Photo By Sgt. Nicholas Ranum | Assault amphibious vehicles of Combat Assault Battalion show their cross- country...... read more read more
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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force visited Combat Assault Battalion to learn about assault amphibious vehicles at Camp Schwab July 10.
CAB, which is part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, demonstrated some of the capabilities of the AAV to members of the Logistics Department, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF.
The JGSDF came here to learn about the maintenance requirements of the AAV, according to Capt. Jonathan D. Morris, company commander for the battalion’s AAV Company. The demonstration and tour was designed to give the JGSDF a thorough look at the vehicle.
“The JGSDF is interested in learning more about the AAV,” said Lt. Col. Terry M. Pautenbaugh, commanding officer of CAB. “We wanted to show them the AAV’s capabilities both in and out of water before we started talking to them about maintenance.”
The demonstration of AAVs included a 40-minute ride, during which the vehicles performed both sea and land-based operations. Included in the demonstration was a tour of the maintenance facilities.
“They have shown interest in learning about the AAV for about a year,” said Pautenbaugh. “This trip focused on the maintenance management aspect of the vehicle.”
The Marines with CAB showed the JGSDF different facilities for maintaining the vehicles, which included the machine shop, welding area, optics area, communication area and maintenance bays.
“We provided an overview of what is required to support a company of AAVs,” said Capt. Ryan D. Burns, the maintenance officer for the battalion.
During the tour, the JGSDF learned about the mechanical history of the AAV and its product upgrades.
The AAV has its roots in an amphibious tractor designed in the 1930s, according to Pautenbaugh. That tractor was used in the Florida Everglades to help hurricane victims. The current AAV is a direct link to that early humanitarian assistance tractor.
“Since 1973, the AAV has participated in many humanitarian (assistance),” said Pautenbaugh. “We used them during the earthquake last year, and the JGSDF are looking to implement their assets similarly. They want to be able to go where the AAV can during times of crisis.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2012 19:58 |
| Story ID: | 91854 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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