HIMARS live-fire training at CATC Fuji

CAMP COURTNEY, Japan — U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System live-fire training event at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, on May 20, 2026, in an effort to sharpen readiness and lethality while maintaining strict safety standards and reinforcing regional security and the defense of Japan.

Camp Fuji, which has long hosted infantry and artillery exercises including Fuji Viper, Shinka, and the Artillery Relocation Training Program, supported its second iteration of HIMARS live fire, underscoring the installation’s capacity for long-range fires.

“Integrating HIMARS live-fire training at Camp Fuji not only enhances our readiness, but it clearly demonstrates our commitment to our Japanese Allies,” said LtCol Anness, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. “By expanding our long-range precision fires capability here, we are validating we can project power and respond to any crises in the region at a moment’s notice.”

The East Fuji Maneuver Area provided realistic terrain, range capacity, and specialized infrastructure to safely and effectively conduct HIMARS operations.

“Operating in Camp Fuji presents environmental and terrain challenges that you just can’t replicate,” said Sgt. Richards, assistant section chief, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. “Executing live-fire training with the HIMARS in this specific environment builds the exact kind of muscle memory and cohesion we need to be lethal and ready.”

Training at Camp Fuji incorporated rigorous safety rehearsals to enable effective execution without compromising safety or performance, supporting the Marine Corps’ focus on safe operations and advanced long-range fires alongside Japanese allies. “Running the safety drills the way we do makes our Marines comfortable with our procedures, whether it is a dry-fire or a live-fire execution,” said Master Sgt. Martino, operations chief, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. “That repetition gives the Marines the ability to recognize and fix something that is out of the ordinary.”

During the same period, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and 12th Littoral Combat Team executed ARTP 26.1, which included live-fire training with the M777A2 howitzer, 81mm and 60mm mortars, and anti-tank weapon systems.

Building on the HIMARS event, the battalion plans to continue refining advanced tactics such as HIMARS Rapid Infiltration to keep 3rd Marine Division lethal, agile, and credible in the Indo-Pacific, supported by long-range precision fires, technological advances, and the expertise of Marines and Sailors prepared to respond to crises or conflict with allies and partners.