Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 West Leyden High School graduate and Melrose Park, Illinois, 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.
Jasmine Cabebe is a seaman with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.A Navy seaman is responsible for helping with various shipboard duties. They perform maintenance on the ship’s hull and may help load and unload heavy machinery.
“I like that fact that I’m able to work outside,” said Cabebe. “I spend a lot of time on the beach and I get to learn about various Navy jobs.”
Cabebe credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Melrose Park.
“Teamwork is important. It’s really hard to do a tough job by yourself,” said Cabebe. “I am always trying to learn different ways of getting things done.”
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.
“People here are always willing to help you succeed,” said Cabebe. “There is such a wide variety things going on every day. The learning opportunities are endless.”
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, Cabebe is most proud of following in her father's footsteps by joining the Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is being part of a greater good. You can watch the news about hurricane relief, or you can be part of that relief,” said Cabebe. “It feels good to do something positive.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Cabebe said she has found many great rewards.
“Always stand up for what’s right, and be there for people in need,” said Cabebe. “The Navy lets me feel good about doing these things.”