3rd AA Bn. hosts AAV sunset ceremony...Photos by Cpl. Anita Ramos

Note. Mark my words on this one. The USMC will miss this vehicle and regret not either aggressively modernizing it OR acquiring a true amphibious assault vehicle replacement. I didn't put it together at the time but the idea that the (then) Marine Personnel Carrier could adequately flex into the Amphibious Combat Vehicle was always a sad joke. Do a quick comparison of the hull design of everyother amphibious vehicle designed for ship to shore usage and you'll see what I mean. The ACV is a temp replacement. When the Marine Corps INEVITABLY goes back to doing amphibious assaults you'll see the ACV have a pathetically short service life.