Assault Craft Unit 5 Camp Pendleton, Ca.

• Founding Purpose: Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5) was commissioned in 1983 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to support the rapid movement of Marines, equipment, and supplies from ship to shore using Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles. • Pioneers of LCAC Operations: ACU-5 is the Navy’s first unit to be fully equipped and dedicated to operating LCACs, revolutionizing amphibious warfare by enabling high-speed, over-the-horizon beach assaults. • LCAC Technology: The LCACs operated by ACU-5 can travel at speeds over 40 knots and carry up to 60-75 tons, including an M1A1 Abrams tank, bridging the gap between sea and land operations. • Desert Storm Participation: ACU-5 played a key role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical ship-to-shore movement of troops and heavy equipment in the Persian Gulf. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, ACU-5 LCACs have supported humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including tsunami relief in Southeast Asia and earthquake response in Japan. • Training Hub: ACU-5 serves as the Navy’s principal training site for LCAC crew members, offering advanced instruction to sailors from around the globe. • Operational Reach: The unit regularly deploys detachments across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) and joint exercises with allied nations. • Innovation in Maintenance: ACU-5 is recognized for its advanced maintenance and logistics operations, having developed innovative solutions to keep its high-tech LCAC fleet mission-ready. • Environmental Awareness: The unit has pioneered environmentally responsible practices in amphibious operations, reducing noise, emissions, and ecological impact during training and missions. • Distinguished Awards: ACU-5 has earned multiple Navy and Marine Corps awards, including the Battle Efficiency “E” award, recognizing its outstanding performance and operational excellence.