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

Today in WW II: 9 Jul 1940 Battle of Calabria [Battle of Punta Stilo, the toe of Italy] fought between the Italian Royal Navy and the British/Australian Royal Navies, 30 miles [48km] east of Punta Stilo.  More ↓
9 Jul 1943 US-British invasion of Sicily begins [night of 9-10 Jul].
9 Jul 1944 British and Canadian forces capture Caen from the Germans, a critical post-D-Day objective in Normandy, France.
9 Jul 1944 US forces reach the northern end of Saipan, finding thousands of Japanese civilian men, women, and children who commit suicide by leaping off the cliffs rather than be captured.
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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.V
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 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
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.