Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2014 Nogales High School graduate and La Puente, California, 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 logistics specialist is responsible for managing and handling the command’s stores and supply materials.
“Maintaining our boats requires a constant flow of supplies,” said Zuniga. “Some materials are hazardous. It’s important that they’re stored properly.”
Zuniga credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in their hometown of La Puente.
“My dad said anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it,” said Zuniga. “I’m seeing in the Navy that it’s true.”
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.
“The people here at this unit get work done efficiently,” said Zuniga. “We get along well and have fun, too.”
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, Zuniga is most proud of passing a recent hazardous material inspection.
“The inspection was an important part of maintaining the command’s overall readiness,” said Zuniga.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Zuniga said he has found many great rewards in service.
“Being able to adapt to what the future holds is important,” said Zuniga. “Embrace the change and be flexible.”