Politics & Government

JBLM Photo Gallery: Field Artillery Unit Prepares for Deployment to Afghanistan

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment participated in the traditional casing of the colors ceremony Wednesday morning at Soldier's Field House.

In about two weeks, about 250 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment will deploy to Afghanistan to provide lethal and accurate fire assistance in support of service members fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Family and friends along with other serviceman were present in the audience for the traditional casing of the battery colors ceremony for deployment at Soldier's Field House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Wednesday morning.

The 1-377 will be using lightweight, digitized M777 Howitzer in Afghanistan. The rocket-assisted 155mm projectiles are used for high explosive fire missions and have an accuracy range between 10 and 12 miles, according to 1st Sgt. Averell Thompson.

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The battalion has previously deployed to Iraq, in 2005 and 2009, returning from its most recent deployment in July 2010.


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