U.S. Navy Capt. Gary Leigh, commander, Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1, presided over the ceremony.
"I make it a point to come up to ACU-5 about every two weeks," said Leigh. "Something that stands out to me is Capt. Nelson leads 600+ Sailors and civilians, manages a depot level repair facility, yet while walking me around he takes the time to greet every one of his Sailors personally. The success of these Sailors and this command is that he is a leader and a shipmate.” Said Leigh.
Under Nelson, ACU-5 successfully deployed three Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) detachments in support of U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet operations, was selected by the Chief of Naval Operations to receive the Shore Safety Award twice, and was selected by the Secretary of Defense to receive the Field-level Maintenance Award.
“I’d like to thank the crew for their hard work, dedication to the mission, and commitment to success” said Nelson. “To the Swift Intruders, the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess, and the Wardroom: my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Leading a team of 600 plus Sailors and civilians during a pandemic was definitely a challenging, but rewarding tour, and I can think of nobody better to relieve me than Capt. Carroll.”
Carroll addressed the crew for the first time as commanding officer, thanking Nelson and looking forward to the future of ACU-5.
“It is my great honor to be your commanding officer,” said Carroll. “I know we will continue the great legacy of ACU-5 and the amphibious community as we move into the future.”
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Carroll was commissioned in 1995 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Northwestern University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from National Defense University. His operational assignments include sea tours aboard USS John Young, ACU-5 deployed with Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, USS Crommelin, Destroyer Squadron THREE ONE, Carrier Strike Group THREE, and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. Command assignments include USS Paul Hamilton and Zumwalt Squadron ONE.
Nelson will report to Purdue University as the Reserve Officer Training Corps Commanding Officer.
Established in 1983, ACU-5 is a self-sustained unit located on a 114-acre facility onboard a Marine Corps Base that houses 34 buildings across shore and sea-components including a control tower, eight hangars, a Navy Capital Working Fund Supply Warehouse, a 100,000-gallon fuel storage-and-supply facility, a HAZMAT storage and collection center, and a 50-acre flight apron. It is home to 32 Navy hovercraft and a close-knit team of over 600 Sailors and 30 Civilians that train, maintain, repair, and operate the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).