Views on grounding of amphibious vehicles

Re “Marines pull beleaguered amphibious vehicles from operating in the water” (Dec. 16): The Marine Corps is pulling all assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) from future waterborne operations. This is a timely and much-needed decision. The report goes on to report that some of the vehicles are 35 years old. That alone should have dictated a stand-down.

Having served as a senior Marine officer, I have questioned for years the use of these amphibious vehicles. When on active duty and riding in one of these AAVs, I was always cautious and often fearful that one of these was dangerous. The Marines made the right decision. Too bad they had to wait so long to implement.

Rodgers T. Smith El Cajon

So rather than fixing the real problem — the lack of evacuation training and the unconscionable decision by the “commander” to wait until it was too late to give the order to evacuate — the Navy will cease water operations in these vehicles, which the Marine Corps maintains in the story are still useful. Maj. Jim Stenger is quoted in the article as saying “The Marine Corps stands by the efficacy of the recommendations that came from the multiple investigations into the AAV mishap.”

Mishap? Mishap? The dictionary definition of “mishap” is “an unfortunate accident.” This was no accident. It was willful gross negligence to not train the men in water evacuation and to fail to have someone in charge who has enough common sense and regard for human life to give the order to evacuate while there was still time.

Glenda de Vaney

Chula Vista