The AV-8B tested the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region last week.
An AV-8B Harrier belonging to Marine Attack Squadron 311 taxis after landing aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 9, 2017. VMA-311 is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s fixed-wing attack asset and is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), the 31st MEU’s Aviation Combat Element. During the flight the Harrier’s pilot fired the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guided rocket, for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form amphibious component of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11 combine to provide a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stormy Mendez)
The firing was carried out at the W-183 range training area, off Okinawa, Japan on Jun. 9.
A total of eight guided rockets were fired, said Capt. Paul M. Gucwa, a Harrier pilot with VMA-311.
