Combined arms training commences for 3/12

Photo By Sgt. Michael Iams | Marines with Golf Battery slide a 155 mm round into the breech of an M777A2 howitzer during the live-fire portion of the Fuji Combined Arms Operation at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Jan. 18. For many of the Marines, the greatest challenge for them was the difficult terrain and inclement weather conditions.  

FUJI, AICHI, JAPAN

01.27.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Iams 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

FUJI, Japan - Marines with Golf Battery began the live-fire portion of the Fuji Combined Arms Operation here Jan. 17.

The overall purpose of the operation is to give Marine artillery units the opportunity to conduct live-fire training with their weapons systems, according to Capt. Marc H. Ginez, battery commander.

“Our goal is to increase the proficiency and confidence of our Marines when utilizing these weapons systems,” said 1st Sgt. Shane E. Henson, the battery first sergeant.

The battery, originally from the 10th Marine Regiment out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., is assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, through the Marine Corps’ unit deployment program.

The weapons systems used by the battery include the M777A2 howitzer, the M240B machine gun and the .50–caliber Browning machine gun.

During the training, the battery fired hundreds of 155 mm high-explosive artillery rounds and thousands of .50-caliber and 7.62 mm machine gun rounds, according to Henson. For many of the Marines, the greatest challenge for them was the extremely cold weather conditions and mountainous terrain.

“This training helps us stay proficient as a unit,” said Sgt. Robert E. Sheppard III, a section chief for the battery. “It’s especially good for the Marines to learn to adapt and overcome the difficulties of the weather and terrain.”

“This training marks the final live-fire training the battery will perform as a unit,” said Henson. “The unit is scheduled to rotate back to its parent command in the United States next month.”

“Many of the Marines will receive orders to different units upon our return to Camp Lejeune,” Sheppard said. “They may either stay or leave 10th Marines.”

“It’s a sad feeling to be leaving your fellow Marines, brothers and friends,” said Lance Cpl. Justin C. Linton, an armorer with the battery.

This is a historic event in the Marines’ lives and careers, said Henson.

Marines kept their heads held high and remained optimistic about seeing each other again throughout their careers.

“For all of Golf Battery, it’s been a pleasure working and training alongside them,” said Linton. “I hope to see them again in the near future.”

• Date Taken: 01.27.2012
• Date Posted: 01.26.2012 20:25
• Story ID: 82897
• Location: FUJI, AICHI, JP