VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Cutter Gillette, a native of Williamsville, Illinois, 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 |
Gillette graduated from Williamsville High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Williamsville.
“I learned how to always keep pushing forward,” Gillette said. "I did my best to stay busy and looking towards the future."
Gillette joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Gillette serves as an engineman.
“I originally joined because my grandpa was in,” Gillette said. "But I also wanted to get out and see the world and better myself."
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.
Gillette has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My biggest accomplishment was my work during Operation Neptune Solace,” Gillette said. "I helped build a pier and was recognized for my efforts with a NAM (Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal)."
Gillette serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means being self-sufficient and working hard,” Gillette said. "I also gained a lot of lifelong friends."
Gillette is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my parents and Navy leadership,” Gillette said. "They never let me settle for less."
“I always want to strive for more,” Gillette said. "I'm striving to complete my college schooling. I believe in always trying to improve."