HIMARS fires more than 100 missiles at enemy

Courtesy Photo | The Marines of Sierra Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment achieved a significant milestone, Nov. 8, aboard Camp Leatherneck by firing their 100th guided unitary rocket from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in support of coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The 100th rocket was fired in support of coalition forces who were receiving accurate small arms and medium machine gun fire from an enemy fire-team sized element in the Sangin District of southern Afghanistan.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

11.08.2010

Story by Cpl. Daniel Blatter 

1st Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marines of Sierra Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment achieved a significant milestone, Nov. 8, aboard Camp Leatherneck by firing their 100th guided unitary rocket from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in support of coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

The 100th rocket was fired in support of coalition forces who were receiving accurate small arms and medium machine gun fire from an enemy fire-team sized element in the Sangin District of southern Afghanistan.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts and success of every Marine in this exceptional battery,” said Capt. Jeff Curtis, Sierra Battery commanding officer. “They have had a tremendous impact on counter-insurgency through their timely and accurate delivery of rocket fires.

“The HIMARS can achieve pin-point accuracy at ranges in excess of 84 kilometers,” said Curtis. “We’re able to strike hard and strike fast in order to destroy the enemy and only the enemy.”

The HIMARS rounds are aided through GPS technology and have the ability to travel at altitudes upwards of 75 kilometers. Although distance and accuracy are a key element in the HIMARS, the Marines of Sierra Battery also have a reputation for how quickly they fire the weapon.

“Within minutes of receipt of the call for fire, the launchers are capable of delivering precision rocket fire,” Curtis said.

The Marines of Sierra Battery operate as independent firing platoons, and are spread across the area of operations to maximize coverage and support all maneuver units throughout southern Helmand province.

“The system is lethal and extremely accurate,” Curtis said. “Units across the area have gained an understanding and appreciation for the weapon system and are executing combined arms operations in this complex environment with extreme competency and the welfare of the local populace at the forefront of their mission and focus.

“We’re honored to play a role in the success of the overall mission.”

As Sierra Battery continues to conduct counter-insurgency rocket operations in support of 1st Marine Division (Forward), they understand the importance of reaching this centurion achievement. They also know their missiles continue to save coalition forces’ lives, making every round launched a milestone in their eyes.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2010
• Date Posted: 11.10.2010 14:07
• Story ID: 59853
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF