By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2001 Salem High School graduate and Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 1st Class Michael Dulski is a gas turbine systems technician (electrical) with the group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (electrical) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion system electrical components on the assault craft.
“What I like most about my job is the opportunity to further my education, the benefits I get being in the military, and job security,” said Dulski.
Dulski credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Virginia Beach.
“The most important lesson I bring from home is to strive for more,” said Dulski. “If there is something better, get it.”
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.
“My favorite part of serving here is that you take ownership of everything, bad or good,” said Dulski. “You can put your name on it.”
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, Dulski is most proud of passing the engineering school and making first class petty officer.
“I put on first class petty officer in four years,” said Dulski. “I was responsible for thirty-seven sailors at my last command.”
While serving in the Navy presents many challenges, Dulski said he has found many great rewards, too.
“The most important lesson the Navy has taught me is that you don’t have to be the last one with a secret,” said Dulski. “Disseminate the information with your people.”
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (electrical) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion system electrical components on the assault craft.
“What I like most about my job is the opportunity to further my education, the benefits I get being in the military, and job security,” said Dulski.
Dulski credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Virginia Beach.
“The most important lesson I bring from home is to strive for more,” said Dulski. “If there is something better, get it.”
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.
“My favorite part of serving here is that you take ownership of everything, bad or good,” said Dulski. “You can put your name on it.”
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, Dulski is most proud of passing the engineering school and making first class petty officer.
“I put on first class petty officer in four years,” said Dulski. “I was responsible for thirty-seven sailors at my last command.”
While serving in the Navy presents many challenges, Dulski said he has found many great rewards, too.
“The most important lesson the Navy has taught me is that you don’t have to be the last one with a secret,” said Dulski. “Disseminate the information with your people.”