Marines conduct Amphibious Combat Vehicle testing in recent exercises
15 Feb 2022

West coast Marine Corps units recently completed operational training with the amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) during bilateral exercise Iron Fist 22, from January 10 to February 16, 2022, and in a waterborne training evolution aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 14-15, 2022.

Amphibious operations, including the use of amphibious ship-to-shore connectors like the ACV, are a foundational aspect of Marine Corps operations and critical to the future force and its ability to remain the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness.

“The amphibious combat vehicle, combined with L-class ships and the light amphibious warship are critical programs that afford us the ability to move forces around,” said General David Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “The Marine Corps’ role is a forward force. This organic mobility is crucial to operate as a forward deployed, stand-in force.”

During exercise Iron Fist, Marines with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion and Japan Ground Self Defense-Force soldiers with 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment conducted bilateral training using Marine Corps ACVs and JGSDF assault amphibious vehicles. Over the course of the evolution, the ACV was run through an amphibious basic skills package that included day and night training as well as a series of amphibious assaults.

During the two day training exercise aboard the USS Anchorage, the ACV demonstrated its survivability, maneuverability, and robust swim capabilities by participating in a series of open-ocean swims between Anchorage and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Marines with 3d Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division, worked alongside Anchorage’s crew to successfully demonstrate the ACV’s ability to launch and recover from the well deck.

Both training evolutions demonstrated the effectiveness of the ACV as an enabler of the Marine Corps’ future force employment. The ACV is lethal, survivable and reliable, balancing performance, protection and payload, making it well-suited to support Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations.

“The priority now for the ACV program is to get these vehicles into the hands of Marine Corps units so we can train and become proficient with their capabilities,” said Berger.

For imagery of ACV operations aboard USS Anchorage, please see the below links:

CORRECTION, 15 FEB 2022: The release above (“Marines conduct Amphibious Combat Vehicle training in recent exercises”) has been amended to reflect the use of the term training, vice testing.  Your consideration is appreciated.


Communication Directorate

The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website