Continuing its efforts to strengthen its capabilities, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has reported that the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) of the 3rd Marine Division has formally received the new Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). This milestone was announced yesterday. The regiment, specializing in amphibious warfare operations, is based on the island of Oahu, a strategic location in the Pacific Ocean for the U.S.’s projection towards Asia.
To commemorate the introduction of the new NMESIS, a ceremony was held at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, during which the new launcher was displayed in a static exhibition attended by various guests. Among them was Lieutenant Colonel Timothy W. Love, commander of the 3rd Littoral Combat Team, who stated: “With the receipt of the NMESIS weapon system, the 3rd MLR has an enhanced sea denial capability and stands at the forefront of strategic transformation. This addition deepens naval integration and strengthens deterrence by providing coverage from coastal positions, extending the Joint Force’s ability to target and strike from both land and sea.”
Delving into some details, the NMESIS launcher will operate under the Marine Corps’ Medium Range Missile Battery and work in coordination with the regiment’s Fire Support Coordination Center. Together, they aim to complete the system’s integration through the Maritime Dynamic Targeting Process, leveraging recent lessons learned from deployments in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is worth noting that this announcement follows a recent USMC communication detailing a new order for NSM systems to equip these modern launchers. These missiles, manufactured by the Norwegian company Kongsberg, have also been acquired by the U.S. Navy. Additionally, in April of this year, the USMC revealed a new purchase order for a batch of Oshkosh ROGUE vehicles, which facilitate the off-road transportation of the launchers and the equipment necessary for detecting enemy targets. Collectively, these acquisitions form part of a renewed artillery capability, a key element of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 initiative.
Image credits: Sgt. Jacqueline Parsons
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