U.S. Marine Corps complete first open-water amphibious movement with new ACVs

The ACV, designed to replace the ageing Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) that first entered service in 1972, represents a leap forward in amphibious capability. First fielded in November 2022 at Camp Pendleton, California, the ACV underwent extensive testing before debuting overseas with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa in June 2024. Its introduction to III Marine Expeditionary Force units soon followed under the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).

The UDP facilitates rotations of U.S.-based Marine units to Okinawa for six-month deployments, ensuring operational proficiency in the Indo-Pacific while strengthening regional alliances and deterring potential threats. The second ACV platoon currently deployed with the 4th Marines is now pioneering new amphibious operations on the island.

“Since the ACV has been fielded here in July, these training areas have not yet been transited by ACVs or validated,” said 1st Lt. Jacob Yehl, ACV platoon commander for the 4th Marines. “Our mission here today, and on this rotation, is to make sure all of those training areas and BLSs (Beach Landing Sites) are trafficable and supportable for ACV operations in the future.”

Marines spent three days validating the ACV’s capabilities in various conditions, including low tide, high tide, and low-light scenarios. This training at Kushi Crossing holds particular importance, as it is the sole landing site providing access to Okinawa’s Central Training Area.

“The validation ensures ACVs can integrate seamlessly with other training units in Okinawa,” Yehl explained. The ACV platoon’s central mission, he added, is “to provide ship-to-shore lift for the infantry and reinforcement of their assault to inland objectives.”

The transition to the ACV brings opportunities to apply years of AAV operational experience to mastering the new platform. Staff Sergeant Juwan White, a section leader with the unit, reflected on the shift. “I remember eight years ago I was driving an AAV from Recon Beach, Camp Schwab here to Kushi, regularly. Now here I am today doing the same thing with an ACV for the very first time for the next generations of Marines to do.”

ACVs attached to the 4th Marines will also join the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, enhancing the Marine Corps’ rapid response capabilities in the region. These advanced vehicles offer commanders a versatile ship-to-shore connector, ready to respond to crises or conflicts across the Indo-Pacific.

When asked about the significance of the training’s success, White emphasised its impact. “The primary message of the training we conducted is that we’ve proven and shown that ACVs belong here in Okinawa for III MEF to have at their disposal.”

Source: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.