Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 Rowlett High School graduate and Garland, Texas, 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.
A Navy engineman is responsible for maintenance and operation of small engines.
“My job allows me to be hands-on,” said Romero. "I like being able to train others to pass on knowledge."
Romero credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in their hometown of Garland.
“My hometown taught me the importance of being respectful to others,” said Romero. "It helps me work better with the chain of command and being able to accomplish the mission with ease."
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 liked being able to deploy with this command and completing our mission,” said Romero. "I've made great friends here who help being away from family."
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, Romero is most proud of being selected to serve with ACU 2.
“I have a son and being able to serve here gave me the opportunity to have a family,” said Romero. "It's allowed me to make rank and move forward."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Romero said he has found many great rewards.
“The Navy has taught me patience,” said Romero. "There are times when you are working extreme hours and keep coming back to work to deal with ongoing issues and the Navy has taught me how to do that successfully."