DVIDS – News – 31st MEU launches new missile strike in Philippine Sea

OKINAWA, Japan – The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sank an underway training target ship during an expeditionary attack exercise in the Philippine Sea on Wednesday, June 26.

An AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 Reinforced, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fired a live AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and struck a towed, moving training ship during a training mission at sea. A JAGM is a precision-guided munition for use against high-value stationary, moving and deployable land and sea targets. The missile can be used during conflict to defend key maritime areas against a wide range of targets, from armored vehicles to maritime patrol boats. The success of this expeditionary strike demonstrates the 31st MEU’s ability to conduct precision strikes at sea and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Every firing exercise conducted by the 31st MEI is done in strict compliance with applicable U.S. environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements to minimize potential environmental damage. Live ammunition attacks are conducted only after the area has been surveyed for the presence of humans, vessels, aircraft, and marine animals. These operations are fully compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

As the country’s premier crisis response force, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit represents a credible and resilient force capable of conducting a wide range of operational and humanitarian operations.

For all questions, please contact the 31st MEU Director of Communications Strategy and Operations at [email protected].

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