JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR- HICKAM-U.S. Army Delta Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Talon, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) unit, passed the Defense of Guam mission to Bravo Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Feb. 5, 2016, during a relief in place ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
"Even though Delta-2 is not the first unit to deploy to Guam, there were plenty of firsts that this tremendous unit accomplished over the last year that truly enhanced our deterrence capability and will ensure that Bravo-2 and all following units are ready to neutralize ballistic missiles", said Lt. Col. Jeffery Slown, Task Force Talon Commander.
The Delta "Dragons" were the first unit to certify a fourth THAAD crew, execute the largest THAAD interceptors movement to date, and successfully complete over 40 operational readiness exercise all while maintaining 24-hour coverage to the island.
"Establishing a presence within and contributing to the local community was an important part of our mission", said Capt. Sheiloh Carlos, the Delta Btry., 2nd ADA Regt. Commander. "The Soldiers of Delta Battery spent countless hours interacting with the local community through programs such as their partners in education program, prayer breakfasts, support the Special Olympics, and local United Soldiers Organization."
As Bravo Btry., 2nd ADA Regt. assumes the defense of Guam mission there is little question they are ready.
"I have full faith and confidence in your ability to execute this mission" said Slown, addressing the Soldiers of Bravo Btry.
"They completed a grueling three month train up which included gunnery tables and Air Battle Management certification resulting in one of the best trained units to arrive on the island to date," said Slown. "Having expertly passed they final test, the defense of Guam mission assumption validation evaluation, they were passed the responsibility for the defense of Guam mission and stand ready defend the people of Guam and strategic assets based on the island."
Task Force Talon has provided continuous ballistic missile defense to the island of Guam since April 19, 2013 when the Secretary of Defense ordered the first operational deployment of a THAAD battery to deter North Korean aggression. The firing batteries rotate from Fort Bliss, Texas to Guam on a one year tour. Bravo Btry., 2nd ADA Regt., is only the fourth unit to support this homeland defense mission.
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