Washington, D.C. -- Out of an abundance of caution, Lt. Gen. David J. Furness, the deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for Plans, Policies, and Operations, has directed the pause of all waterborne Amphibious Combat Vehicle operations in light of the July 19 ACV training incident at Camp Pendleton. The incident did not result in injuries to the Marines and sailors aboard the ACVs.
The pause of waterborne operations will allow for an investigation into the incident and ensure the assault amphibian community can review best practices and procedures to remain capable, safe, and ready.
"This is the right thing to do," said Furness. "A pause on ACV waterborne operations will give us time to conduct an investigation, learn from this event, and ensure our assault amphibian community remains ready to support our nation."
The Marine Corps will continue to conduct ACV land operations, to include live-fire training, during this pause.
Amphibious operations, including the use of amphibious ship-to-shore connectors, is 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.