More than 70 Vietnam War Marine Corps veterans helped Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 Oct. 8, commemorate their 50th commissioning anniversary.

"We were all commissioned 50 years ago; the whole purpose of our group is to socialize and to stay current with Marine and Navy affairs," said Pete Clay, association president of the 38th Officer Candidate Course/Basic Class #3-66.

"None of us have ever seen a Landing Craft Air Cushion [LCAC] before, so this is all brand new," he continued. "We are doing these tours to stay informed. All of us have the Marine Corp heritage and that never goes away, ever."

Commissioned as 2nd lieutenants following graduation, they went on to either Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida or to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Graduates of the 38th Officer Candidate Course/Basic Class #3-66, the veterans and their spouses toured ACU 4 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story to view the advances in technology and science related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
The hosts recognized the veterans' service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and thanked the families for their support as well.

Lt. Matthew Moore, ACU 4 ground support officer, explained to their guests that their mission is to provide combat-ready craft to meet worldwide operational tasking. The goal is to transport at high speed, Marines and their equipment from ships offshore to the beach and hard points beyond.

After watching a video highlighting the features of the LCAC, Moore then led the guests aboard an LCAC for an in-depth tour.

"We are always happy to show off the unique capabilities that we possess and bring to the game," said Moore. "It is always an honor to speak to service members who came before us and who paved the way for us to continue. I believe it is important to stay connected with our past."

The reunion tour comes as the Navy and nation begin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The three-year initiative aims to thank and honor the war's veterans, Prisoners of War and those listed as Missing in Action, as well as to recognize the impact America's allies had on the war.

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