Photo Information

Marines load an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Nov. 4 at the North Fuji Maneuver Area during Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. ARTP is a regularly scheduled training event that strengthens combat readiness of U.S. Marine forces, and supports the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the Unit Deployment Program.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Martinez

Where there's smoke, there's fire: Battery B turns up the heat during ARTP 14-3

24 Nov 2014 | Sgt. Jennifer Martinez The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Fire mission! When ready, load one round,” a Marine yells. The section chief calls the commands to his team as they quickly load a 155 mm high-explosive round into the chamber of an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer.

“Ready, drop. Ready, ram. Ready, load!”

Within 15 seconds, the task is complete, the round is loaded and the final command is given.

“Stand by … fire!”

The line is pulled, and an ear-shattering “bang” sounds as the round explodes out of the cannon and sails into the target area.
Direct hit.

Marines with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program executed live-fire artillery training Nov. 2-11 at the North Fuji Maneuver Area during Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3.

ARTP is a regularly scheduled training event that increases combat readiness of U.S. Marine forces, and supports the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

“We are executing fires in support of a simulated maneuver element that’s out in the impact area,” said 1st Lt. Michael R. Stevens Jr., the battalion executive officer. “It gives us a chance to go out and shoot, move and communicate and do the things we’re trained to do without having ground forces actually participating.” 

During the operation, Marines focused on improving their efficiency in communications and executing fire missions.

“Any time we’re actually able to go out to the field and shoot is beneficial,” said Stevens. “You can only do so many dry fire missions in the gun park because it becomes tedious. Actually getting them out here and getting their hands on the rounds, executing fire procedures and putting rounds downrange is monumentally important for their progression in their careers, and their advancement in their technical skills as cannoneers.” 

The mountainous, grassy terrain presented new challenges for the Marines with Battery B who have trained in warmer, more open areas until now, according to Sgt. Derick M. Wolford, an artillery section chief with Battery B.

“The terrain here is different and the climate is completely different than anything we’ve ever dealt with before since we’re from Hawaii,” said Wolford, from Fort Ashby, West Virginia. “Usually we’re spread out with at least 200 meters between each gun. The ground here is a lot harder, so it takes a longer time for us to dig in. It’s also harder for us to get a good azimuth of fire since everything’s so condensed and there are tall grass and all kinds of holes everywhere. But, overall, it’s really good training.” 

Only a small number Marines in each of the batteries’ five sections had experience in shooting live ammunition before the operation. This exercise provided the opportunity to test their ability to safely and efficiently execute techniques. 

The Marines take great pleasure in experiencing new challenges and honing their skills as artillerymen, even with the harsh conditions and seriousness of their jobs, said Stevens.

“The Marines always enjoy the different tasks they get,” said Stevens. “Regardless of where we go, they find a way to have a good time. They enjoy getting to go to new places, see new things, and perfect their craft in an environment they’re not used to.”

For some, being able to see their work in action is enough to motivate them to face any harsh conditions or challenges they might experience at the ranges, according to Lance Cpl. Olumide Adewumi, an ammunition team chief with Battery B.

“I love my job,” said Adewumi, from Laurel, Maryland. “It’s not every day you get to wake up to see Mount Fuji and then go shoot howitzers. It’s the best job in the world.”

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/148615/theres-smoke-theres-fire-battery-b-turns-up-heat-during-artp-14-3#.VHM-91fF_IU#ixzz3JzrbyTzR