By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2015 Brookwood High School graduate and McCalla, Alabama, 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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jay Hinerman is a hull technician with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy hull technician is responsible for welding, maintenance and plumbing of structural systems on ships.
“I like that my job provides me with welding experience,” said Hinerman. "If I end up getting out I can always use that as a plan B."
Hinerman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of McCalla.
“My hometown taught me discipline and how to follow instruction,” said Hinerman.
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.
“The best part of this command is the freedom to work outside under the sun,” said Hinerman. "I enjoy teaching and training junior sailors."
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, Hinerman is most proud of achieving the rank of second class petty officer in two and a half years.
“It's pretty difficult for my job to make second class in a short period,” said Hinerman. "I beat out other guys who have been trying to get advanced for a long time."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Hinerman said he has found many great rewards.
“The Navy has taught me nothing is going to be given to you,” said Hinerman. "You have to give all you have and you can earn what you need."
A Navy hull technician is responsible for welding, maintenance and plumbing of structural systems on ships.
“I like that my job provides me with welding experience,” said Hinerman. "If I end up getting out I can always use that as a plan B."
Hinerman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of McCalla.
“My hometown taught me discipline and how to follow instruction,” said Hinerman.
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.
“The best part of this command is the freedom to work outside under the sun,” said Hinerman. "I enjoy teaching and training junior sailors."
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, Hinerman is most proud of achieving the rank of second class petty officer in two and a half years.
“It's pretty difficult for my job to make second class in a short period,” said Hinerman. "I beat out other guys who have been trying to get advanced for a long time."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Hinerman said he has found many great rewards.
“The Navy has taught me nothing is going to be given to you,” said Hinerman. "You have to give all you have and you can earn what you need."