Sergeant Maj. Michael P. Woods, sergeant major, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, completes the battalion's surf qualification here, Sept. 6, 2013. The training ensured the Marines know how to properly evacuate their AAV and swim back to shore in case of an emergency. The battalion conducts the surf qualification annually. The swim to shore presents the Marines with many challenges, including the confidence to jump into the cold water while facing the waves rushing over them. Gators conduct surf qualification 130906-M-PC317-142

---

Size: 1932px × 1294px
Photo credit: © PJF Military Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1st, 3rd, 500, armed, battalion, camp, conflict, corps, division, expeditionary, force, forces, gators, marine, marines, meters, military, ocean, pendleton, qualification, states, surf, united, usmc, war