U.S. HIMARS Units Train for Island Defense in South China Sea Flashpoint

The 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force used a high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) to launch six rockets from the western coast of Palawan on April 28. The area is close to waters disputed by China and the Philippines, where fighting often happens between their troops.

The battalion's leader, Lt. Col. Ben Blane, said that his unit does training exercises in the Philippines up to three times a year, with rotations lasting 30 to 60 days each time. In a phone chat on Sunday, Blane said, "It's a rotational force now." Training exercises are being held to prepare for possible help for Philippine forces."

The HIMARS system, which is usually used for land attacks, was used during the Balikatan exercises to show that it could also be used for anti-ship operations. So far, this year's military drill was the biggest one of its kind. About 9,000 U.S. troops, 5,000 Philippine troops, and troops from allied countries like Australia, Japan, the UK, France, and Canada took part.

The Balikatan exercise was a crucial test for logistics and mobility, seeing how quickly HIMARS could be implemented across the rough island territory. A master shooter named Sgt. 1st Class Shaun Moore said, "Getting from point A to point B is very hard in the Philippines."

In a determined attempt to reach the training site in Bataraza, troops used commercial ships, military planes, trucks, and difficult, muddy paths to reach a makeshift firing point. 

Blane said, "We don't need the same level of service as Gucci." The system can work well in harsh conditions.

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