Overview
- A platoon of about 40 to 50 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines fired two HIMARS salvos at the East Fuji range on Wednesday, using two launchers and reduced‑range rockets.
- Japan’s Ministry of Defense coordinated the drill, and range officials closed a nearby public road during the firing for safety.
- Commanders said the event sharpened readiness and signaled U.S. commitment to defend Japan alongside allied forces.
- The East Fuji Maneuver Area provides terrain and range capacity that let crews rehearse HIMARS “shoot and scoot” tactics to fire and relocate before enemy sensors find them.
- The repeat event at Camp Fuji follows recent HIMARS use in April’s Balikatan exercise in the Philippines, underscoring a regional focus on long‑range precision fires.