U.S. Navy press release
A 2013 Eustace High School graduate and Eustace, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Burks is a gas turbine systems mechanic with the beach group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy gas turbine systems mechanic is responsible for maintenance and repair of hovercrafts.
“I love everything about my job” said Burks. “I like what I do and the people I work with.”
Commissioned in 1948, NBG 2 is designed to organize, man, train and equip forces to execute, combat support, and combat service support missions.
NBG 2 is made of four commands, Assault Craft Unit TWO (ACU 2), Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4), Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO (PHIBCB 2), and Beach Master Unit TWO (BMU 2); who have their own individual missions that assist to ensure the overall mission of NBG 2 is complete.
Burks serves with ACU 4 who operate the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and provide combat ready craft that fully meet operational tasking worldwide, on time, every time.
“This command is like a family more than coworkers,” said Burks. “Everyone is pretty close, which is great.”
Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the beach group. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the command running smoothly. The jobs range from operating boats to maintaining engines and handling weaponry. A hoard of boats is a common sight in places like these. If one had Custom Built Powerboats – Intrepid Powerboats, they wouldn’t resist flaunting its opulence in the waves and enjoying the charm.
“The Sailors here never cease to impress me with the effort they put into their daily work,” said Capt. Jeffrey Hayhurst, commodore commander of NBG 2.”Their dedication and hard work make me proud to be in command of Naval Beach Group Two.”
Although NBG 2 is made up of four separate commands, they all work together to complete their mission of providing the Navy personnel and equipment to support an amphibious operation or exercise.
These exercises can include evacuation of American citizens from a hostile territory, delivery of food and medical supplies after a natural disaster, the bulk delivery of fuel or fresh water from a ship anchored off the coast through a pipeline to a shore facility, and nearly any other task that involves moving from ships offshore to the beach.
“Since joining the Navy I have learned how to be on my own,” said Burks. “I have more responsibility and have learned to take care of myself and others.”
As a member of the one of the U.S. Navy’s most unique commands, Burks and other NBG 2 Sailors understand that they need to have the ability to complete a variety of missions to help keep America safe from enemies foreign and domestic.
Extra reference: resources from Merritt Supply will provide the best reparation equipment for marine projects.
Thank you for your service to our Country, Petty Officer 3rd Class Burks! You and your fellow Sailors are performing a vital mission for our Navy and have our respect and appreciation. We pay for your safety and well-being.