In a momentous event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, history was made as the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, activated the Marine Corps’ inaugural long-range missile battery. The ceremony held on July 21 marked the birth of a new era for the Corps, as they embraced the capability of the Tomahawk cruise missile to bolster their long-range strike and sea denial capabilities.
With pride and honor, Capt. Justin Hillebrand assumed the role of the battery’s first commander during the activation ceremony. Speaking with enthusiasm, he lauded the efforts of the dedicated Marines who turned the idea into a reality, stating, “These Marines have done phenomenal things. The job just started, but this capability will be able to reach out and provide devastating and lethal fires.”
The newly activated battery is set to undergo rigorous training with the long-range fires launchers, designed specifically for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles. Coupled with other supporting assets, the Marines will refine the structure and requirements necessary to deploy the system effectively. Working hand-in-hand with the leadership of 11th Marines, the battery will continue to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures to utilize the long-range fires system in support of 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) and I Marine Expeditionary Force initiatives.
Col. Patrick Eldridge, commanding officer for 11th Marines, emphasized the significance of this moment in Marine Corps history. He stressed that as a force, the Marines must be prepared for potential conflict, considering the credible threats posed by nefarious states and actors worldwide. With the requirement for this crucial capability now evident, the Marine Corps turned to the 11th Marine Regiment to deliver. The activation of Alpha Battery and collaboration with their test and evaluation partners will turn this capability into a reality.
The incorporation of the long-range fires platform represents a vital step forward for the Marine Corps. It is part of the broader ground-based anti-ship missile development efforts within the service. As the Marines embark on this new journey with Tomahawk cruise missiles, they stand ready to demonstrate their unwavering determination to protect their nation and allies.
As Col. Eldridge humorously mused during the activation ceremony, “We’ve seen what Marines can do with rifles; let’s see what Marines can do with Tomahawks.” With the activation of the first Tomahawk cruise missile battery, the Marine Corps has taken a giant stride towards fortifying its capabilities and readiness on the global stage, securing a safer future for the nation and its allies.
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