USMC M-151 Fast Attack Vehicle

The Marine Corps has a requirement for a CH-53E Super Stallion internally transportable tactical fast attack vehicle to support maneuver when operating in the littorals. Starting in 1988, this capability was provided by specially modified M-151A2 1/4 ton trucks (jeeps). The M-151 performed adequately in this role, but suffered from deficiencies such as instability, low speed, and poor reliability, as assessed by the USMC. The M-151 gasoline fueled engine is a logistics issue and a fire hazard when compared to diesel trucks.

The M151 Fast Attack Vehicle was replaced by the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) in the late 1990s, although a few persisted longer. The USMC has procured other solutions, including this USMC Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 290 Interim Fast Attack Vehicle, as well as other vehicles under the Interim Fast Attack Vehicle program.

Click on this link for much more information about the M-151 series jeeps.

M-151 Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) at Okinawa DRMO. Thanks to Andy Michalski for finding this photo.

Today in WW II: 8 Feb 1940 Germans establish the first large Jewish ghetto in Poland in the city of Lodz. More ↓

8 Feb 1941 US House of Representatives passes the Lend-Lease Act [265 to 165].
8 Feb 1942 Battle of Sarimbun Beach begins, the first stage of the Japanese assault on Singapore.
8 Feb 1942 Japanese Offensive in Burma begins [8 Feb-2 May].
8 Feb 1945 Battle of the Reichswald: British and Canadian forces under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery begin Operation Veritable [8 Feb-11 Mar].
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

USMC M-151 Fast Attack Vehicle (M151 FAV)

U.S. Air Force Major General William S. Hinton Jr., Joint Task Force Shining Hope commander, steps out of an M-151 Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) during a tour of the U.S. sponsored refugee camp site designated "Camp Eagle" in Fier, Albania, 1 June 1999. A .50 caliber M2 HB machine gun is carried on the ring mount.

An M-151 FAV equipped with a .50 caliber M2 HB machine gun during the National Victory Celebration parade following Operation Desert Storm, Washington, DC, 8 June 1991.

An M-151 Fast Attack Vehicle FAV from B Co., Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) equipped with a .50 caliber M2 HB machine gun, providing security at the US Embassy housing complex in Tirana, Albania, during Operation SILVER WAKE, 16 March 1997.