By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
On June 29, 2024, the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Okinawa, Japan, received its first shipment of Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) at Naha Military Port. These eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers represent a significant upgrade from the Vietnam-era Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and are designed to enhance the Marine Corps’ amphibious and maritime operational capabilities. This development marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Marine Corps’ fleet, ensuring it remains a formidable force capable of meeting contemporary challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ACV is an eight-wheeled, all-terrain vehicle designed for versatility and robustness in various operational environments. Unlike its predecessor, the AAV, which is tracked and has a flatter hull, the ACV’s design incorporates wheels, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability both on land and in the water. Each ACV can carry three crew members and 13 Marines, along with a two-day combat load, making it a critical asset for rapid deployment and sustained operations.
One of the ACV’s standout features is its advanced armor and weapon systems. It is equipped to support a range of maritime operations, including sea denial and amphibious assaults. The ACV’s ability to traverse oceanic and riverine environments while transporting troops and equipment enhances the Marine Corps’ operational reach and flexibility. Additionally, the vehicle’s design includes provisions for future upgrades, ensuring it remains relevant and effective as new technologies and tactics emerge.
Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of III MEF, emphasized the strategic importance of the ACVs, stating, “Upgrading our fleet with amphibious combat vehicles capable of supporting sea denial and maritime operations will further bolster our ability to support deterrence efforts and respond to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific.” This statement underscores the ACV’s role in enhancing the Marine Corps’ deterrence posture and rapid response capabilities in a region marked by geopolitical tensions and diverse security challenges.
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The Indo-Pacific region is characterized by its vast maritime domain and the presence of several potential flashpoints. The ACV’s deployment in Okinawa positions the Marine Corps to respond swiftly to crises, project power across the region, and support allies and partners. The ability to conduct amphibious operations from ship to shore, and subsequently engage in ground combat, provides a comprehensive solution to a range of military scenarios.
The transition from the AAV to the ACV represents a significant technological leap. The AAV, which has served the Marine Corps since the Vietnam War, is limited by its tracked design and relatively low speed. In contrast, the ACV’s wheeled configuration offers enhanced speed, agility, and operational range. The ACV also boasts superior armor and advanced weaponry, providing better protection and firepower for the Marines.
From a logistical perspective, the ACV’s design reduces maintenance requirements compared to the AAV. The wheeled vehicle experiences less wear and tear, translating to lower operational costs and higher readiness levels. Moreover, the ACV’s modular design allows for future upgrades, ensuring it remains adaptable to evolving mission requirements and technological advancements.
The ACVs will be transported to Camp Schwab in Okinawa over the next several days, where Marines will undergo extensive training to master the new vehicles. This training is crucial, as demonstrated by past incidents where insufficient training led to rollovers during operations in the surf zone. Learning from these experiences, the Marine Corps is committed to ensuring that all personnel are well-versed in the ACV’s capabilities and operational nuances.
The first overseas deployment of the ACV occurred in early May 2024 during the annual Balikatan exercise in the Philippines. During this exercise, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a live-fire, waterborne gunnery range exercise, demonstrating the ACV’s effectiveness in coordinated amphibious assaults. This deployment provided valuable insights into the ACV’s performance in real-world scenarios, highlighting its potential to enhance the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities.
BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the ACV, has delivered 184 vehicles to the Marine Corps since fielding began in late 2020. These vehicles have primarily been stationed at the Assault Amphibian School and the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California. The recent deployment to Okinawa marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first time the ACVs have been strategically positioned in distinct geographical locations.
The initial requirements for the ACV were conceived in 2014, with BAE Systems selected to produce the vehicle in mid-2018. Despite budgetary constraints, the Marine Corps has continued to prioritize the ACV program, reducing its initial request for funding to procure 108 vehicles in fiscal year 2025 to 80 vehicles. This adjustment reflects the service’s commitment to balancing modernization efforts with fiscal responsibility.
The ACV program includes several variants designed to fulfill specific roles within the Marine Corps. The command-and-control-focused variant reached initial operating capability in the summer of 2024, while a variant equipped with a 30-mm cannon is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2026. These variants will further expand the ACV’s versatility and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
The arrival of the first batch of Amphibious Combat Vehicles in Okinawa marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the Marine Corps’ amphibious capabilities. With enhanced speed, maneuverability, and firepower, the ACV represents a substantial upgrade from the aging Assault Amphibious Vehicles. The deployment of ACVs in the Indo-Pacific region enhances the Marine Corps’ ability to project power, respond to crises, and support deterrence efforts in a strategically important area.
As the Marine Corps continues to integrate and field these advanced vehicles, it remains focused on ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained and prepared to leverage the ACV’s full capabilities. The ACV program’s success will depend on ongoing investment, rigorous training, and a commitment to adapting to evolving technological and operational challenges. In doing so, the Marine Corps will maintain its position as a modern, ready force capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century warfare.
