12th LAAB conducts first FIM-92 Stinger live-fire

DAECHEON FIRING RANGE, Republic of Korea — U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conducted their first FIM-92 Stinger live-fire during Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 at Daecheon Firing Range on March 17, 2026. The event focused on improving detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy aircraft and bolstering integrated air defense, marking another milestone for the unit in the Indo-Pacific region.

The day opened under cold rain and low visibility, raising doubts about whether missiles would launch. Marines readied gear and emplaced Stingers despite the weather. As conditions improved, the hum of drones signaled the start: low altitude air defense gunners inspected their systems, shouldered missiles, moved into position, and began tracking targets. “I held the tracking and waited for the drone, while engaging my steps,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph Coller, a low altitude air defense gunner with 12th LAAB. “By the time it had gotten to my left and right lateral limits, I fired the missile.”

Planning and execution were not without setbacks, with hurdles that affected the unit’s ability to fire. Support came from 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and 6-52 Air Defense Artillery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, as Marines secured resources across units to keep the range on track. “Because we did encounter some issues, a little bit of heavy lifting had to be coordinated with the army as well as with the supporting units out here in order to get the resources for it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Chris Andrews, a low altitude air defense gunner with 12th LAAB.

Beyond training value, the event gave Marines a venue to demonstrate low altitude air defense capabilities, build proficiency with their weapon systems, and work alongside supporting units and partners such as the Republic of Korea Marine Corps—an effort the unit described as historic. “It felt amazing,” mentioned Cpl. Jesus Maldonado, a low altitude air defense gunner with 12th LAAB, “it’s the best feeling I could ever have.”

Participants characterized the live-fire as an opportunity to witness rapid adaptation under pressure, emphasizing professionalism, resilience, and readiness as the unit navigated challenges and executed the mission.