Out of This World

Video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez

Thunderbolt Convergence: Cold load training on Ramstein Air Base

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

March 24, 2025 | 1:33

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment and U.S. Airmen assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing conduct cold load training with a U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 24, 2025. The training supported Operation Thunderbolt Convergence, a multinational HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise designed to enhance precision fires, NATO interoperability, and rapid deployment capabilities across contested environments. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:
00:00:06:00 – U.S. Soldiers and Airmen conduct a pre-load inspection of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
00:00:12:00 – Airmen measure the HIMARS tire and axle dimensions to ensure compatibility with aircraft loading standards.
00:00:18:00 – Soldiers position themselves atop the HIMARS to conduct communications and operational checks.
00:00:22:00 – Corner-angle view of Soldiers continuing pre-load procedures from the top of the launcher.
00:00:28:00 – Airman places an axle scale beneath the HIMARS tire for weight verification.
00:00:33:00 – HIMARS carefully drives onto the axle scale for load balance assessment.
00:00:38:00 – Panning shot of Airmen coordinating and discussing vehicle dimensions for loading configuration.
00:00:46:00 – Airman lays down the aircraft ramp in preparation for vehicle ingress.
00:00:51:00 – Soldier observes Airmen finalizing HIMARS measurements prior to cold load.
00:00:56:00 – Soldier manually releases air from a HIMARS tire to ensure proper height clearance for loading.
00:01:01:00 – Airman signals the HIMARS operator for alignment and movement guidance.
00:01:05:00 – HIMARS reverses onto the C-130 ramp under ground guide direction.
00:01:10:00 – HIMARS is positioned inside the C-130 aircraft cargo bay.
00:01:15:00 – Airman attaches a cargo chain to the HIMARS chassis for restraint.
00:01:19:00 – Airmen secure the HIMARS inside the aircraft using multiple chains for transport stability.
00:01:24:00 – Close-up shot of chains being fastened to the floor of the aircraft.
00:01:29:00 – Final chain is applied, completing the HIMARS securement process.