By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2008 Luc American Calderon graduate and Carolina, Puerto Rico, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4), one of the Navy’s most advanced amphibious warfare units.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Abraham Perez Santiago is a yeoman with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for human resources.
“Being a yeoman means you get to see every side of the command,” said Perez Santiago. "Whether that's the maintenance or the surface, you get to see it all,”
Perez Santiago credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Carolina.
“My hometown taught me to work hard, never give up and always look forward,” said Perez Santiago.
ACU 4 is one of the components of Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2).
Commissioned in 1948, just after World War II, NBG 2 trains and equips military forces for deployment overseas. Sailors with NBG 2 serve a vital role in the Navy our nation needs by ensuring that amphibious operations remain ready to defend and protect America at all times.
ACU 4 operates landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) vehicles, which are specialized to transport personnel and equipment from surface ships to shore. The LCAC is a high-speed, over-the-beach craft capable of carrying a payload of more than 60 tons. The LCAC can be used to transport weapons systems, cargo and personnel of Marine assault units. Air cushion technology allows the vehicle to reach more than 70 percent of the world’s coastline, while only 15 percent of that coastline is accessible by conventional landing craft, according to Navy officials.
The exercises and real-world operations that ACU 4 sailors participate in include evacuation of American citizens from a hostile territory, delivery of food and medical supplies after a natural disaster, and many other tasks that involve movement from ships off-shore to the beach, according to Navy officials.
“This command challenges me on a daily basis,” said Perez Santiago. "It makes me a better sailor."
Jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from operating boats to maintaining engines.
"ACU 4 sailors and craft are the connector and where the rubber meets the sand between the Amphibious Ready Group and the fight,” said Capt. Erik Nilsson, ACU 4’s commanding officer. “The maintenance team is dedicated to ensuring the craft are ready at a moment's notice to engage in missions from high-end combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Perez Santiago is most proud of completing his first deployment.
“I joined the Navy, went straight to deployment, and had to leave my family,” said Perez Santiago. "It was hard for me, but I'm most proud of completing it."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Perez Santiago said he has found many great rewards.
“The Navy has taught me to not be afraid of anything and always trust yourself,” said Perez Santiago.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for human resources.
“Being a yeoman means you get to see every side of the command,” said Perez Santiago. "Whether that's the maintenance or the surface, you get to see it all,”
Perez Santiago credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Carolina.
“My hometown taught me to work hard, never give up and always look forward,” said Perez Santiago.
ACU 4 is one of the components of Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2).
Commissioned in 1948, just after World War II, NBG 2 trains and equips military forces for deployment overseas. Sailors with NBG 2 serve a vital role in the Navy our nation needs by ensuring that amphibious operations remain ready to defend and protect America at all times.
ACU 4 operates landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) vehicles, which are specialized to transport personnel and equipment from surface ships to shore. The LCAC is a high-speed, over-the-beach craft capable of carrying a payload of more than 60 tons. The LCAC can be used to transport weapons systems, cargo and personnel of Marine assault units. Air cushion technology allows the vehicle to reach more than 70 percent of the world’s coastline, while only 15 percent of that coastline is accessible by conventional landing craft, according to Navy officials.
The exercises and real-world operations that ACU 4 sailors participate in include evacuation of American citizens from a hostile territory, delivery of food and medical supplies after a natural disaster, and many other tasks that involve movement from ships off-shore to the beach, according to Navy officials.
“This command challenges me on a daily basis,” said Perez Santiago. "It makes me a better sailor."
Jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from operating boats to maintaining engines.
"ACU 4 sailors and craft are the connector and where the rubber meets the sand between the Amphibious Ready Group and the fight,” said Capt. Erik Nilsson, ACU 4’s commanding officer. “The maintenance team is dedicated to ensuring the craft are ready at a moment's notice to engage in missions from high-end combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Perez Santiago is most proud of completing his first deployment.
“I joined the Navy, went straight to deployment, and had to leave my family,” said Perez Santiago. "It was hard for me, but I'm most proud of completing it."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Perez Santiago said he has found many great rewards.
“The Navy has taught me to not be afraid of anything and always trust yourself,” said Perez Santiago.