Marine Corps Installations West

Students with the Assault Amphibian Vehicle Commander Course, Assault Amphibian School, conduct mounted land navigation training in the Oscar Two Training Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 22, 2020. The Vehicle Commander Course is used to train intermediate level Marines on the responsibilities of an AAV commander, with a focus on crew gunnery, direction and supervision. The AAV Commander Course 6-20 is filled completely by reserve Marines with 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. In order to accommodate the schedule of the reservists, the class was condensed to ensure they received all the necessary training to effectively lead their crews. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Melissa I. Ugalde)

U.S. Marines with Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, work with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) to assess and verify the Amphibious Combat Vehicle's ability to integrate with naval shipping as part of the vehicle’s developmental testing off the shore of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 28, 2020. The Marines of AVTB are currently testing the Marine Corps’ newest amphibious vehicle, which will replace the Amphibious Assault Vehicle. This was the first time Marines have operated the new vehicle while boarding and departing a ship. ((U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Anthony Alvarez)

U.S. Marines with Assault Amphibian School, Training Command, conduct training at the Submerged Vehicle Egress Trainer in the 53 Area pool on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2020. The SVET is dedicated for ground vehicle simulation. Marines who operate AAVs must complete training at the SVET before they can receive their military occupational specialty. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Anthony Alvarez)

U.S. Marines with Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, drive new Amphibious Combat Vehicles along the beach during low-light surf transit testing at AVTB Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 18, 2019. The test was designed to assess and verify how well Marines can interface with the vehicle and operate at night. The ACV is an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier designed to fully replace the Corps’ aging fleet of Amphibious Assault Vehicles. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Anthony Alvarez)

On this day in history, Jan. 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush ordered an attack on enemy forces in Iraq and Kuwait. The order signified the end of Operation Desert Shield and the beginning of Operation Desert Storm when American troops, as part of an international coalition, began an extensive aerial bombing campaign to end Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels)

Camp Pendleton serves as a crucial component in Marine Corps training, providing over 100,000 acres of land exclusively for training, 84 live fire ranges, and four amphibious landing beaches. Assets like these are what make possible large scale training operations like Operation Dawn Blitz, strengthening our chemistry with allied nations and enabling the Marine Corps to be ready to answer our nation’s call in its time of need. (U.S. Marine Corps video by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon)

2nd Lt. Mariah Klenke graduated from the assault amphibian school aboard MCB Camp Pendleton on October 3rd, 2017, becoming the first female AAV officer in Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Amphibious Assault School Battalion located in Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the standard entry-level training unit responsible for bringing AAV officers, crewman and mechanics to the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Upon graduation from the school, Marines will be sent to various units all throughout the Marine Corps with the purpose of continuing the tradition of amphibious readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon)