“The Marine Corps took
into account the recommendations of the accident investigation in the summer of
2020 and imposed changes, so the AAV-7 is a safe and effective vehicle for
amphibious operations,” the USMC said in a statement. However, the announcement
continues: “Given the current state of the amphibious vehicle program, the USMC
Commander has decided that AAVs will not participate in operational deployments
or take part in water exercises. The AAV will return to companies in the water
only in a crisis. The decision was made favouring the amphibious vehicle
long-term program and future capabilities. The AAV will continue to operate
ashore. However, we reserve the right to reverse this decision if necessary “.
Greece will procure from the US Marine Corps inventory as second-hand a total of 76 AAV-7. Each AAV-7 can carry a total of 25 marines. The vehicles are designed to be operational up to Sea Condition 5.
