VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Zanghi, a native of Matawan, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Zanghi graduated from Marlboro High School in 2006.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Matawan.
“Growing up, how I did taught me respect,” Zanghi said. "So many people let pride get in their way, I learned a lot of humility growing up."
Zanghi joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Zanghi serves as an interior communications electrician.
“I joined because I wanted a reset in my life,” Zanghi said. "I wanted to be able to turn my life around from what it was at the time."
ACU-2 is a dynamic naval unit that operates utility boats and mechanized and utility landing craft. Considered the workhorse of the amphibious fleet, ACU-2 enables ship-to-shore movement with its connectors. The unit’s craft have operated in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, supporting virtually every amphibious exercise or contingency operation in those waters since 1960.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Zanghi has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“When I got to my first ship, I was the only interior communications electrician,” Zanghi said. "I had to be flexible and learn a lot on my own, basically doing the job of a first class petty officer as a seaman. I took all of that and was able to make the most out of it. I grew a lot from it and was recognized with a NAM (Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal)."
Zanghi serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means taking on responsibility for others,” Zanghi said. "It's being able to fulfill a purpose and mission for the greater good."
Zanghi is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank everyone at ACU-2 for being great,” Zanghi said. "I'd also like to thank EMCS Cadenas, Lt. Cmdr. Wanner and Tony for being so helpful."
“The Navy has given me so many opportunities,” Zanghi said. "If you feel like you're stuck in life or lacking direction, the Navy is able to alleviate that."