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AAVs are used to carry out beach landings. The small, armored craft are launched from Navy amphibious ships and convert into armored personnel carriers on land.

There have been 10 to 15 reported incidents over the past 20 years involving AAVs, with the most recent report involving a water-based fatality happening in January 2011.

\"PHOTO:
U.S. Marine Corp., FILE
PHOTO: Marines with Bravo Company, drive AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicles through the surf during sustainment training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 14, 2020.
>

\"San Clemente is a very challenging amphibious training ground,\" said Eric Oehlerich, an ABC News contributor and former Navy SEAL who's conducted trainings there. \"Night amphibious training is some of the most complex and high-risk training you can do as an amphibious soldier.\"

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