Airmen assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion training during a joint operational support mission with U.S. Marines at Kadena Air Base, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Kenebetsu Air Base, Japan, Sept. 18-19, enabling a bilateral live-fire exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The training gave personnel an opportunity to practice emerging tactics, techniques and procedures that allow C-130 aircrews to reload ammo pods into a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System without any material handling equipment, such as K-loaders and forklifts, in a process known as HIMARS Direct Reload Inside Plane.
This marked the first time on record that a Mobility Air Force aircrew within Pacific Air Forces has executed HIDRIP, as the 36th AS continues to develop homegrown training events designed to refine the skills needed to support operations in austere 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."
The first day of the mission began with aircrews from the 36th AS departing in two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Yokota AB to Kadena AB, where they met MC-130J Commando II personnel assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing, along with U.S. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.
The 353rd SOW is currently writing checklists and procedures for HIDRIP in conjunction with the 561st Weapons Squadron and provided the 36th AS with the draft publications necessary to prepare them for mission execution.
Additionally, 353rd SOW personnel provided hands-on training to 36th AS aircrews, guiding them through the process of loading an ammo pod into a HIMARS through HIDRIP.
The 353rd SOW conducts missions requiring unique skill sets, so expanding HIDRIP training to 36th AS personnel increases the number of C-130 aircrews capable of maneuvering and sustaining joint operations in the theater. This added capacity is valuable if the SOW is tasked with a low density, high demand mission.
Other units at Kadena AB further augmented the 36th AS to ensure a successful training.
"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."
The 36th AS aircrews departed Kadena AB the following day for JASDF Kenebetsu AB, transporting a HIMARS on one C-130J and two ammo pods on another. They then applied the HIDRIP procedures they had practiced the day before, demonstrating rapid reloading in a realistic environment without traditional support or infrastructure.
This proved to be an invaluable experience for some of the newer aircrew members.
"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 assigned to the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron also supported the training, performing tasks typical to their functional area while augmenting the 36th AS loadmasters in HIDRIP procedures to expedite the process.
Yokota Airmen regularly conduct training events to strengthen agile combat employment capabilities and build interoperability with joint partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. As it looks ahead, the squadron plans to build on its HIDRIP training by increasing efficiency and advancing their ability to respond in the event of a forward edge combat mission.
"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."
