US Marine Corps Public Affairs August 07, 2009
AAV maintenance key for success during TS '09
By Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin
SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, Australia (August 7, 2009) -- The Amphibious Assault Vehicle has been an integral part of the Marine Corps since it was commissioned in 1972.
The 26-ton vehicle is equipped with a jet propulsion unit that allows it to reach speeds up to eight knots at sea for seven hours and carries four bilge pumps capable of removing 400 gallons of water per minute. Once the AAV reaches land, its 171-gallon fuel tank allows it to operate for 300 miles with a load of 25 combat-equipped Marines.
However, no matter how impressive and indestructible an AAV may seem, these beasts of war require maintenance to ensure they are ready to respond at a moments notice.
According to Lance Cpl. Tracy Nava, an AAV crewman with the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon attached to Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 'tracks,' as they are commonly referred to by the Marines who operate them, require regular maintenance in order to minimize any future problems.
The vehicle's maintenance is handled by a three-man crew: A driver, a rear crewman who reports all maintenance issues to the crew chief who also serves as the vehicle commander.
Nava added that one of the most challenging maintenance processes with the AAV is ensuring that it's properly lubricated after being exposed to salt water. The AAV's crew goes over the vehicle for several hours with wire brushes and Cleaning Lubricant Protectant to prevent rust.
The AAV crew members must also respond quickly at the slightest sign of trouble. Trouble that can range from damaged tracks, loss of hydraulic or steering fluid or damaged wires. These issues may seem simple to fix, but when compounded or neglected the overall effects can hinder a mission.
"The maintenance of the AAVs has slowed us down a little during Talisman Saber, but the AAV Marines have done a tremendous job of keeping the vehicles rolling in order to get the Marines to their inland objectives," said Capt. Eric M. Olson, company commander for Co. L.
Now, while some maintenance issues can be attributed to the AAVs' age, programs like the Service Live Extension Program have extended the AAVs' shelf life. The SLEP also allows the Marine Corps more time to complete the fielding of a newer, bigger and faster vehicle; the Advanced Assault Amphibious Vehicle or Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
"The current models participating in Talisman Saber 2009 have been made stronger because of the SLEP and another program known as the AAV Reliability Availability, Maintainability/Rebuilt to Standard; which gives the vehicle more horsepower and a better suspension," said Sgt. Ernie Orrante, an AAV platoon section leader.
According to www.globalsecurity.org, the RAM/RS program has provided the AAVs with a replacement for both the engine and suspension using U. S. Army M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) components modified for an AAV.
Talisman Saber 2009 is a biennial combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations, which will help improve combat readiness and interoperability.
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