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Among the Marines supporting the operation was U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy Emerson, an electro-optical ordnance repair technician with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division who found himself facing his first major training exercise.
For Fox Battery’s High Mobility Rocket Artillery System and Emerson, the highlight was a static live-fire of 12 reduced-range practice rockets. These rockets were fired at simulated targets over 15 kilometers away, demonstrating the power, precision and flexibility that HIMARS brings to the battlefield.
But the technical demands weren’t the only challenge. The Marines also operated their equipment and HIMARS during a simulated, chemically contaminated environment during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training.
“There was a certain spice that it added, just making sure that I was doing everything right and following all the orders I was given correctly while having to look out for myself in case of a chemical or radiological attack,” Emerson said. “And just ensuring full mission capability even under added stress and layers of equipment.”
Emerson emphasized the need to be able to work all equipment that required fine motor functions while having to wear the bulky gloves provided with mission oriented protective posture gear.
For Emerson, operating in CBRN gear was a wake-up call—one that sharpened his focus and boosted his confidence.
“There’s a certain spice to it,” he laughed. “Making sure your mask is sealed in eight seconds, that you can breathe, and then immediately switching back into mission mode. It teaches you to stay sharp. It gave me more confidence, honestly. After that, I knew I could operate under stress.”
The exercise also included a HIMARS rapid infiltration, or HIRAIN.
“Romania consisted of HIMARS being flown out to a location [via a C-130 cargo plane] and dropped off,” Emerson said. “The crew then locates themselves on their gunner display unit. After finding their target and firing, they get back in the bird and leave. A HIRAIN brings accurate firepower, but first and foremost, speed.”
More than just an operational test, the training reaffirmed the importance of teamwork. Emerson, like many Marines in supporting roles, emphasized that attention to detail is critical.
“It can be very easy during a training exercise like this, whether you’re communications or fire direction control Marine, or anyone who’s not in a launcher during a static fire or a HIRAIN, to feel a bit like you’re in a small role,” Emerson said. “But here, I definitely got a good sense that in this exercise, everyone was doing their job and doing what they were tasked with doing, and doing it well. That never changes. No matter where you are, just doing the job you’re tasked with and making sure that you’re doing your part.”
Apart from the mission in front of them, Emerson also noted the sense of belonging during his time with the unit.
“Being at Fox Battery for nearly a year now, it still feels like home,” Emerson said. “I’ve met people here I never would’ve otherwise. And training like this? It reminds me why I joined. To be part of a team that gets the job done. No matter the environment, no matter the mission.”
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2025 09:44 |
| Story ID: | 501110 |
| Location: | KLAIPėDA, LT |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines Showcase Precision and Readiness at BALTOPS 25, by LCpl Van Hoang, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
