The U.S. Marine Corps marked a significant milestone in military readiness and amphibious warfare as it successfully deployed and utilized its new amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs) overseas for the first time.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ACV platoon engaged in a live-fire exercise at Oyster Bay, Philippines, a strategic move that not only boosts military preparedness but also sends a clear message of strength and innovation in the realm of amphibious operations.

During the Balikatan exercise—a massive bilateral training event with the Philippines which commenced on April 22 and wrapped up on April 29—Marines aboard the dock landing ship Harpers Ferry piloted the ACVs through the waves and onto the shore of Palawan Island.

The platoon, equipped with Mk 19 40 mm grenade machine guns operated by remote weapons systems, demonstrated precision and capability by firing training rounds that marked targets with orange chalk, showcasing their ability to effectively engage and neutralize shore-based threats.

Col. Sean Dynan, the commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, highlighted the importance of the training, stating, “The hard work and dedication of our Marines is what made today’s training successful. Today’s training is a proof of concept across the Marine Corps for successful ACV employment in its intended environment.”

The ACVs, which emerge from amphibious ships’ well decks and are designed for ship-to-shore movement, represent a critical component in the Corps’ strategy for conducting amphibious assaults.

The ACV, a state-of-the-art replacement for the aging amphibious assault vehicle in service since the 1970s, underwent a series of setbacks that led to a pause in its deployment.

Issues including a fatal sinking in 2020, a problem with a tow rope, and a vehicle rollover, prompted the Marine Corps to refine its training curriculum.

With the new training in place and the Marines recertified, the ACVs are now showcasing their capabilities in real-world scenarios.

These vehicles are heavier, wield a V-shaped hull for blast protection, and are wheeled, offering better protection and versatility compared to the older tracked models.

The deployment in the Philippines serves not only as a real-time test for the vehicles but also as an assertion of U.S. commitment to the security in the region.

The 15th MEU’s deployment aboard the Harpers Ferry and the amphibious transport dock Somerset was part of a larger strategy for presence and integration with allies in the Pacific, despite the Boxer Amphibious Group’s lead ship USS Boxer returning to San Diego for repairs shortly after its departure.

Looking ahead, the Marines based in Japan will receive their first ACVs in July, enhancing their operational capabilities within distinct geographical locations.

Col. Tim Hough, the Corps’ program manager for advanced amphibious assault, emphasized the importance of this deployment, saying, “That’s important because now we’ll be in distinct geographical locations.” This move is part of the Corps’ efforts to distribute a light, nimble strike force across the Pacific, in alignment with its force redesign strategy.

The successful training exercise in the Philippines represents a significant leap forward for the Marine Corps’ amphibious warfare capabilities, integrating cutting-edge technology, enhancing interoperability with allies, and ensuring preparedness for any future contingencies that may arise in the Asia-Pacific region.

Relevant articles:
– Marines put new amphibious vehicle to use overseas for 1st time, Marine Corps Times
– Marines put new amphibious vehicle to use overseas for 1st time, Yahoo
– Marines put new amphibious vehicle to work in Philippines during first overseas deployment, Stars and Stripes
– Marines sending new amphibious vehicles to Japan in the summer, Marine Corps Times