On March 1 st, 2007 was not any ordinary day for the Temecula Valley Young Marines. Today for those who have a 2.0 GPA or higher with no F’s were allowed to go on a special adventure. Unfortunately others had to stay because of testing or other school commitments. But before we left we had to wait until Triple A car service came by to unlock Mr. Rivera's already running car 
. And off we went to Naval Amphibious base Coronado, Ca Mr. Boudreau, the units Training Officer, made Liaison with Senior Chief McCully with ACU 5 (Assault Unit Craft 5) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. The Senior Chief and Mr. Boudreau set up a small class and a tour of the ACU 5’s LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushioned) or Hover Craft training simulator 
. This is an astounding 50 million dollar training simulator to train those lucky Naval personnel who pilot, maintain and navigate this incredible craft. The unit arrived at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Ca at 0930 they jumped out of their vehicles and had a quick accountability formation then they marched over to the LCAC trainer building 
. The Young Marines were waited outside until their instructors were ready 
, 
the Young Marines were introduced to Petty Officer Ballard and Chief Braley who then escorted the Young Marines up the classroom
. The Young Marines were given a small video and class by Petty Officer Ballard and Chief Braley 
, 
, after a short question and answer period the Young Marines went down stairs to the LCAC Simulator 
. We were given another class this time on safety and simulator controls 
, 
, 
, 
. After our class, Petty Officer Braley picked the first four Young Marines to enter the simulator. After that the Young Marines entered the Training Simulator team after team 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
. There were lots of screams and giggles throughout the simulator as each team tried their best to maneuver the LCAC simulator and in the control room 
. The simulator was able to provide the trainees with Class 4 storms, fog, storms, night time and a lot more even other LCAC’s in your area as you tried to maneuver around them. The Parent Volunteers went on and they used Young Marine Pvt. Blanchard to pilot their vehicle 
, 
. The last to go was the CO and the Staff well all went good so all of the Young Marines encouraged Petty Officer Gregory and Petty Officer Ballard to try and make the CO crash after a few attempts they were successful 
, 
. Everyone had a great time at the simulator I am sure it is one they soon will not forget. The Young Marines asked the instructors for a few photo shots with the unit before they departed 
, 
, 
Before the Young Marines stepped off for chow the CO had to ask if everyone enjoyed the trainer 
of course the answer was yes. After the LCAC simulator the Young Marines were taken over to the Galley to enjoy some chow at a Naval Chow Hall . Outside the Young Marines watched as Navy Seals going through Buds were waiting to eat their chow
, 
, 
. Everyone enjoyed their great Navy chow 
and soon we were on our way back to Temecula it seems some had such a great time that they even passed out in the vehicles on the way back 
, 
. Another great day and another great adventure for the Temecula Valley Young Marines something they will look back on for a while. Oooh-Rah Mr. Boudreau and ACU-5’s instructors thank you for a job well done and a pleasant adventure.
