The Marines established a Fires Expeditionary Advanced Base (EAB) on a strategically located island in the Batanes Islands, deploying the NMESIS system via KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Once on the ground, the Medium Range Missile (MMSL) Battery moved the NMESIS into a concealed position to reduce its detectability.
The exercise was part of a larger Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation (MKTSO), which saw U.S. and Philippine Marines jointly rehearse defending critical maritime areas to support a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Forces worked together to patrol, seize, and secure strategic locations such as ports, airfields, and access corridors.
From Luzon, the Fires and Air Direction Element (FADE) of 3d MLR initiated dynamic maritime targeting using maritime patrol and reconnaissance (MPRA) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. This targeting process included collaboration with Joint, Allied, and Partnered naval forces and employed a network of systems and sensors to simulate complex maritime strikes.
National overhead systems and maritime radars contributed to situational awareness, with assets such as the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon delivering critical targeting data. FADE used its delegated targeting authority to transmit fire direction to the MMSL Battery and other firing units, enabling simulated engagement of vessels transiting the Luzon Strait.
Though no live munitions were fired, each rehearsal tested the unit’s proficiency in strike planning, coordination, and execution across air and maritime domains. The training enhanced the tactical picture and demonstrated the ability to synchronise munitions employment and aviation integration across forces.
“The constructive kills executed during the KAMANDAG 9 MKTSO are yet another example of the 3d MLR’s proven value proposition to the Combined and Joint Force,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Schrafft, 3d MLR’s Fire Support Coordinator. “3d MLR’s Fires Center – to include the FADE and the Cross-Functional Fires and Effects Planning Cell – outpaces like entities by leveraging the subject matter expertise of our highly trained and driven fires, targeting, and air direction professionals.”
3d MLR’s Tactical Air Control Element (TACE) ensured coordination and airspace deconfliction during the operation, using the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) to manage friendly aircraft movements. Simultaneously, NMESIS and other units conducted notional missile strikes as part of the rehearsals.
Additional support came from 3d LCT’s Littoral Reconnaissance Team (LRT), which provided maritime domain awareness and sensor coverage from elevated terrain. The 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion’s Damage Control and Resuscitation Team (DCRT) also took part, offering medical support across different island locations.
