Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles are authorized to return to open ocean waterborne operations following the establishment of interim guidance to enhance operational safety when conducting ACV training.

On July 21, 2022, the Marine Corps paused all waterborne ACV operations as a result of a training incident at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, two days prior. The service immediately began an internal review to ensure the assault amphibian community’s practices and procedures maintain a capable and ready force without sacrificing the safety of our Marines and Sailors.

“We remain steadfast to the safety of our Marines who conduct amphibious operations, and expect strict adherence to established standards that allows our ACVs to return to waterborne operations,” said Lt. Gen. David Furness, deputy commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations. “Our training and discipline allows us to continue sharpening our warfighting abilities to remain the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness.”

The interim maximum surf conditions identified include a significant breaker height of 4 feet, which allows the ACV to operate safely while maintaining a high-state of readiness for the ACV community. The interim maximum surf conditions are conservative and derive from existing safe operating surf conditions for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps landing craft, and allows the service to better understand surf conditions through ongoing vehicle testing.

Prior to the implementation of the interim guidance, ACV operations remained restricted to protected waters and land operations, to include live-fire training.

Please contact ontherecord@usmc.mil with questions pertaining to this release.

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