By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2016 Southeast High School graduate and Springfield, Illinois, 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.
Fireman Antonia Thomas 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 making sure the main propulsion machinery is working properly throughout the boat.
“I am a very hands-on person,” said Thomas. “I get to build parts for the boat. I'm not stuck behind a desk.”
Thomas credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Springfield.
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 designed 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.
“This is my first command,” said Thomas. “Everyone is so approachable and functions as team.”
Jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly. 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, Thomas is most proud of being the only one who left her hometown and was successful.
“Most of the girls in my hometown wouldn’t be able to do what I do,” said Thomas.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Thomas said they have found many great rewards.
“I've learned how to take constructive criticism,” said Thomas.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) is responsible for making sure the main propulsion machinery is working properly throughout the boat.
“I am a very hands-on person,” said Thomas. “I get to build parts for the boat. I'm not stuck behind a desk.”
Thomas credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Springfield.
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 designed 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.
“This is my first command,” said Thomas. “Everyone is so approachable and functions as team.”
Jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly. 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, Thomas is most proud of being the only one who left her hometown and was successful.
“Most of the girls in my hometown wouldn’t be able to do what I do,” said Thomas.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Thomas said they have found many great rewards.
“I've learned how to take constructive criticism,” said Thomas.