Second Lieutenant Thomas McCarthy, a forward observer

Second Lieutenant Thomas McCarthy, a forward observer serving with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, and a native of Palatine, Ill., confirms mission information while Pfc. Hakim Bayyan, a scout observer serving with 1st Bn., 11th Marines, and a native of Middletown, Del., views the impact area of artillery here, Dec. 14, 2012. The battalion conducted a historic live-fire exercise, simultaneously utilizing the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, M777 Lightweight Howitzer and Expeditionary Fire Support System. This is the first time all three artillery weapons were fired during the same exercise.