By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2014 Orville High School graduate and Oroville, California, 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 3rd Class Michael Hicks is a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) with the group operating out of Virginia Beach,Virginia.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) is responsible for power plant operations on the boat and maintenance of half a dozen gas turbine engines.
“My favorite part of this job is the satisfaction that comes from repairing a downed craft,”said Hicks. “I returned it to a mission ready status.”
Hicks credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Orville.
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.
“What I like most about this command is the skill level available from the seniors mixed with the willingness to learn from the junior sailors,” said Hicks.
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, Hicks is most proud of his family.
“I'm the first in my family to earn a high school diploma and be in the military,” said Hicks.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Hicks said they have found many great rewards.
“It’s the smartest chance to better myself and care for my family,” said Hicks.
“My favorite part of this job is the satisfaction that comes from repairing a downed craft,”said Hicks. “I returned it to a mission ready status.”
Hicks credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Orville.
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.
“What I like most about this command is the skill level available from the seniors mixed with the willingness to learn from the junior sailors,” said Hicks.
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, Hicks is most proud of his family.
“I'm the first in my family to earn a high school diploma and be in the military,” said Hicks.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Hicks said they have found many great rewards.
“It’s the smartest chance to better myself and care for my family,” said Hicks.