• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Artillery relocation training begins

US Marine Corps News

11/24/2010
By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP SENDAI, Japan -- The Marine Corps has returned to the Ojojihara training area on mainland Japan for artillery relocation training Nov. 18 - Dec. 9.

Approximately 240 Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, arrived here Nov. 18 as part of the Artillery Relocation Training Program.

The purpose of the training is to maintain operational readiness of the artillery battalion and to support the U.S.-Japanese security alliance. This is the first time since 2006 the Marine Corps has used this artillery training area.

"Although this battery trained in Ojojihara four years ago, for most of the Marines and sailors, this is their first trip to Ojojihara," said Lt. Col. Rick Miagany, commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. "We are looking forward to the unique training challenges offered by the terrain and climate here."

The battery will be operating the M777 howitzer and participating in crew-served weapons training during the exercise. The battery, originally from Hawaii, is currently participating in the Unit Deployment Program and is based on Camp Hansen, Okinawa.

"This is my first deployment," said Lance Cpl. David M. Schnall, a target processer and survey meteorologist with Bravo Battery, 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. "This deployment will be a great way for me to get some good hands-on experience. We are all really looking forward to putting our skills to the test during a live-fire exercise."

"Everyone is excited to be here," said Cpl. Lester H. Cook, a radar watch chief with 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. "This is a great opportunity for us to put a lot of training we have received to good use, as well as learn some new skills."

"While our primary mission at Ojojihara is to conduct artillery training," said Miagani. "We also look forward to interacting with the local community and have scheduled community relations projects to achieve this goal. While we are here we hope to foster friendships and build a positive relationship (with the people of) the Ojojihara area."