Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2007 Lorain Southview High School graduate and Lorain, Ohio, 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 boatswain’s mate is responsible for maintaining and operating landing craft utilities. They move Marines from the ship to shore.
“Every day there is something new going on here. Mentoring junior sailors and watching them progress in their careers is a rewarding part of what I do,” said Foor.
Foor credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Lorain.
“Everything is earned and nothing is given,” said Foor. “That idea should be a constant source of motivation.”
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.
“You get to experience a lot of unique things here that most people in the Navy don't get to experience from a larger ship,” said Foor.
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, Foor is most proud of making chief petty officer.
“As a chief petty officer, you represent those who have gone before you to others that you guide,” said Foor.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Foor said he has found many great rewards.
“Guiding sailors and seeing them succeed is why I do what I do,” said Foor. “They are the future of the Navy.”
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.
“You get to experience a lot of unique things here that most people in the Navy don't get to experience from a larger ship,” said Foor.
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, Foor is most proud of making chief petty officer.
“As a chief petty officer, you represent those who have gone before you to others that you guide,” said Foor.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Foor said he has found many great rewards.
“Guiding sailors and seeing them succeed is why I do what I do,” said Foor. “They are the future of the Navy.”