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and technical precision—align seamlessly with the demands of the data center industry. Both fields require the ability to respond to high-pressure situations, prioritize mission-critical tasks, and maintain operational excellence. The military’s emphasis on preparation and foresight mirrors the discipline needed in the digital infrastructure sector, where uptime and reliability are paramount.

Today, as an Account Director at T5, Jonathon is part of a team committed to solving complex challenges and delivering results. Driven by the T5 promise of Forever On, he applies the same resilience and ingenuity that defined his service with the Seabees to ensure operational excellence for every client. “Be prepared” is the mantra that guides him, both in and out of uniform—a principle that defines his approach to every project and guarantees results built to last.