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ConflictUS Marine Corps transfers retired AAVs to Black Sea region allies
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The U.S. Marine Corps is transferring its retired Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), known as 'Trax,' to allied nations defending the Black Sea region. The AAV-P7, which entered service in 1972 and was officially decommissioned in September 2025, made its final appearance during a military exercise in Romania before being handed over. The tracked vehicles, being replaced by the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), will be transferred by experienced instructors to partner nations. The AAV saw combat in Lebanon and Iraq and was tested alongside drones during the exercise. Master Sgt. Daniel Porter, who spent 22 years working on the vehicle, bid an emotional farewell.
Source report
After more than five decades of carrying Marines to shore, the U.S. Marine Corps’ assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) made its final appearance this month during a military exercise in Romania before beginning its next task: defending allied countries in the Black Sea region, the Marine Corps announced in a Thursday release.
The AAV-P7, affectionately known to Marines as "Trax," is being replaced by the amphibious combat vehicle. However, rather than being retired to storage, the battle-tested tracked vehicles are slated to be transferred to partner nations by experienced instructors.
Key Facts
- Service history: The AAV entered service in 1972 and became a mainstay of the Corps’ amphibious assault capabilities for decades.
- Upgrades and combat: It underwent multiple upgrades over the years and saw combat in Lebanon and Iraq.
- Decommissioning: The platform was officially decommissioned in September 2025.
- Final exercise: During the exercise in Romania, the AAV was used in doctrinal roles, including:
- Mechanized assault platform
- Logistics carrier
- Direct fire asset
- Modern testing: The Corps noted the vehicle was tested alongside drones, which have fundamentally changed the nature of war since the AAV was first introduced.
Emotional Farewell
For many Marines, the Trax was the center of their careers, and its retirement marked an emotional end to what was more than just a weapons system.
Master Sgt. Daniel Porter, logistics chief for 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, spent 22 years working on the vehicle after first seeing one as a fresh Marine.
"This has been my home since I started in the Marine Corps," Porter said in the statement, which later chronicled his sentimental last look at the vehicle. "Last ride," he said, after bidding farewell to the beast he called "old girl."
About the Author
Eve Sampson is a reporter and former Army officer. She has covered conflict across the world, writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Associated Press.
Source
Military TimesWestern
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US Transfers Retired Marine Corps AAVs to Black Sea Allies