The USA is transferring the M142 HIMARS rocket systems to Latvia

The U.S. Army is deploying two M142 HIMARS high mobility artillery rocket systems to Latvia.

The United States military announced that the rocket systems are being moved to demonstrate the rapid deployment of long-range precision fires to NATO’s eastern flank.

About a dozen people will be engaged to participate in the “Namejs 2022” military training.

The HIMARS systems will be transported utilizing two C-130 aircraft and personnel with U.S. Special Operations Command’s 352nd Special Operations Wing.

“We are honored to work alongside our Allies in Latvia as one team in support of NATO’s collective mission,” shared Col. Richard Ikena, the 1st Infantry Division Artillery Commander.

The exercise also demonstrates the ability to rapidly deploy the soldiers and long-range precision fire capabilities at a moment’s notice anywhere in the European theater.

Units participating in NAMEJS include the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, under the command of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery.

The unit, part of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade, deployed to Germany from their home base Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The unit changed its location after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The deployment aimed to bolster the number of U.S. troops in Europe.

The US aims to bolster the number of a highly mobile, long-range precision fires platform in support of NATO defense.

The US M142 HIMARS rocket systems carry six GMLRS rockets or one MGM-140 ATACMS missile.

The high mobility artillery rocket system is designed to attack the areas of concentration of artillery systems, anti-aircraft and fire support means, cargo transport, combat vehicles, and armored personnel carriers, as well as to provide fire support to its units and means of support.