US Marines Successfully Conduct First Overseas Ship-to-Shore Operations with New Amphibious Combat Vehicles in Okinawa

 

On June 24, 2024, the US Marine Corps conducted its first overseas ship-to-shore operations with the new Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) at the White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan. This event also marked the debut of the ACVs for the Marines stationed in Okinawa. The Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) reached White Beach, partly traveling on the newly deployed ACVs.

The 15th MEU embarked on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and arrived at White Beach on June 18 for a port visit and essential sustainment training. During the operation, personnel boarded the ACVs, which emerged from the well deck of the Harpers Ferry. Boats from the 3rd Expeditionary Operations Training Group then transferred personnel to a pier, simulating safety egress procedures.

After the personnel transfer, the ACV Platoon navigated through the boat basin to come ashore at White Beach for maintenance.

Lt. Col. Nick Freeman, commanding officer of BLT 1/5, 15th MEU, noted that while the training was standard, it was significant as the first overseas ship-to-shore deployment of ACVs. He highlighted the ongoing training at various locations to refine the use of ACVs in their intended environments.

Prior to the ship-to-shore movement, the Marines showcased the ACVs on the Harpers Ferry to other Marine units and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force. Rear Adm. Chris Stone, commander of Task Force 76 and Expeditionary Strike Group 7, praised the ACVs as a "force multiplier" that enhances operational flexibility and response capabilities in maritime environments.

The ACVs' first operational deployment occurred in May during the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines, where they were used in live-fire exercises. The ACV platoon launched from the USS Harpers Ferry, organized into assault sections, and engaged shore-based targets using their Remote Weapons Systems with Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine guns.

The US Marine Corps is transitioning to the ACV to replace the older amphibious assault vehicles, following a tragic accident in 2020 that resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and a Navy corpsman. Developed by BAE Systems, the ACV has faced challenges, including rollovers during training exercises, which led to operational restrictions.

The Marine Corps has identified inadequate training on the ACV’s operational differences from its predecessor as a cause of these incidents. The ACV features wheels instead of tracks, a flatter hull, and a smaller size. Concerns have been raised about the ACV's wheeled design not providing a speed advantage over the older tracked vehicles in water. The Marine Corps aims to address this with a "Phase 2" ACV that may meet performance requirements.

Despite these challenges, the eight-wheeled ACV significantly enhances the Marine Corps' capability to transport troops to shore, navigating through surf during assaults and landings. This deployment marks a critical step in modernizing the Marine Corps' capabilities in the Pacific theater, a strategic focus as they prepare for potential large-scale conflicts where amphibious operations will be crucial.