Assault amphibious vehicle operations were successfully conducted in the slipway at the Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday. A total of nine AAVs splashed from Bobo Class Ship USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, marking the first time since 1999 that tracks have splashed from a Maritime Prepositioning Force ship. The objective of the AAV operation was to demonstrate and evaluate the operational capability to launch AAVs from an MPF ship. The objective was fully achieved. Another AAV operation on a much larger scale is planned during the month of August.

Photo by Nathan L. Hanks Jr.

Marines conduct assault amphibious vehicle operations

16 May 2014 | Colie Young Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany

May 15, 2014 --

Assault amphibious vehicle operations were successfully conducted in the slipway at the Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla., May 15.

A total of nine AAVs splashed from Bobo Class Ship USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams, marking the first time since 1999 that tracks have splashed from a Maritime Prepositioning Force ship. The objective of the AAV operation was to demonstrate and evaluate the operational capability to launch AAVs from an MPF ship. The objective was fully achieved.

Another AAV operation on a much larger scale is planned during the month of August.