Local serving at U.S. Navy assault craft unit in San Diego
Justin Oxford. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Bryan Niegel.
Growing up in Paso Robles, Justin Oxford attended Paso Robles High School and graduated in 2003
– Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Oxford, a native of Paso Robles, serves the U.S. Navy at Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU-5) operating out of San Diego, California. Oxford joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, he serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy for patriotic reasons following the events of Sept. 11,” said Oxford.
Growing up in Paso Robles, Oxford attended Paso Robles High School and graduated in 2003. Today, Oxford uses the same skills and values learned in Paso Robles to succeed in the military. “My commitment to this country led me to join and has continued to inspire me throughout my career,” said Oxford.
Located on a Marine Corps base, ACU-5 is a self-sustained command established in 1983 and encompasses 34 buildings across shore and sea-components including a control tower, eight hangars, a 100,000-gallon fuel storage-and-supply facility, a HAZMAT storage and collection center, and a 50-acre flight apron. ACU-5 is composed of over 600 Sailors and 30 Civilians that train, maintain, repair, and operate the 32 Navy hovercraft, Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).
The LCAC is a high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious landing craft, capable of carrying up to a 75-ton payload. It is used to transport the weapons systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel from ship to shore and across the beach. LCAC can carry heavy payloads, such as an M-1 tank, at high speeds. The air cushion technology allows this vehicle to reach more than 70-percent of the world’s coastline, while only about 15-percent of that coastline is accessible by conventional landing craft.
With more than 90-percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95-percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Oxford and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. “What stands out the most during my career is completing advanced landing craft air cushion qualifications training,” said Oxford.
As Oxford and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “Serving in the Navy means preparing the next generation of sailors to continue a legacy of service to this nation,” added Oxford.
– By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeffery Tilghman Williams, Navy Office of Community Outreach
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