Marine Corps suspends ACV waterborne operations after identifying towing mechanism issue

The Marine Corps has suspended waterborne operations of its Amphibious Combat Vehicle after discovering an issue with the vehicle's towing mechanism.

Maj. Jim Stenger, a Marine Corps spokesman, told Inside Defense in a statement Tuesday that the ACV's waterborne operations were suspended out of an abundance of caution.

"The Marine Corps is working on identifying and fixing the root cause of the problem," Stenger said. "Realistic training is a vital component of readiness, and the Marine Corps is committed to ensuring Marines train under the safest conditions possible; this includes ensuring the functionality of vehicles and equipment."

Marine Corps Times first reported the suspension.

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle is replacing the Assault Amphibious Vehicle. It reached initial operational capability late last year.

The service has fielded 54 ACVs, and this is the first time ACV use has been paused.

The suspension comes after Marines reported they could not cause the quick release of the ACV's Sea Tow Quick Release mechanism, or the tow rope detached unexpectedly. An after-action report from the field describing the issue led to the suspension, according to the service.