The U.S. Marine Corps has demonstrated the operational use of its new ACV-P Amphibious Combat Vehicle during ship-to-shore operations launched from USS Makin Island, underscoring progress in modernizing amphibious warfare forces. The deployment took place off the California coast and emphasized the Marine Corps’ focus on rapid power projection and expeditionary readiness.
During Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 26.2, Marines from the 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion conducted amphibious movements from sea to shore using the ACV-P. The January 2026 exercise validated the integration of the new armored platform with U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships and highlighted the ability of the Navy-Marine Corps team to deploy combat-ready forces directly from maritime platforms.
These shipboard training events are a cornerstone of amphibious force readiness, ensuring Marines and Sailors remain proficient in executing complex sea-based assaults. The quarterly exercises strengthen interoperability, command-and-control procedures, and communications required for high-tempo expeditionary and crisis-response missions.
The ACV program was launched to replace the aging AAV-7A1 fleet, addressing survivability and reliability shortfalls exposed by modern threat environments. Featuring an 8×8 wheeled configuration, the ACV delivers enhanced land mobility, reduced maintenance demands, and improved performance at sea. Designed for open-ocean operations and rapid transition ashore, the ACV-P is set to become a central element of the Marine Corps’ future amphibious and littoral warfare strategy.
