DJIBOUTI - Marines assigned to 26th Marine Expeditionary

DJIBOUTI - Marines assigned to 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall, depart Djibouti in an amphibious assault vehicle after conducting amphibious training exercises. The Navy engineers developing a new Extreme Power Internal Combustion (EPIC) engine to transform Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) capabilities were recognized for their EPIC innovation in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) annual awards program, May 18. EPIC is designed to increase power and reduce weight to achieve high water speed for future Marine Corps ACVs. The engine's fuel efficiency can also support long term ACV ground operations. EPIC inventor, Greg Buchanan, and developer, Vincent Vendetti, were among a team of engineers winning the Naval Sea System Command 2016 Commander's Innovation Award for the innovation. "An amphibious combat vehicle featuring the efficient, high-power EPIC engine would meet all challenges and outmaneuver future rivals to truly transform amphibious assault missions," said Vendetti. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristin L. Grover)