Join Us On This 30-Ton Amphibious Assault Craft As We Storm The Beaches

2013-02-22T19:09:00.000Z

marines out of the assault amphibious vehicle aav

I remember like it was yesterday, though it was 2003 when I was standing inside the well deck of the USS Essex amphibious assault ship. I was a U.S. Marine, sailing off the coast of Hawaii on a training mission. Now, it was our turn to assault a Hawaiian beach.

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But we weren't using rubber boats, or swimming. We were geared up, over 20 of us, in the back of an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV), better known as an "amtrack."

Before settling into our tight quarters inside the troop carrier, we were briefed by the crew. "When we launch off the back into the ocean, if we don't come up from the water after five seconds, you can panic," one said.

"Oh sh--," I muttered, just before successfully launching from the rear of the ship along with everyone else in the amtrack.

Then we headed for the beach to train for what the Marine Corps does best: amphibious operations.

The bottom or well deck of the amphibious ship is loaded with vehicles. When AAV's launch, they'll partially flood this area with water.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV in the welldeck

There's only one way in, one way out. Marines file into the back and up the ramp that will seal behind them.

It's no pleasure cruise. It's really hot, cramped, and smells of diesel fuel.

Inside the ship's well deck, the AAV is 'buttoned-up', or sealed. No windows, no idea what's happening outside. Just you and your fellow Marines waiting.

AAV assault amphibious vehicle in the welldeck

And then when they say 'Launch', it's a 30-ton amtrack flying out the back of the ship.

AAV assault amphibious vehicle launching

All that weight certainly makes a big splash.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV launching off the back

Luckily for the 25 Marines in the back, it comes back up to the surface and heads into shore.

AAV assault amphibious vehicle in the water

But they don't go it alone. The Marines have Amphibious Assault Battalions with plenty of AAVs to take riflemen into the fight.

AAV assault amphibious vehicles in formation in the water

The crew of three Marine Trackers are the only ones with a view when it's in the water.

It's powered by a 400 horsepower engine that can do 8 mph in the water and 45 mph once it hits land.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV maneuvers

Once they hit the beach, the 'Trackers will tell the Marines in the back.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV australia beach

And some will stand up on the seats, providing security and scouting ahead.

The tracks are outfitted with impressive weaponry for use on the beach or beyond.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV at iwo jima

40 mm grenade launcher, .50 caliber machine gun, or 25 mm Bushmaster cannon (that last one is the favorite).

assault amphibious vehicle AAV fire smoke grenades

And the troops are well-protected inside from small arms with the AAV's 45 mm armor.

assault amphibious vehicle AAV on the beach

Once they reach the release point, the ramp drops and you'll hear 'Go! Go! Go!'

marines exit assault amphibious vehicle AAV

This is a vulnerable time for Marines, so they need to move fast, get away from the AAV and not bunch up.

AAV assault amphibious vehicle getting out

But the AAV definitely makes the Marine Corps the experts in delivering waterborne troops into the fight.

And while AAV's will often stick around with infantry troops, they won't be far from their home onboard the ship.

But in Iraq and Afghanistan, they often operated on land.

You've Seen How Marines Secure A Beachhead ...

Join Us On This 30-Ton Amphibious Assault Craft As We Storm The Beaches

The bottom or well deck of the amphibious ship is loaded with vehicles. When AAV's launch, they'll partially flood this area with water.

There's only one way in, one way out. Marines file into the back and up the ramp that will seal behind them.

It's no pleasure cruise. It's really hot, cramped, and smells of diesel fuel.

Inside the ship's well deck, the AAV is 'buttoned-up', or sealed. No windows, no idea what's happening outside. Just you and your fellow Marines waiting.

And then when they say 'Launch', it's a 30-ton amtrack flying out the back of the ship.

All that weight certainly makes a big splash.

Luckily for the 25 Marines in the back, it comes back up to the surface and heads into shore.

But they don't go it alone. The Marines have Amphibious Assault Battalions with plenty of AAVs to take riflemen into the fight.

The crew of three Marine Trackers are the only ones with a view when it's in the water.

It's powered by a 400 horsepower engine that can do 8 mph in the water and 45 mph once it hits land.

Once they hit the beach, the 'Trackers will tell the Marines in the back.

And some will stand up on the seats, providing security and scouting ahead.

The tracks are outfitted with impressive weaponry for use on the beach or beyond.

40 mm grenade launcher, .50 caliber machine gun, or 25 mm Bushmaster cannon (that last one is the favorite).

And the troops are well-protected inside from small arms with the AAV's 45 mm armor.

Once they reach the release point, the ramp drops and you'll hear 'Go! Go! Go!'

This is a vulnerable time for Marines, so they need to move fast, get away from the AAV and not bunch up.

But the AAV definitely makes the Marine Corps the experts in delivering waterborne troops into the fight.

And while AAV's will often stick around with infantry troops, they won't be far from their home onboard the ship.

But in Iraq and Afghanistan, they often operated on land.

You've Seen How Marines Secure A Beachhead ...

Now Check Out What Troops Do On Their Downtime >

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