 Service members with Charlie Company, Third Assault amphibian battalion, highlighted the Marine Corps amphibious routes when they conducted a surf qualification aboard Camp Pendleton September 6th. Amphibious assault vehicles transported Marines and sailors approximately 500 meters offshore where they unloaded into the water and swam back to shore. The Marines will practice egress procedures, make sure they can properly use their life jackets and successfully make it to the beach. The biggest thing is confidence in the water, confidence that they know their safety procedures, confidence that they know how to do the little things that's going to make it safe in the instance that a track does go down or needs to be egressed from. The qualification is unique in the challenges presented by swimming in an ocean instead of a pool. It's kind of exhausting, honestly. I wasn't expecting it to be. It's pretty tough and then with the waves crashing over, it's just got to stay focused and calm. The training ensured service members working on AAVs are prepared in case of an emergency while at sea and focused on their mission as an amphibious force in readiness. Reporting from Camp Pendleton, I'm Lance Corporal Christopher Moore.