SOUTHWEST ASIA --In September Soldiers and Officers of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Headquarters deployed to execute a crucial mission within the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility.
And as the last set of boots left the ground at Lawton-Fort Sill Airport en-route to their final destination, anticipation to execute this mission was at an all-time high.
"The 31st BDE staff is ready to execute this mission. The focus on war fighting readiness displayed across the brigade is evident in each of the staff members. The train up that started well before I arrived to the brigade paid dividends when we executed our Mission Rehearsal Exercise. A large part of our train up success was due to maximizing our training opportunities in between Command Post Exercises by learning about the AOR in academic sessions and refining our systems and processes to better align our efforts on how operations are executed in theater," said Lt. Col Charles "Chuck" Matallana the brigade forward deputy commanding officer.
"Of course, we couldn't have been as ready without the great support and interaction the 69th ADA Brigade gave us throughout our train-up. Despite all the things they had to handle while deployed, the 69th ADA Brigade really took the time to answer our requests for information and give us access to events going on in theater. Lastly, the deep involvement of the 11th Brigade and 32nd AAMDC staff in our MRE really challenged us to raise our level of proficiency. A truly professional team across the board to help us be ready to assume the mission," said Matallana.
The brigade deployed as the command and control element for PATRIOT units operating within the AOR that provide air defense of critical host nation assets.
"The ballistic missile threat in the CENTCOM AOR is large and diverse, that makes the mission of the 31st ADA integral to the region. Our mission is not only important to ensure the readiness of subordinate Patriot battalions, but also to continue to build and strengthen the relationships with our regional partners through security cooperation programs," said Maj Barry Carter the brigade operations officer.
Carter continued to say, "To perform their deployed mission, our Soldiers must be the best trained and ready across the entire 32d AAMDC. They must be able to respond, at a moment's notice, to any perceived air or ballistic missile threat. This level of competence can only be achieved through the rigorous training program the unit executed prior to deployment and continual sustainment training while deployed."
31st ADA is commanded by Col. Michael Morrissey and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Dominguez, a command team that is committed to providing theater asset defense within the AOR and fully integrating themselves to provide regional stability.
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