Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Caiman, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), Category II, 6×6
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. Caiman, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), Category II, 6×6 Marker
The Caiman was developed by Stewart Stevenson in response to the Department of Defense's request for armored vehicles to supplant the Up-armored HMMWVs being used in Iraq and Afghanistan. In response Stewart Stevenson developed the Caiman by using the M1078 5-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) as the baseline. The M1078 was already in production, thus affording a simplified construction and logistic pipeline. The Caiman was designed to have 85-90% commonality with the the M1078. It would also be equipped with an armored cab that was being retrofitted to the 2½ and 5-ton cargo trucks in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Caiman was tested in 4×4 and 6×6 versions, but only the 6×6 variant was purchased. Once in Iraq, the Caimans were used as an infantry carrier and convoy escort. In the escort role, a Caiman had the honor of being the last vehicle out of Iraq in December 2011.* Following the end of the war the 1,700 Caimans were put under a reset program. In 2013, the Army began offering them to Allies and US Law Enforcement agencies.
*This Caiman was sent to the 1st Cavalry Museum at Fort Hood.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 37° 10.004′ N, 76° 34.45′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached from Washington Boulevard just south of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M915A4, Truck, Tractor, 14 Ton, 6×4 (Up-Armored) (here, next to this marker); M1000, Semitrailer, 70 Ton (HET) (here, next to this marker); M1070, Truck, Tractor, 8×8 (HET) (here, next to this marker); M872A1, Trailer, Flatbed, 34 Ton (a few steps from this marker); M60A3, Main Battle Tank, 105mm "Patton" (a few steps from this marker); Railway Training Caboose (a few steps from this marker); Air Cushion Vehicle, SK-5 (a few steps from this marker); Railway Snowplow - Spreader - Ditcher Car (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Additional commentary.
1. Marker location
This marker is on the grounds of Fort Eustis. Permission was requested before photographing.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
2. Caiman, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), Category II, 6×6 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
