About this Unit
Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU 2) is a United States Navy unit established in 1959 and based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia. Its primary mission is to provide ship-to-shore movement of troops, vehicles, and cargo using landing craft, including the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM). ACU 2 has played vital roles in numerous amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises, supporting both the Atlantic Fleet and NATO allies. The unit’s versatility and expertise in amphibious logistics make it a critical asset in U.S. naval expeditionary warfare.
Historical Facts
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World War II Roots: Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU 2) traces its lineage back to the World War II-era Boat Pool Units, which were essential for amphibious operations during the D-Day landings and Pacific campaigns.
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Official Establishment: ACU 2 was officially established in 1959 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, consolidating various landing craft operations on the East Coast.
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Key Role in Grenada: During Operation Urgent Fury in 1983, ACU 2 played a pivotal role in landing U.S. forces on Grenada’s beaches, marking a major post-Vietnam amphibious operation.
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Gulf War Operations: ACU 2 deployed Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) vessels for Operation Desert Storm, supporting the largest amphibious force assembled since World War II.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit regularly participates in humanitarian relief, including disaster response in Haiti (2010 earthquake) and Caribbean hurricane relief.
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Diverse Craft: ACU 2 operates several types of landing craft, such as the LCU 1700, LCM-8, and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), enabling transport of troops, vehicles, and supplies from ship to shore.
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Innovative Training: The unit is known for its rigorous surf and beaching training, preparing sailors to operate in challenging weather and surf conditions worldwide.
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Supporting Special Operations: ACU 2 has supported Navy SEALs and Marine Recon units in clandestine insertions and extractions on hostile shores.
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Global Deployments: ACU 2 regularly deploys to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and West Africa, participating in exercises like BALTOPS, UNITAS, and African Partnership Station.
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Modernization: ACU 2 is part of the Navy’s ongoing modernization of amphibious capabilities, including fielding new craft like the improved LCU 1700, to ensure rapid-response and shore-to-shore logistics for the 21st century.
