By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A Dededo, Guam, 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.
Seaman Maria Seferina Plata is a logistics specialist with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for securing supplies for daily operations.
“My job keeps me moving and is never boring,” said Plata. "I'm also learning a lot of things."
Plata credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Dededo.
“My hometown taught me to be positive all the time,” said Plata. "No matter the problem keep moving forward and don't give up."
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.
“I like that everyone is very approachable at this command,” said Plata. "Everyone wants to help you and move you forward in your career."
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, Plata is most proud of becoming assistant command fitness leader (ACFL).
“Being ACFL means you are serious about your career and your physical health,” said Plata.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Plata said she has found many great rewards in her service.
“The Navy makes me more mature and gives me a lot of experiences in life,” said Plata.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for securing supplies for daily operations.
“My job keeps me moving and is never boring,” said Plata. "I'm also learning a lot of things."
Plata credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Dededo.
“My hometown taught me to be positive all the time,” said Plata. "No matter the problem keep moving forward and don't give up."
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.
“I like that everyone is very approachable at this command,” said Plata. "Everyone wants to help you and move you forward in your career."
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, Plata is most proud of becoming assistant command fitness leader (ACFL).
“Being ACFL means you are serious about your career and your physical health,” said Plata.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Plata said she has found many great rewards in her service.
“The Navy makes me more mature and gives me a lot of experiences in life,” said Plata.