VCSA visits 94th AAMDC, receives Pacific IAMD vision

By Sgt. Kimberly Menzies, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Public AffairsNovember 4, 2015

VCSA visits 94th AAMDC, receives Pacific IAMD vision
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn is greeted by Command Sgt. Maj. Finis A. Dodson, the command sergeant major of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Nov. 2, 2015, upon arriving to the 94th AAMDC Headquarters at Joint Bas... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
VCSA visits 94th AAMDC, receives Pacific IAMD vision
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn greets leaders with 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Nov. 2, 2015, during his visit to the 94th AAMDC Headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. During the visit, Allyn recei... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
VCSA visits 94th AAMDC, receives Pacific IAMD vision
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn receives a brief from Brig. Gen. Eric L. Sanchez, commanding general, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and several key senior leaders from the command. Allyn learned about the unit's over... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn spoke to leaders with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Nov. 2, 2015, and received a command brief during his visit to the Headquarters of the 94th AAMDC, U.S. Army Pacific at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

The 94th AAMDC staff directorates shared information on the unit's overall capabilities and how it conducts mission command.

"The purpose was for him [Gen. Allyn] to visit the command and receive a briefing on our responsibilities as a theater air and missile defense command," said Maj. Shawn Steele, the operational strategic plans (G5) deputy officer, 94th AAMDC.

Allyn was able to learn about the ballistic missile threats in the Pacific, the roles of the 94th AAMDC commanding general, mission command and support relationships, partner and ally capability and capacity and the integrated air and missile defense vision for the Pacific region.

"We described some of the challenges within the region and what we are doing to build capacity with our partner nations to help ensure regional stability," continued Steele.

With budget cuts looming in the future and downsizing of the force, the visit was an opportunity to provide valuable insight into the unit's operations.

"Gen. Allyn's visit is significant because he is the one person in the Army making decisions on behalf of, and making recommendations to, the Chief of Staff of the Army," said Brig. Gen. Eric L. Sanchez, commanding general, 94th AAMDC. "He does not get many opportunities to get out of the Pentagon, so for him to visit us in the Pacific and take time out of his busy schedule shows the importance of what air and missile defense is at the strategic level, which is where he operates on a daily basis.

"Providing Gen. Allyn a clearer understanding of what we do and some of the challenges we face helps us later as tough decisions are being made in the Pentagon regarding force structure, budgets and other similar types of things."

Allyn recognized the achievements and professional diligence of Soldiers in the unit.

"During the conversation about persistent land-based ballistic missile defense, Gen. Allyn expressed appreciation for the efforts of the 94th AAMDC in their support to the national defense strategy and the rebalance to the Asia Pacific region," said Steele.

"He was impressed with our hard work and the progress with our allied partners and challenged us to continue building relationships in the future," said Sanchez.

Allyn's visit to the 94th AAMDC was part of a larger visit to the Pacific Command area of operation. He received a theater laydown in order to gain a better understanding of the enabling commands' various missions. While in Hawaii, he also spent time visiting U.S. Army Pacific and 25th Infantry Division.

Allyn has served as the 35th vice chief of staff of the Army since Aug. 15, 2014.