Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 Northeast High School graduate and Philadelphia 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 quartermaster is responsible for safety and navigation of the unit's small craft.
“I like my job because it is an art,” said Coleman. "You have to be very precise in doing your work and you get to interact with the chain of command more than other jobs get the chance."
Coleman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Philadelphia.
“Growing up in Philadelphia taught me survivability, adaptability and independence,” said Coleman. "I grew up in a rough neighborhood, so there were a lot of things I had to do to make sure I was good for staying out of trouble.”
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 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.
“This command is flexible,” said Coleman. "There are a lot of things different from serving at the regular service fleet."
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, Coleman is most proud of making first class petty officer in six years.
“Making rank so quickly helped me learn how to become a leader very quickly,” said Coleman. "It's put pressure on me because once you put on that rank you are expected to step up and take a leadership position."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Coleman said he has found many great rewards in his service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of responsibility,” said Coleman. "With the emphasis on quartermasters right now, responsibility is even more important."
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.
“This command is flexible,” said Coleman. "There are a lot of things different from serving at the regular service fleet."
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, Coleman is most proud of making first class petty officer in six years.
“Making rank so quickly helped me learn how to become a leader very quickly,” said Coleman. "It's put pressure on me because once you put on that rank you are expected to step up and take a leadership position."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Coleman said he has found many great rewards in his service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of responsibility,” said Coleman. "With the emphasis on quartermasters right now, responsibility is even more important."