OCTOBER 27, 2025 – U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conducted High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire training at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC), Camp Fuji on Oct. 27, 2025. This training represents a significant advancement of Camp Fuji’s capability to support long-range fires and reflects our commitment to maintaining readiness and maximizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
Camp Fuji has served as a key training site for the Marine Corps since 1953, historically supporting infantry and artillery focused exercises such as Fuji Viper and Shinka. HIMARS training at Camp Fuji offers unique advantages, including realistic training terrain, adequate range capacity, and specialized infrastructure necessary to safely and effectively support HIMARS operations.
“The HIMARS live fire training opportunity at Camp Fuji is essential for the lethality of our battalion,” said Lt. Col. Frank Mastromauro, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “This exercise enables our Marines to rehearse critical tasks, refine our procedures, and demonstrate deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to the stability of our Allies.”
The HIMARS launcher is a highly mobile, long-range rocket artillery platform capable of rapid emplacement, engagement, and displacement. The system enables 3rd Marine Division to project precision fires into new terrain while supporting the Marine Corps’ concept of decentralized command and control.
“Training at CATC Fuji is critical for the Marine Corps‘ only forward-deployed artillery unit to rehearse and project long-range precision fires,” said Maj. Gen. Kyle Ellison, commanding general, 3rd Marine Division. “This training is foundational to enhancing 3/12’s agility and flexibility, ensuring they can safely and rapidly generate combat power in support of the Joint force.”
As part of ongoing modernization efforts, 3/12 continues to refine tactics such as HIMARS Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN), a method involving the rapid insertion of the unit, seizing key terrain, employing HIMARS, executing fire missions, and retrograding to a secure location.
Story by 1st Lt. Joshua Figueredo
3d Marine Division