Photo By Master Gunnery Sgt. Matt Epright | A Marine from Sierra Battery, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Matt Epright
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
FORT PICKETT, Va. - Imagine a gun that fires so far that temperature and air-density affect the strike of the 90-pound shells on targets you can't even see. Now imagine firing that gun like an oversized rifle - straight at a tank.
Marines from Sierra Battery, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, took advantage of the rare opportunity to conduct a direct-fire training mission aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Jan. 12.
Sierra Battery's M777 155mm Howitzer is usually an over-the-horizon weapon. Shells are lobbed high in the sky over miles of terrain, the Marines from the Battery never seeing the impact. Using it in battle is akin to a crushing roundhouse punch in a boxing match.
But the gun can also be dropped level and aimed like a stationary tank cannon to hit targets like a sharp, stunning jab in the enemy's face.
Marines can actually see the target they're firing at without using Forward Observers or Fire Direction Centers to get on target.
"The section chiefs own their guns. They make the changes. They adjust the rounds," said 1stLt. Brent Eisberner, the Sierra Btry. Guns Platoon Commander and native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. "It's a rare opportunity and we don't often get the chance to practice it."
Taking the FDC out of the loop makes for a fast-paced mission. The Marines track the target as they load the gun and as soon as it's loaded, they unload on the target.
"It's simulating taking on a tank," said Lance Cpl. Leroy Scheinoha, a cannoneer and native of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. "You've got to get him before he can get you."
The quicker turnaround between shots and the ability to see what they hit motivates the Marines.
"The blood gets going. It gets exciting and you get a big adrenaline rush," said Scheinoha.
Direct fire is one of the core artillery missions. Artillery Marines talk about never seeing the enemy when they are operating normally. But, if they do, they need to be able to effectively deal with close-in threats.
According to Staff Sgt. David Taylor, the Guns Platoon Sergeant, and native of Olympia, Wash., practicing direct fire is essential for the battery to maintain a strong defense.
With several "steel on steel" hits throughout the day of firing aboard Fort Pickett, it seems the Marines of Sierra Battery are ready to deliver the knock-out punch in any face-to-face scrap they might encounter during their upcoming deployment.
The 22nd MEU is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. Commanded by Col. Gareth F. Brandl, it consists of its Ground Combat Element, BLT 3/2; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263; Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2009 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 29271 |
| Location: | FORT PICKETT, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 159 |
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