Melbourne Native Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominique Reed Serves U.S. Navy at Assault Craft Unit Five

STORIES OF SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeffery Tilghman Williams, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominique Reed, a native of Melbourne, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy at Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU-5) operating out of San Diego, California. Reed joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Reed serves as a yeoman.

“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities and travel possibilities,” said Reed.

Growing up in Melbourne, Reed attended Melbourne High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Reed uses the same skills and values learned in Melbourne to succeed in the military.

“My dad was a Marine and taught me respect is paramount; which I’ve found to be very true,” said Reed.

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.

The Landing Craft Air Cushion 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.

Reed and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m extremely proud of my two children and the life I’m able to provide them with my service,” said Reed.

As Reed 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 I’m a part of a family,” added Reed.

“It provides a place to feel welcome and work with others in support of the country.”

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