b"Marines Deactivate Tank UnitsIn March 2020, the commandant of the Marine Corps released Force Design 2030.The guidance provides a common direction to where the Marine Corps is heading in the future and why. Force Design 2030 states the Marine Corps will integrate more with the U.S. Navy and reaffirms their strategic partnership. The movement is being conducted as part of the new United States Marine Corps Force Design 2030 guidance published by General David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, March 2020. The 15-page document outlines a plan to modernize the Marine Corps in accordance with the National Defense Strategy, and doing so within the financial means available. It is also being conducted with respect for the history of the Corps.Photo: An M1030 B1 KLR 650 Kawasaki Motorcycle displayed at Camp Pendleton's75th Anniversary event.The boat-shaped DUKW is found near the front entry U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tayler Schwamb/Released in the World War II section. The DUKW name is a SEP 3, 2019, an M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank fires during the Tank Gunnery Competition, TIGERCOMP on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, August 29. TIGERCOMP is an annual manufacturers code: D indicates model year 1942; U standsforce competition that determines the Marine Corps most lethal tank crew. The winning crew, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, will have the opportunity represent for its utility amphibious body style; K indicates all-wheelthe Marine Corps in the Sullivan Cup, which is the Armys total force tank gunnery competition.drive; W identifies its dual rear axles. World War II DUKWIn early July 2020, the Marines tank battalions began crew members who contributed funds for its restoration,the process by shipping off their tanks and begin the process affectionately referred to themselves as the Quack Corps.of deactivation. On July 6, 1st Battalion loaded the last of Driving the 2.5-ton single propeller DUKW, these veteransits M1A1 Abrams onto flatbeds and watched them leave resupplied troops by transporting ammunition, supplies,Twentynine Palms, Calfornia.equipment and troops over land and water. Manufactured byTwo weeks later, on July 18, U.S. Marines with Alpha GMC (General Motors Corporation) from 1942 to 1945, Company, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine it remarkably withstood heavy winds, rains and surf and Forces Reserve, held a deactivation ceremony at theirwas proven seaworthy when it crossed the English Channel.headquarters in 41 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp It included a high-capacity bilge pump system, an air Pendleton, California, Alpha Co. was the first of sixcompressor, a winch and a thin hull, light enough to staycompanies in the battalion to deactivate. afloat even when penetrated with 2 holes. The driver couldThe other companies, along with the battalionchange the tire pressure from inside the cab, giving the headquarters, will deactivate by the end of 2021.vehicle added terrain versatility. The DUKW was not an armored vehicle, but on about one-quarter of these vehicles, 50-caliber Browning heavy machine guns were mounted on a ring mount. During World War II in the Pacific Theater, the coral did not damage the tires as Marine Corps DUKWs crossed the reefs on Saipan and Guam.One of the few M76 Otters to be found in a museum,this boat-nosed vehicle is on display thanks to the four-yearvolunteer efforts of Dr. Jerry Cook, retired U.S. NavyCmdr. Chip Lovett, Marine Capt. Connor Riley. andPhoto: The last tanks assigned to 1st Tank Battaliondepart Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Cpl. Steven Everettcontinued on page 24California, July 6, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps/ Sgt. Courtney White)Thank You For Your Service HOctober 2020 H Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 23"