The spinning tracks of an amphibious assault vehicle with AAV Platoon, Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, sends mud flying as it tears up invasive pickleweed in the Nuupia Pond Wildlife Management Area during the 29th annual Mud Ops exercise on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 23. The 29-year-long Mud Ops tradition partnered AAV Platoon Marines with the base Environmental Compliance and Protection Department to prepare the 517-acre area for the upcoming breeding season of the endangered Hawaiian stilt bird species, which lasts from March until September. Photo by Lance Cpl. Reece Lodder