The crew of Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU 2) held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Feb. 7, 2020.

Cmdr. Riley W. Murdock relieved Cmdr. Mario T. Freeman, becoming the 35th commanding officer of Assault Craft Unit 2.

Prior to assuming command of ACU 2, Murdock was the Officer in Charge of the Surface Warfare Officer’s School Basic Division Officer Course, in Norfolk. She then reported to ACU 2 as the executive officer in September 2018. Murdock is a 1999 graduate of Duke University with a Civil Engineering Degree and commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.

“Each and every day, he put the mission first, but he put his heart and soul into the Sailors, truly showing us what it means to be a Servant Leader,” said Murdock, speaking about Freeman.

Freeman assumed command of ACU 2 in September 2018. Under his command, ACU 2 successfully supported expeditionary operations throughout the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operation, including Maritime Prepositioned Force (MPF) operations in Norway and humanitarian assistance in South America. Freeman's next tour will be at Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic in Norfolk.

“Thanks to all within the sound of my voice for attending and supporting ACU 2. May God continue to bless this great command and the Sailors who serve,” said Freeman.

Comprised of approximately 300 officers and enlisted Sailors, ACU 2 assists in the ship-to-shore movement of troops, vehicles and cargo. They operate two mechanized landing craft, four maritime prepositioning force utility boats and sixteen landing craft utility boats.
 

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