AAV Driver

A U.S. Marine Corps R7-A1 amphibious assault vehicle driver (AAV), assigned to Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii - Kane’ohe Bay, waits on Pyramid Beach for the authorization to close the hatch and head into the ocean to meet up with the U.S.S. Essex (LHD-2) off-shore during RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise.

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel participate in the RIMPAC exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. The series began in 1971.

Photographer: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth
Date: July 12, 2012
Location: Pyramid Rock Beach, O'ahu, Hawaii
Print: Infrared
Orientation: Horizontal/Landscape