USAREUR Commander attends air defense LFX at Anakonda 16

Ustka, Poland -- Soldiers from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and the 174th Ohio National Guard Air Defense Artillery Brigade along with partners from the Polish 3rd Surface to Air Missile Brigade hosted Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the United States Army in Europe Commander, June 9 along with several other distinguished visitors from both the United States and Poland as they conducted a multinational air defense live fire exercise.

The morning started off with a series of launches from the Polish Sa-3 systems, filling the air with smoke trails and explosions. Amidst all the rocket fire, the sounds of the 174th's Avengers firing their M3P .50 caliber machine guns could be heard as they conducted their rate of fire checks. It was not long before the distinguished visitors arrived and the real show began.

"This is an incredible opportunity for us," stated Sgt. 1st Class Bill Lewis, a 14S Air and Missile Defense Crewmember, "It isn't often that you're able to fire live stinger missiles."

Everyone in attendance sat in silent anticipation as a drone was released over the Baltic Sea and the Avenger's turret began to rotate. Then in an instant, the gunner was given the clear to fire, the Avenger locked on to the drone, and the stinger missile was launched. The crowd cheered as the missile hit its mark and the drone was destroyed.

After the display time was set aside for the media to ask the distinguished visitors questions. All of the members interviewed spoke on the importance of multinational interoperability and of the countless successes that had occurred at exercise Anakonda 16 to date. In addition to those topics Lt. Gen. Hodges also discussed the importance of deterring aggression.

"I am confident in the collective wisdom of the leadership of the 28 nations, the most successful alliance in the world.

Related Links:

Anakonda 16 Microsite

10th AAMDC Facebook Page