Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, held a ten-day exercise, Sept. 22 through Oct. 1, with the host nation’s 97th Heavy Artillery Regiment, within the United Arab Emirates.
The live-fire exercise tested joint capabilities for the primary time between both units that operate the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, referred to as HIMARS.
The event began with a seven-hour, 280-kilometer convoy to UAE’s live-fire complex inside the southern part of the rustic where the rockets were fired. Because it was the primary time U.S. forces have fired the HIMARS inside the UAE, the 1-14th FA “Steel Warriors” used the exercise to illustrate their tactical and technical skills to their coalition partners.
“The live-fire exercise was a massive accomplishment for both 1-14 and the Emiratis,” said Lt. Col. JP Maddaloni, 1-14th FA commander. “We demonstrated great camaraderie and true partnership combining our efforts within the tactical exercise and shooting rockets in support of decisive action training.”
Because of the 115-degree heat, the 578th Forward Support Company worked extra hard to establish air conditioned tents to shelter everyone.
The keep fit exercise not just furthered U.S. relations with the host nation, it led to the successful shooting of greater than 65 rockets. The Steel Warriors qualified 16 HIMARS crews and 4 fire direction sections. The 97th HAR trained seven of its crews and fired 18 rockets.
“Working with our host nation allies was truly a rewarding experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Rossi, B Battery platoon leader.
The Steel Warriors and the 97th HAR began planning the exercise in May. The soldiers were excited to be the primary U.S. force to fireside their rocket systems inside the UAE. Previous units traveled back to Kuwait, roughly 500 miles, to certify on their systems.
“I treated it like every other live fire, but on reflection on it, i am getting to claim i used to be the 1st Soldier to shoot in country, and that’s pretty cool,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Robinson.
The field artillery battalion deployed to the region in April and is now stationed within the UAE. The unit should return to Fort Sill in 2014.
“The Emiratis were gracious hosts in the course of the live-fire exercise, and we owe them our sincere gratitude for permitting us to take part during this great event,” said Maddaloni. “I am pleased with the complete Soldiers in 1-14th FA for his or her labor and achievements in UAE.”
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