YORK, Penn. -- This August marks a major milestone in the modernization of the United States Marine Corps: the delivery of the 300th Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), a next-generation platform designed to carry Marines from ship to shore and into the fight. The ceremony - held at the ACV production facility in York, PA - was attended by senior leaders including Maj. Gen. Jason L. Morris, director, Operations Division, Plans, Policies & Operations; Stephen Bowdren, Program Executive Officer Land Systems; and Chris Melkonian, Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault. The ceremony celebrated not just the number delivered—but a legacy of innovation, resilience, and mission assurance.
“For nearly 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has answered the call to defend this great nation and our allies—often in the most unforgiving conditions and against the most determined adversaries,” said Maj. Gen. Jason L. Morris, Director, Operations Divisions, Plans, Policies & Operations. “Amphibious operations are woven into the very fabric of what it means to be a Marine. ACVs are more than a capability—they are part of our legacy.”
The ACV is being fielded across all three Marine Expeditionary Forces, reinforcing the Corps’ commitment to readiness and global reach. As the ship-to-shore connector of the future, the ACV delivers unmatched mobility, protection, and lethality—enabling Marines to launch from ships in nearly any weather, traverse open waters, storm beachheads, support infantry inland, and return safely.
PM AAA’s work has been instrumental in this achievement. Their efforts have ensured the ACV meets the rigorous demands of modern warfare, integrating lessons learned from its inaugural deployment—including embarkation logistics, maintenance requirements, and interoperability with allied forces.
“In a time of rising global instability and emerging threats, the Marine Corps remains at the forefront of defending the Nation and its allies and partners, and advancing our national interests,” said Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault Chris Melkonian, “The ACV is a critical enabler of that effort—and that capability exists because of your professionalism, your craftsmanship, and your commitment to excellence.”
As the Marine Corps continues to evolve, the ACV stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between warfighters, the acquisition community, and the Defense Industrial Base. The 300th ACV was built in one of the ACV’s primary manufacturing facilities in York, Pennsylvania. The vehicle has already been fielded to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Marines are now training to confidently and lethally employ it alongside their fellow warfighters.