JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – The first day of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Reduced Range Practice Rocket (RRPR) test firing at JBLM is complete. Leadership here have determined the initial noise test samples from the U.S. Army Public Health Command off-base noise monitors are within authorized parameters and RRPR test firing will continue on Wednesday.

The HIMARS firing crew fired the first rocket at 10 a.m., and specialists from the U.S. Army Public Health Command gathered initial noise data from more than ten off-base noise monitoring sites to ensure the noise in the communities around JBLM was under the 130 decibel threshold. Rocket two was fired at about 11:20 a.m., and the third rocket was fired just before noon.

Based on results from the first three rockets fired, JBLM leadership made the decision to continue with the additional rounds, firing three rockets at 10-15 minute intervals at noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. A total of 12 Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) were fired today.

“We are very pleased that the first day of test-firing was completed safely and accurately, and that the professionals from the U.S. Army Public Health Command are gathering the rocket noise data we require,” said Col. Daniel S. Morgan, JBLM Commander. “We sincerely appreciate the patience of the Nisqually Tribe, as well as the support of everyone in the surrounding communities,” Morgan added.

The next round of testing is scheduled to begin at approximately 9 a.m. Wednesday and will also consist of three rounds fired at 15 minute intervals.

The remaining schedule for firing the Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) is as follows:

Sept. 28 (Wednesday)

.     9 a.m.      3 rockets fired at 10-15 minute intervals

.     2 p.m.      3 rockets fired at 10-15 minute intervals

.     5 p.m.      3 rockets fired at 10-15 minute interval

.     8 p.m.      3 rockets fired at 10-15 minute intervals

Sept. 29 (Thursday)

.     9 a.m.      3 rockets fired at 10-15 minute intervals

.     Firing dates & times are subject to change; Updates at https://www.facebook.com/JBLewisMcChord

Feedback:  During the RRPR test firing, citizens are welcome to provide feedback by calling the JBLM hotline at 253-967-0852, or sending an e-mail to usarmy.jblm.imcom.mbx.pao-public@mail.mil

U.S. Army Public Health Command will collect the data from all of the monitoring sites, compile the data, and prepare a complete report on the HIMARS Reduced Range Practice Rocket test. The results of the report is expected to be completed in approximately 4-6 weeks. Photo attached: Taken by SGT Jorge Higuera, 17th Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs.