Air Force Loads HIMARS Rockets Onto C-130 Cargo Plane

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The 302nd Airlift Wing’s active participation in the Ivy Mass 2024 joint exercise exemplifies the strategic importance of integrated military operations. This 10-day exercise, held from June 3-13 at Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, Colorado, aimed to enhance command and control capabilities within a multi-domain warfare scenario. The event brought together the Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps, emphasizing the significance of inter-service cooperation in modern military engagements.

Exercise Ivy Mass focused on leveraging combined arms in a coordinated effort. The Army’s operations played a crucial role in fire support coordination, with the Air Force Reserve providing indispensable airlift capabilities. Army Major Matthew Van Vliet highlighted the critical nature of the Air Force’s involvement, stating, “The capabilities provided by the C-130 facilitated the completion of mission essential tasks for both Army active and National Guard components.”

This exercise demonstrated the tactical prowess of the participating units and underscored the operational readiness required in large-scale conflicts. The 302nd Airlift Wing’s deployment of C-130H Hercules aircraft was a pivotal element, completing 17 sorties and over 1,300 training events. These missions encompassed airdrop, air mobility, and flight operations, reflecting the versatility and reliability of the C-130H in diverse combat scenarios.

Former Commanding General, Army Futures Command, Ret. Gen. John Murray

During the exercise, the 302nd Airlift Wing integrated closely with Army personnel, executing complex operations such as the insertion of Special Forces into multiple objective areas using advanced airdrop techniques, including high-altitude military parachuting and military free fall. Additionally, they transported all-terrain vehicles to austere locations utilizing expedited engine-running offload procedures at unimproved dirt airstrips. This level of coordination is critical for rapid deployment and logistical support in real-world combat situations.

Most importantly, the exercise featured the loading of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) into the cargo bay of the C-130H. This light multiple-rocket launcher tactical vehicle can be transported by three different types of cargo aircraft, showcasing the Air Force’s flexibility in supporting ground operations. “It’s crucial for the different branches to continue and increase joint training as we look towards large-scale combat operations,” emphasized Army Major Matthew Tieszen, reflecting on the necessity of such integrated exercises for future preparedness.