CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - They waited in frigid weather with gusts of wind and sea spray whipping at their faces as they stood on the beach in the early-morning light.
Marines with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and sailors with Beach Master Unit Two, based out of Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va., helped the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload personnel and equipment at Onslow Beach Nov. 4. The 26th MEU returned from a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
The sailors with BMU2 used Landing Craft Air Cushions, or LCACs, to offload Marines and vehicles from ships that were anchored off shore and bring them to the shore. Once ashore, LS Co. Marines guided the vehicles off of the LCACs to designated areas.
“Things have gone smoothly, working with BMU2,” said Pfc. Robinzon W. Loor, a landing support specialist with LS Co. “They know what to do on their end and we know what our role is.”
LCACs allow service members and equipment to travel from large Navy vessels to shore in an expedient manner while staying dry. Landing Craft Utilities, which were used the previous day, are still able to carry personnel and vehicles from ship to shore, but they cannot go completely onto the shore, therefore exposing service members and equipment to sea water and currents.
Seaman Antonio Sloan of BMU2 said that LCACs make offloading ships easier, and are fun to ride on.