Army Air and Missile Defense Command remains relevant and ready

By Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly A. GreenNovember 20, 2006

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii (Army News Service, Nov. 20, 2006) - With increased threats becoming significantly greater due to the proliferation of missile technology, the addition of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command to the Pacific area of operations has proven to be vital to the Asia-Pacific region.

The 94th AAMDC's mission is to strategically deploy combat-ready air-defense units and personnel in the U.S. Pacific Command's area of responsibility. In support of the combatant commander's contingency operations, it will conduct joint and combined Theater Air and Missile Defense planning, coordination, integration and execution.

"You have demonstrated professionalism and readiness at levels that are the envy of the Army. You moved from starting the establishment of your organization to achieving fully operational capability. It's an absolute privilege to have you as a part of the U. S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) team," Lt. Gen John M. Brown III, USARPAC commanding general, told the unit's Soldiers.

While maintaining a solid footprint in theater and to mark some of their work, the 94th AAMDC has been credited with enhancing the security of the United States and Japan by providing reliable defense assets and deterrents in the region.

As a result, the unit reached full operational capability in just a little over a year. They established the Forward Based X-Band Transportable Radar detachment in Shariki, Japan, and deployed a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile equipped Air Defense Battalion from Fort Bliss, Texas, to Kadena Air Base. And even though they have accomplished so much in so little time, their hard work has not gone unnoticed, according to top U.S. Army officials.

"I've been watching you for the last year and you are ... building the continuous operations for the ballistic missile defense of this great theater. I want you to continue to be the first line of defense of our nation," said Lt. Gen. Larry J. Dodgen, commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.