Change of Command for Assault Craft Unit FIVE

CAMP PENDLETON — A Change of Command ceremony for US Navy Assault Craft Unit FIVE was held on Camp Pendleton on December 21, 2004. At the event, Captain Paul K. Susalla, a Fallbrook resident, turned over responsibility for the safety, wellbeing and efficiency of his entire unit to Captain David J. Fontaine.

Susalla’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), the NATO medal and various campaign and unit awards.

Captain Fontaine has made 10 major and numerous out-of-area deployments in the Atlantic, Pacific and Central Command Areas of Operation. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (with one Gold Star), Meritorious Service Medal (with four Gold Stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with one gold Star), Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Assault Craft Unit FIVE currently has a 5 LCAC detachment deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The LCAC detachments deploy with Expeditionary Strike Groups to support operations and exercises throughout the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Assault Craft Unit FIVE’s history traces its roots back to the late 1960s, when the US Navy tasked American industry to develop a high-speed, heavy-lift landing craft to support over-the-horizon amphibious operations.