Marines Enhance Anti-Ship Tactics in Hawaii

Marines assigned to the 3rd Littoral Combat Team Medium-Range Missile Battery conducted a two-part training evolution at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, to build proficiency in modernized artillery operations, distributed command and control, and foundational field skills.

The training supported the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment's mission to secure key maritime terrain, synchronize combined-joint fires, and protect critical sea lanes across complex littoral environments. For the battery, the exercise enhanced the individual and collective skills required to employ the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and provide organic, precision maritime fires to support combined and joint force operations.

"The [Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System] is a critical component of the Marine Corps' force design initiatives to meet the needs of the modern battlespace," said Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Cook, the battery operations officer. "As a highly capable, mobile and survivable system, it can effectively deny maritime threats access to critical waterways from distributed and austere sites."

Platoons in the battery completed two courses of instruction designed to reinforce readiness through realistic, scenario-driven training. The first course focused on basic artillery tactics, and the second course developed core field skills through patrolling, fire team attacks, tactical combat casualty care and local security training.

During the exercise, Marines conducted command and control at both the battery and platoon levels while planning for operations and establishing operations centers. These distributed nodes enabled leaders to coordinate movement, process targeting information and direct simulated firing missions through each phase of the training.

The artillery portion required Marines to conduct reconnaissance, select and occupy positions, establish security and execute rapid displacements. Marines also trained on the ship interdiction system's fire mission processing and procedures, reinforcing the communication, coordination and technical proficiency necessary to employ anti-ship capabilities.

"The training emphasized readiness through realistic scenarios that required Marines to execute the same fundamental tasks they may be called upon to perform across demanding maritime terrain," Cook said. "By rehearsing command and control, position occupation, fire mission processing and field skills, we strengthened the battery's ability to operate as a team and provide a flexible maritime fires option to the combined or joint force."

By combining artillery-specific training with basic fieldcraft, the 3rd Littoral Combat Team's battery continued developing disciplined, adaptable Marines prepared to support the regiment's ability to operate across littoral terrain and contribute to maritime security and coastal defense.

Initially fielded to the regiment in 2024 and as a cornerstone of the Marine Corps' force design initiative, the ship interdiction system provides joint force commanders with an expeditionary, survivable ground-based, anti-ship platform at extended ranges. Since receiving the system, the regiment has deployed the ship interdiction system to the Philippines during multilateral exercises like Balikatan and Kamandag to enhance interoperability while training shoulder to shoulder with regional allies and partners.