It's not the normal place you would expect to find Army's high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS), but it turns out the platform has great sea legs.
As part of Introduction into Service, the HIMARS was tested during a series of sea trials in Sydney Harbour using the flagship landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra.
The trial involved verifying the ability to move the platform via a range of methods. The HIMARS was further tested on one of Canberra's landing craft.
For Commander 54th Siege Battery Major Ben Hutchinson, the trials were fundamental to ensure they could operate and move the platform via different means.
"While the trials conducted here at Fleet Base East seem relatively straightforward, it's important to test and plan for these types of movements," Major Hutchinson said.
"Having already successfully tested the ability to move via a range of air frames, it was time to work with our teammates in the Royal Australian Navy to ensure we can move the HIMARS as needed through a range of force projection options.
"It demonstrated the ability of the HIMARS to support land forces through littoral movement."
The trials also tested the movement of the resupply vehicle and resupply trailer, vital for sustainment of the system.
