The Marine Corps is deploying its new amphibious vehicle within a few months after nearly a year and a half of restrictions on its operation.
In October 2022, an amphibious combat vehicle rolled over in the water during training, prompting the Corps to halt most operations of the vehicle in the surf.
The Marine Corps attributed the mishaps to training shortfalls and is recertifying vehicle operators and maintainers, focusing the new training on how the amphibious combat vehicle differs from its predecessor, the amphibious assault vehicle.
With new training procedures in place, the Corps plans to deploy amphibious combat vehicles with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in or around March, according to Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney.
The eight-wheeled amphibious combat vehicles can emerge from a ship, transit the waves, and roll onto shore, allowing the military’s amphibious force to conduct amphibious operations. However, the vehicle has faced challenges, both on water and land.
The amphibious assault ship Boxer and the dock landing ship Oak Hill will deploy about two months later in March, following the amphibious transport dock Somerset, which will head to the Pacific for a six-month deployment.
The vehicles will likely deploy with the Oak Hill and Boxer to allow for more time to wrap up testing and training, according to Mahoney.
The Marine Corps previously had been tight-lipped about when it would lift the restrictions on the operation of the vehicle. The service is not going to rush into announcing capabilities on upcoming deployments until the necessary training and procedures are in place.
Commandant Gen. Eric Smith is currently recovering while Gen. Christopher Mahoney is acting commandant after his October 2023 cardiac arrest.
Defense News reporter Megan Eckstein contributed reporting. Irene Loewenson is a staff reporter for Marine Corps Times. She joined Military Times as an editorial fellow in August 2022 and is a graduate of Williams College.
