OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Senior leaders of 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted a joint staff ride Sept. 19 with Republic of Korea's 2nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade to discuss interoperability of missile systems, deterrence of North Korean aggression and become familiar with recent incidents in the 2nd ROK Naval fleet's area of operations.
The staff ride began with a visit to the Hyeon-Chung-Sa Shrine in Asan. This shrine was built in honor of Admiral Yi, a Korean Naval Commander killed in battle with the Japanese in 1598.
During the visit, Lt. Col. Geoffrey R. Adams, commander of 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, led a remembrance ceremony at the shrine honoring the memory and accomplishments of Admiral Shin.
"It was an honor to visit Admiral Yi's shrine and learn about his numerous military successes. The shrine does not focus solely on his military exploits as an Admiral, but highlights the leadership skills he displayed throughout his career and his willingness to persevere during adverse times. These are the most important lessons for our leaders," said Adams.
After the shrine visit, 35th ADA staff went to the 2nd ROK Navy Fleet Command in West Pyeongtaek where ROKN Lt. j.g. Hae In Kim, of the 2nd ROKN fleet, led a discussion on the history of the Northern Limit Line in the ROK Northwest Coast, the first and second Yeonpyeong Sea Battle, the Daecheong Sea Battle, the North Korean bombardment on Yeonpyeong Island and the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan warship on March 26, 2010.
"Seeing the history tied to this peninsula with regard to naval operations really brought home to me how integral our work is to this country," said Capt. Marcus Hooks, 35th ADA human resource officer. "The memorial in the museum really moved me; seeing the remnants of the lives destroyed in the attacks on the ship reminded me of the Oklahoma City bombing memorial I grew with. We aren't that different from one another when you really look at it."
The 35th ADA staff ride concluded with a visit to the ROK's 2nd ADA headquarters to meet with 2nd ROK ADA Commander, Brig. Gen. Hwan jong Choi and his staff. The 2nd ROK ADA leadership treated 35th ADA's staff to a formal dinner at 2nd ROK ADA Headquarters where U.S. and ROK counterparts paired to continue discussion of air defense training opportunities and current issues facing both forces.
"The continued partnership between US and ROK forces is bolstered by this type of bilateral engagement," said Maj. Shawn Steele, 35th ADA operations officer. "Events like today's staff ride highlight and emphasis key relationships between US and ROK forces and is the driving factor in achieving interoperability of our missile defense systems across the Peninsula."
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