MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps continues its deliberate and disciplined approach to fielding the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), a next-generation platform designed to enhance ship-to-shore operations and replace the legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). From August 13th – 15th, Marines from the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) Water Driving with the ACV at Mile Hammock Bay in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
OPNET Water Driving Training is a critical step in the ACV’s fielding process. Designed to build and evaluate crewmember performance in operational environments, OPNET creates licensed operators who return to the Fleet Marine Force prepared to safely, effectively, and lethally employ ACVs.
By conducting trainings in a live maritime setting, Marines can experience and become proficient when an ACV is launched, navigate surf zones, and maneuver in coastal terrain. Camp Lejeune’s proximity to amphibious training areas makes it an ideal location for this type of training.
“The ACV is a force multiplier,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hildebrand, ACV Operator Training Lead, with the Advanced Amphibious Assault program office. “Training like this build trust—trust in the vehicle’s capabilities and trust in ourselves as operators. By getting in the water, practicing maneuvers, and working through recovery drills, Marines gain the confidence they need to employ the ACV effectively in any environment.”
This event also provides an opportunity for instructors and program officials to observe how Marines interact with the vehicle—gathering critical feedback on handling, safety, and integration with broader amphibious operations that helps to further refine Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.
The two-phase training approach took place in protected waters, allowing Marines to safely develop their skills before taking the ACV into more challenging conditions. In the first phase, crews practiced deliberate water entries, bringing the vehicle to a buoyant state and confirming stability before executing maneuvers. Once afloat, Marines conducted turns, reverses, and controlled exits back onto shore.
The second phase focused on recovery. Operating in pairs, ACVs entered the water to rehearse towing and water recovery procedures—critical skills for maintaining operational readiness in the event of a disabled vehicle. These drills allowed crews to build confidence in the ACV’s handling while reinforcing teamwork and coordination in maritime environments
Sergeant John Deaquino, section leader, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, expressed the excitement that comes with getting to work with the ACV. “It’s a new era, everything is evolving around us, and this (the OPNET) is helping us adapt and overcome to evolve with the fight,” said Deaquino.
Amphibious operations, including the use of amphibious ship-to-shore connectors, is a foundational aspect of Marine Corps operations. It is critical to the future force and its ability to remain the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness. The ACV represents a leap forward in capability for the Marine Corps. Designed to operate across diverse terrains and threat environments, the vehicle balances performance, protection, and payload—three attributes essential to modern expeditionary warfare.
As global threats evolve, platforms like the ACV will be essential to maintaining maritime dominance and ensuring rapid response capability. Whether responding to humanitarian crises, conducting amphibious assaults, or supporting joint operations, the ACV is designed to meet the mission with resilience and adaptability.
OPNET Water Driving Training at Camp Lejeune is more than just a demonstration—it’s a critical phase of the Marine Corps’ deliberate fielding strategy. By embedding the ACV in real-world training environments, the Corps ensures that Marines are equipped with a vehicle that is not only ready for today’s challenges but built for tomorrow’s fight. This training series will continue through the month of August developing proficiency with land driving and surf to shore operations on the ACV.