The driver of a U.S. Marine Corps M-1A1 Abrams tank is ground guided as he backs onto a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion, or LCAC, as it sits on White Beach, Camp Pendleton, Calif., on June 20, 1997, during Exercise Kernel Blitz 97. Kernel Blitz 97 is a major amphibious exercise taking place in Southern California and waters offshore. More than 12,000 sailors, Marines, soldiers, guardsmen and airmen are involved in the exercise which is designed to test the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to project combat power ashore. The LCAC, from Assault Craft Unit 5, will haul the tank, cargo and troops to the USS Comstock (LSD 45) operating offshore.