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Beach Master Unit Supports Carter Hall's Amphibious Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081011-10
Release Date: 10/11/2008 6:33:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- A detachment from Beach Master Unit 2 (BMU-2) is deployed aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) supporting operations of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

The unit, based out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., deployed 16 personnel from BMU-2, which includes two Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 2, to support amphibious operations aboard Carter Hall.

BMU-2 consists of naval beach party teams (BPTs) which provide beach and surf zone salvage and assist with the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies. They also assist in the evacuation of casualties, prisoners-of-war and non-combatants.

While deployed to the beach, BMU-2 is tasked with controlling boat traffic in surf zones, controlling the beaching and retracting of the landing craft utilities (LCU), and directing the efficient flow of personnel and material over the beach. They also establish visual and radio communications with the ship.

"We are here to support the LCU beach operations ashore," said Chief Warrant Officer Frank Sabella, the beach party team commander. "We ensure the safe and efficient landing of the LCUs. When they hit the beach, we are there to make sure that nothing goes wrong and to correct any problems that may arise."

Since 1949, BMU-2 has been involved in major amphibious exercises and operations in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Desert Storm, Kosovo and Afghanistan. They work closely with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Landing Force Support Party (LFSP) during beach operations.

"During MEU operations we are here to assist them in any way we can," said Quartermaster 3rd Class (SW) David-Paul Thompson, the primary communicator for Carter Hall's BMU-2 detachment. "We help the Marines get to shore or use the LCU in whatever capacity they need to use it for."

The BMU-2 detachment consists of a variety of enlisted rates including quartermasters, boatswain's mates, operations specialists, construction mechanics and undesignated seamen. When the detachment is not conducting beach operations, they fill their time with on-the-job training and attaining qualifications.

"A lot of team members are taking college courses and getting qualified in enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS)," Sabella said. "We integrate into the normal ship operations, like standing watch and working alongside the different departments to assist with day-to-day evolutions."

"Carter Hall has taken very good care of us," Thompson said. "We are welcomed throughout the ship and given everything we need to accomplish our mission on board."

Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.