Capt. Richard Hiler, the battery commander, said, “The battery’s focus while we were out here in Estonia was to assist the Estonians as they purchased their HIMARS and started to become fully operationally capable here in Estonia.” He described the system as a high-mobility, long-range precision artillery platform capable of carrying six rockets or one missile.
Hiler underlined that the U.S. troops served as advisers rather than commanders, explaining that their mission acted as “more of an officer-in-charge package” and aimed “to be able to help them fight better in the field.” He added that working within a multinational environment was a privilege, saying, “Honestly, being able to work with multinational countries is nothing short of a privilege. We are out here doing the job that we love.”
The deployment also allowed U.S. soldiers to advance their own skills through coaching roles. Hiler noted, “Being able to see both the NCOs and officers grow in a coaching and mentoring role has been something special,” adding that instructing others made his soldiers more proficient operators.
Col. Frank Maxwell, commander of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, highlighted the close partnership built during the mission, stating, “There will be no gap between U.S. forces; the only difference is you will see a few different vehicles in the parking lot.” He said the Estonian land forces had already shown their readiness and commitment to high-standard operations.
Maxwell expressed full confidence in Estonia’s ability to continue independently, remarking, “We built a relationship together. We know each other, we know how we operate, and we know how to be interoperable against our common enemies. We are confident that the Estonian army can fill the gap.” His comments coincided with Estonia’s own affirmation that it remains prepared and capable while firmly anchored within NATO.
During the closing ceremony, Helmuth Martin Reisner, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Estonian Ministry of Defence, praised the U.S. contribution. He said, “Your presence here will continue to be felt for the years to come. The training and the skills you have passed on to your Estonian colleagues, the knowledge you have passed on is invaluable, and thanks to you, the Eastern flank is much stronger and remains so in the future.”
