Marines train with mine clearing weapon system

Photo By Lance Cpl. David Hersey | Master Sgt. Brian Richardson leads a review of the of the MK-154 Mine Clearance Launcher for Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 9, 2015. During the classroom lessons, the Marines were required to memorize all the procedures and controls for installing and operating the MK-154 kit before moving to the practical application portion of the course. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Hersey/Released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

03.09.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. David Hersey 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division trained on how to properly install and operate the MK-154 Mine Clearance Launcher onto an Assault Amphibious Vehicle aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 2-13, 2015.

“The MK-154 is a three-rocket system with three linear charges of C-4,” said Sgt. Chadwick P. Smith, a vehicle commander’s course instructor with the battalion. “The rocket will launch out from the vehicle, laying down a hundred meter string of C-4 as it flies, and then the operators detonate the charge clearing that area. This is continued until the entire field is cleared and safe for the Marines to navigate.”

Smith said that by combining the amphibious capabilities of the AAV with the MK-154, a path through a minefield can be cleared from the water and onward allowing an avenue of approach clear of threats for vehicles and Marines. The explosion and pressure cause by detonating each linear charge is capable of setting off any mines in its path, creating a lane that is 100 meters in length and 16 meters wide. Through this path, vehicles such as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as the Humvee, and 7-Ton Truck Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement can safely maneuver and advance on the enemy lines.

During the training the Marines learned the proper procedures for unloading the MK-154 kit from its container, installing it onto the AAV, loading the rockets, and operating the equipment both in the classroom and through practical application.

“Getting your hands on something like this is the best way to learn,” said Lance Cpl. Bradley D. Jones, an assault amphibious vehicle technician with the battalion. “You can memorize stuff in a classroom, but nothing helps better than actually getting out here. You learn a lot more by seeing and touching what you will be working with.”

Cpl. Gwayne T. Adams, an assault amphibious vehicle technician with the battalion, said that it was a good opportunity to learn another part of their job.

“It’s another tool in our toolbox,” said Adams. “It makes us better at our job by giving us another skill we can use and the more Marines in our job who know how to do this, the less time it will take.”

• Date Taken: 03.09.2015
• Date Posted: 03.19.2015 15:15
• Story ID: 157528
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: FORT ATKINSON, WI, US
• Hometown: HOUMA, LA, US
• Hometown: TULSA, OK, US