CHANIA, Greece (Oct. 2, 2015) -- Under misty skies but with high spirits, the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, or AAMDC, Soldiers and German Air Force SAM Wing 1 soldiers start their second day of firing during a live-fire training exercise in Chania, Greece, Oct. 1, at the NATO Missile Firing Installation.
As part of the "Rapid Arrow" exercise, 10th AAMDC Soldiers along with five crews from the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, or ADA, Regiment and 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, are participating in a multinational live-fire exercise, with their German Air Force counterparts from SAM Wing 1 based in Husum, Germany.
"I like being integrated with them, it gives a different perspective on the Patriot system, and a different approach to doing things," said 1st Lt. Joseph Foss, a tactical control officer, with 5-7 ADA.
Despite training on their equipment daily, Patriot crewmembers can go many years without actually firing a missile.
"I'm actually excited that they picked me to come. I never thought I would shoot off a missile or even see one fired," said Sgt. Joshua Francis, a tactical control assistant, with 5-7 ADA.
This culminating event brings together Patriot crews from both nations for this rare opportunity.
"I think it's good for the Soldiers to see that even in other militaries they have some of the same hardships and they overcome it through teamwork," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Kruthers, a tactical control officer, with 5-7 ADA.
The purpose of this exercise is to enhance operator proficiency, promote esprit de corps, demonstrate air and missile defense capabilities, and build coalition relationships.
"The interoperability of German and American Patriot crew members is part of the foundation of relationships between two allies," said U.S. Army Europe Commanding General Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges. "This exercise puts Soldiers together in the same crews working together."
During this exercise, the U.S. Patriot crews will be firing their missiles with the German Patriot system to engage multiple targets. This is the first time a Patriot live fire was conducted with completely integrated crews of Americans and Germans.
"I think it's a good idea to work together to exchange knowledge because we do some stuff very differently," said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Retting, with the German SAM Wing 1.
Exercise "Rapid Arrow" not only gave many the chance to participate in a Patriot live fire, but it also strengthened the relationship between two allies.
"The biggest thing about this exercise is that we are cultivating relationships, and sharing experiences," Kruthers said. "It is important to participate in exercises like this for perspective, it's important to know that we are not the only show in town, especially in Europe."
Related Links:
German Air Force homepage for "Rapid Arrow" (in German)
NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI)
Stars and Stripes coverage of Rapid Arrow
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