Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron executed a new HIMARS reload tactic during a joint mission with U.S. Marines in Japan on Sept. 18–19, conducting events at Kadena Air Base and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Kenebetsu Air Base. The training supported a bilateral live-fire exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The event focused on HIMARS Direct Reload Inside Plane, or HIDRIP, a process that allows C-130 crews to reload rocket ammo pods without K-loaders or forklifts. It was the first recorded instance of a Mobility Air Forces aircrew within Pacific Air Forces carrying out HIDRIP, underscoring the squadron’s push to refine tactics for austere and contested environments.
“HIDRIP pushes and furthers the C130’s capabilities for supporting HIMARS and HIRAIN operations,” said Tech. Sgt. Trevor Humes, 36th AS instructor loadmaster. “By practicing rapid reload operations, we better enforce the lethality of our joint partners while reducing everyone’s period of vulnerability. Being able to practice austere operations proves our readiness for contested environments.”
On the first day, two C-130J Super Hercules departed Yokota Air Base for Kadena, where 36th AS aircrews linked up with MC-130J personnel from the 353rd Special Operations Wing and Marines from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.
The 353rd SOW is developing HIDRIP checklists with the 561st Weapons Squadron and supplied draft procedures and hands-on instruction that walked 36th AS crews through loading an ammo pod into a HIMARS inside the aircraft. Expanding HIDRIP beyond special operations units increases the number of C-130 aircrews able to maneuver and sustain joint operations across the theater, adding capacity for low-density, high-demand tasks.
“This mission wasn’t accomplished by one unit,” said Col. Donavan Laskey, 374th Airlift Wing deputy commander. “It was accomplished by multiple units coming together as one team to show what we can do in a joint and combined environment. Our partners from the Marine Corps, 18th Wing, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron and 353rd Special Operations Wing played key roles in making it happen, and it is this kind of teamwork that ensures we are ready to respond whenever and wherever needed.”
On the second day, the crews flew to JASDF Kenebetsu AB, transporting a HIMARS on one C-130J and two ammo pods on another, then applied HIDRIP procedures to demonstrate rapid reloading without traditional base support or infrastructure.
“As a new Airman, being part of this training gave me valuable insight into how we prepare for real-world contingency operations,” said Airman 1st Class Andrew Giorgio, 36th AS loadmaster. “It was eye-opening to see the operational capability of the C-130J and how it supports the mission.”
Flying crew chiefs from the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron supported the mission, handling maintenance tasks and augmenting loadmasters to speed HIDRIP steps. Yokota-based airmen conduct regular exercises to strengthen agile combat employment and interoperability with joint partners across the Indo-Pacific, and the 36th AS plans to build on HIDRIP by improving efficiency and responsiveness for forward-edge missions.
“Our feedback and experiences are shaping future publications for our airframe and fellow aviators,” said Humes. “By practicing and honing these procedures, we can take these lessons learned and continue to push the capabilities of our aircraft and partners.”
