36th Airlift Squadron, 25th Infantry Division Artillery conduct HIRAIN operations at Exercise Salaknib 26

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, teamed with U.S. Army soldiers from Bravo Battery, 2-11 Long Range Fires Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Artillery to conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration mission in support of Salaknib 26 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, June 14-15.

The joint team integrated to transport a HIMARS to a forward operating location, leveraging airlift and fires capabilities to enable rapid employment. “HIRAIN is the joining of the strike capability of the HIMARS and the tactical airlift capabilities of the C-130J platform,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick Waldron, 36 AS C-130J Super Hercules pilot and mission commander. “This allows the HIMARS access to remote landing zones that would be previously inaccessible, effectively increasing the HIMARS range to five times what a standalone HIMARS is capable of.”

Ahead of the operation, Airmen and soldiers met on the ground to rehearse procedures, verify logistics, and synchronize processes to ensure a smooth execution. “The crew was able to work with their Army counterparts to streamline pre-execution preparation as well as get hands-on training with the systems to improve first hand knowledge and experience throughout the C-130 and HIMARS communities,” said Waldron, “Every iteration and new crew member trained enhances both communities and joint mission capabilities.”

U.S. Army Maj. Jon Lagoy, 25 ID Task Force Thunder operations officer, outlined the command-and-control structure that underpinned the mission’s execution. “The 25 ID is responsible for providing the command and control of HIMARS for the duration of the HIRAIN mission,” said Lagoy, “We provide updates to our higher headquarters (at ARFOR) on how to best synchronize effects with the ground tactical plan. We (also) coordinate with our adjacent Brigade Task Forces on integration and deconfliction of HIRAIN operations to best support their missions.”

Lagoy also underscored the broader operational value of the training. “HIRAINs can effectively shape the battlefield in favor of friendly forces and set conditions for friendly forces conducting high risk operations such as Long-Range Maritime Air Assaults,” he said. “Joint operations leverage the full capabilities of our respective assets to achieve maximum effects on the battlefield. This kind of cooperation enables efficient and effective operations to best support the joint force and their objectives.”

The multi-day training concluded with the transportation of the HIMARS to Lal-Lo airfield, where the 25th Infantry Division conducted a simulated HIMARS fire. The mission showcased how air and ground units can combine to rapidly project combat power and operate in contested, austere environments.