Assault Craft Unit One: Elite Us Navy Special Operations

The United States Navy has a long history of special operations, with various units and teams conducting missions that require a high level of skill, strategy, and bravery. One such unit is the Assault Craft Unit One (ACU-1), an elite special operations unit that specializes in advanced maritime operations. In this article, we will delve into the world of ACU-1, exploring their history, mission, and operations.

History of ACU-1

Assault Craft Unit One was established in 1967 as a response to the growing need for advanced maritime special operations capabilities. The unit was formed by combining various Navy special operations units, including the River Patrol Force and the Coastal Division. Since its inception, ACU-1 has been involved in numerous high-profile missions, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

ACU-1 is headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, and is part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC). The unit is comprised of highly trained sailors who specialize in advanced maritime operations, including special reconnaissance, direct action, and unconventional warfare.

Mission and Operations

The primary mission of ACU-1 is to conduct advanced maritime special operations in support of national objectives. The unit is trained to operate in a variety of environments, including rivers, coastal areas, and open ocean. ACU-1's operations include:

Special reconnaissance: gathering intelligence in support of special operations
Direct action: conducting raids, ambushes, and other direct action missions
Unconventional warfare: conducting guerrilla warfare and other unconventional operations
Maritime interdiction: intercepting and boarding vessels to prevent the movement of illicit goods

ACU-1 sailors are trained to operate a variety of specialized craft, including:

Mark V Special Operations Craft: a high-speed, heavily armed craft used for special operations
Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs): used for insertions, extractions, and other operations
Patrol Boats: used for maritime interdiction and other operations

Training and Selection

To become a member of ACU-1, sailors must undergo a rigorous training and selection process. This process includes:

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training: a 24-week course that teaches the basics of special operations
Advanced training: sailors receive advanced training in specialized skills, such as parachuting, diving, and marksmanship
Unit-level training: sailors receive training specific to ACU-1's mission and operations

The selection process for ACU-1 is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants being selected for the unit.

Equipment and Technology

ACU-1 uses a variety of specialized equipment and technology to conduct its operations. This includes:

Advanced communications systems: allowing sailors to stay in touch with each other and with command centers
Night vision devices: allowing sailors to operate in low-light environments
Advanced sensors and radar: allowing sailors to detect and track targets
Specialized craft: ACU-1 operates a variety of specialized craft, including the Mark V Special Operations Craft and RHIBs

ACU-1 sailors conducting training exercise

Notable Operations

ACU-1 has been involved in numerous high-profile operations throughout its history. Some notable examples include:

Operation Enduring Freedom: ACU-1 sailors played a key role in the early days of the war in Afghanistan, conducting special reconnaissance and direct action missions.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: ACU-1 sailors conducted maritime interdiction operations, intercepting and boarding vessels to prevent the movement of illicit goods.
The Gulf War: ACU-1 sailors conducted special reconnaissance and direct action missions, including the famous " Operation Earnest Will" operation, where they escorted reflagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

ACU-1 sailors conducting operation in Iraq

Conclusion

Assault Craft Unit One is an elite special operations unit that conducts advanced maritime operations in support of national objectives. With a rich history and a proven track record of success, ACU-1 continues to be a vital component of the US Navy's special operations capabilities. From special reconnaissance to direct action, ACU-1 sailors are trained to operate in a variety of environments and conduct a range of missions.