Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2007 Clover High School, South Carolina, graduate and Charlotte, North Carolina, 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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Brewer is a damage controlman with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy damage controlman is responsible for maintaining and operating firefighting equipment, and training personnel to fight fires and respond to shipboard emergencies.
“The people you meet here come from different backgrounds and have unique stories,” said Brewer. “The work ethic at this command is good, and the work is enjoyable and rewarding.”
Brewer credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Charlotte.
“I bring my good southern work ethic to the Navy,” said Brewer. “We have an important job to do. We need to do it right.”
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.
“There is a family-like feel to this command. You really get to know everyone,” said Brewer. “That helps to get the mission accomplished.”
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, Brewer is most proud of receiving an associate’s degree in fire protection technology.
“I think it’s a good thing knowing that you’re helping to keep others safe doing your job,” said Brewer.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Brewer said he has found many great rewards in his service.
“The Navy is a great way to discover something that you are passionate about, while serving your country at the same time,” said Brewer.
“The Navy is a great way to discover something that you are passionate about, while serving your country at the same time,” said Brewer.