2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion is a mechanized battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The battalion is a separate battalion within the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based out of the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Mission Land the surface assault element of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives; to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore. Current units Headquarters and Services Company Alpha Company Bravo Company Motto YAT-YAS, "You Ain't Tracks, You Ain't Shit" History World War II The Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion was commissioned on March 18, 1942, in San Diego, California. The battalion was an organic unit of the 2nd Marine Division, composed of a Headquarters and Service Company and three letter companies, all equipped with the Landing Vehicle Tracked-1 (LVT-1). Guadalcanal In November 1942 the battalion was relocated to Wellington, New Zealand where it continued training for follow on amphibious operations. Company H from 2d Tracks arrived at Tulagi on October 9 as part of other reinforcements from the 2nd Marine Division. Tarawa The battalion left New Zealand along with the rest of the 2nd Marine Division on November 1, 1943. While participating in a practice landing against Mele Bay, Efate on November 8, the battalion was also preparing to receive 50 new LVT-2 amphibian tractors. The new LVT-2s were placed into Company A-1 which was stood up with additional personnel from the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 2d Light Tank Battalion and 2d Special Weapons Battalion. Tarawa marked the first time the LVT-2 Water Buffalo participated in combat operations. The battalion's LVTs took part in the first, second, and third waves of landings at Tarawa on November 20, 1943. The first wave across the beach consisted of 42 LVT-1s each carrying 18 Marines and 45 LVT-2's each with 20 Marines. The battalion's LVTs provided a continuous supply of ammunition, reinforcements, and ferrying back of the wounded. Of 125 vehicles used (50 new LVT-2s and 75 LVT-1s), only 35 remained operational by the end of the first day, continuing to ferry men and supplies across the coral reef and through the shallows to the beach. The Battle of Tarawa resulted in 32 killed in action and 68 missing Marines for the battalion. Among the dead