AAV on the Sand

A U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal, an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) crew chief of Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii - Kane’ohe Bay, performs pre-mission checks on an R7-A1 amphibious assault vehicle before departing for 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 Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
Date: July 12, 2012
Location: Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kane’ohe Bay
Print: Infrared
Orientation: Horizontal/Landscape
Reimagined & enhanced by Rebel Seed Studio