97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Deleon, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, directs a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Lawton Regional Airport, Oklahoma, June 14, 2023. The HIMARS is capable of achieving ranges of 70-plus kilometers, attacking the target with low-collateral damage, enabling danger-close fires in support of friendly troops in contact, as well as engaging high-valued point targets in open, urban, and complex environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrea Pittman (left), 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) air operations supervisor, and Senior Airman Kevin Lim, 97th LRS unilateral aircrew training element member, secure a humvee onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Lawton Regional Airport, Oklahoma, June 14, 2023. Humvees, along with M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, were loaded onto one C-17 hailing from Altus Air Force Base during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) drive away after simulating combat offloading from a C-17 Globemaster III at Fort Smith Arkansas, June 14, 2023. The HIMARS can launch six Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions rockets and missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

A Soldier stands in a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System while offloading from a C-17 Globemaster III at Fort Smith, Arkansas, June 14, 2023. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is manned by Soldiers in order to support joint early and forced entry expeditionary operations with high-volume destructive, suppressive, and counter-battery fires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Lim, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) unilateral aircrew training element member, places equipment on the cargo loading wall of a C-17 Globemaster III at Fort Smith Arkansas, June 14, 2023. Two members from the 97th LRS completed training and real-world exercises during the joint-operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Altus | 97 AMW partners with Ft. Sill, Ft. Smith for joint airlift capabilities

Published June 20, 2023
By Senior Airman Kayla Christenson
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Airmen from the 58th Airlift Squadron and 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron teamed up with Soldiers from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for a joint-exercise training exhibiting M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems Rapid Infiltration capabilities at Fort Smith, Arkansas, June 13-14, 2023.

One C-17 Globemaster III from Altus Air Force Base flew to Lawton Regional Airport where Fort Sill humvees and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems were loaded by Soldiers and Airmen, then flown to Fort Smith to offload.

“Joint-partnership with the Air Force is vital because we cannot go anywhere around the world without them,” said U.S. Army Capt. Megan Hatter, 158th Field Artillery Battalion logistics coordinator. “This training ensures deployment readiness for our soldiers to know how to load, unload and conduct these missions for the future fight.”

The HIMARS HI-RAIN capability is an asset that allows a long-range capability to destroy targets behind enemy lines and provides versatility to battlefield commanders.

“There is a lot that goes into successfully deploying these assets and we don’t get to practice this skill often, which is why this training opportunity is so vital,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremey John, 58th AS instructor loadmaster. “Wars are won through logistics and through the expedited offload of vehicles, supplies and personnel, which allows Soldiers to quickly establish positions and immediately begin operations.”

Training with allies and partners creates an environment of excellence, which enhances lethality and readiness for multi-capable Airmen.

“We typically only focus on training aircrew so it was excellent to get the opportunity to train with our Port Dawgs and sister service partners,” said John. “We fight in a joint environment and that will only become increasingly important. We must understand how we all operate so we can focus on executing the mission, and training with our sister services ensures we are operating at peak performance.”