Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2006 San Juan Educational School graduate and Cayey, Puerto Rico, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Assault Craft Unit TWO (ACU 2), one of the Navy’s most advanced amphibious warfare units.
Seaman Christopher Vega is an undesignated sailor with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Vega is responsible for ship readiness and line handling.
“I'm attempting to become a master-at-arms,” said Vega. "This command gives me time to do on-the-job training."
Vega credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in their hometown of Cayey.
“Growing up I learned to do things right or don't do them at all,” said Vega.
ACU 2 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 2 operates landing craft, which are specialized to transport personnel and equipment from surface ships to shore. The LCU is a displacement craft capable of carrying a payload of more than 170 tons. The LCU can be used to transport weapons systems, cargo and personnel of Marine assault units. The current LCU fleet has been in naval service since the late 1960s. Gun mounts on the craft can support .50 Cal machine guns, M240 machine guns, and 40mm grenade launchers.
The exercises and real-world operations that ACU 2 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.
“I like that I get a chance to help whenever I can,” said Vega. "Whatever needs to get done, I do it."
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 and handling weaponry.
"The Sailors, Chiefs, and Officers of Assault Craft Unit 2 work in conjunction with other Naval Beach Group elements to grant our Amphibious Ships heavy lift and over-the-horizon, extended-duration ship-to-shore movement with the Landing Craft Utility and Maritime Pre-positioning Force boats,” said Cmdr. Thomas Mays, commanding officer, Assault Craft Unit 2. “We are proud to do our part in the Navy-Marine Corps team to project power or provide sustained assistance as needed around the world."
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Vega is most proud of volunteering for humanitarian assistance after Hurricane Maria.
“Puerto Rico is my home and the people there are my people,” said Vega. "The hurricane was horrible and my mom still lives in Puerto Rico so it gave me a sense of pride to be a part of that humanitarian effort.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Vega said he has found many great rewards in service.
“The Navy taught me to do the right no matter who is watching,” said Vega. "The Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment can be applied to your entire life."