CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea - Soldiers with 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment completed their semiannual .50 caliber machine gun range Sept. 14-18.
A successful completion of this training, which took place at Nightmare Range, allows the Air Defense Battery to be Table VIII qualified. This is part of the Avenger Gunnery Skills Test that allows short range air defense Soldiers to become better prepared for their mission.
All teams were able to safely qualify on the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, which is one of the longest serving weapons systems in the U.S. military.
The battery's highest score went to Pfc. Maurissa Steppe.
"This is one of the most exciting ranges I have been to," said Steppe, with 6-52nd ADA. "It was fun and rewarding. My team chief Staff Sgt. Harvey coached me well throughout each iteration. The range provided a great avenue for team cohesion and confidence building."
Col. Steven Sliwa, 210th Fires Brigade commander, visited the range in order to personally award the top scoring teams from each platoon with coins. Also visiting Nightmare Range for the first time was Lt. Col. Dale Smith, 6-37th FA battalion commander.
"I feel more confident in Echo Battery's role as part of the 'On the Minute' Battalion to execute its air defense mission," Smith said, who met with Soldiers and expressed his appreciation.
E Battery Commander Capt. John Kim, who recently took command in July, stated, "Everyone in the Battery contributed greatly, which allowed us to successfully execute Nightmare Range. I cannot be happier by the results. I look forward to conducting future operations with the battery."
As the only Avenger unit on the Korean Peninsula, E Btry. is continuing to become more proficient in its air defense tactical capabilities. After the gunnery, Soldiers gained more confidence and are preparing for the upcoming Avenger missile live-fire exercise during Operation Sea Strike.
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