The hurricane floodwaters in Texas have caused tremendous damage, but they are no challenge for a U.S. Marines Corps convoy in the area.
Marine Corps vehicles designed to assault enemy forces on defended shorelines have been launched to rescue victims of Hurricane Harvey, KTRK reported.
The Amphibious Assault Vehicle, or AAVs, are highly mobile, armored vehicles built to move Marines and cargo through high water, rough currents and surf zones. The vehicles are versatile and perfect for reaching flooded areas.
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Marine Forces Reserve spokeswoman 2nd Lt. Stephanie Leguizamon told Defense Tech earlier this week that 56 Marines and sailors from Charlie Company, Assault Amphibian Battalion, were assisting the Galveston Texas Fire Department with search-and-rescue missions. She confirmed that AAVs were in use.
The AAV company is based in Galveston, which allowed the battalion to respond quickly when the fire department requested assistance.
The spokeswoman also said that other local Marine units were mobilized and were waiting on standby for word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on whether they will be needed to help with rescue efforts.
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“We’re basically leveraging the fact that we’re geographically dispersed,” she said.
Check out this video posted on Facebook from Friendswood, Texas:
American Military News reported that the Marines were making their way north to assist with other rescues.
Residents in the area were no doubt glad to see the vehicles, knowing help from the Marines was on the way.
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City spox says these are Marine Corps amphibious vehicles, staging on Seawall, heading for the mainland. #GalvNews #Harvey pic.twitter.com/qIJG3jShj6
— John Wayne Ferguson (@JohnWFerguson) August 29, 2017
Texas governor Greg Abbott activated the entire Texas National Guard, mobilizing high-water vehicles, helicopters, Humvees and approximately 12,000 personnel.
These efforts are an inspiring example of how Americans pull together and help out those in need.
H/T Popular Military
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