BUCHAREST — U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, are putting their readiness to the test in Exercise Southern Shield, a combined U.S.-Romanian Short Range Air Defense exercise, which began on Nov. 14, 2024. The exercise demonstrates NATO’s collective commitment to securing airspace in Eastern Europe amid escalating regional tensions.
U.S. European Command directed the exercise to enhance integrated air and missile defense capabilities. Through the rapid deployment of SHORAD systems, including the Avenger Weapon System and Sentinel radar, U.S. and Romanian forces have worked together to solidify defense measures against low-altitude threats and assure the security of NATO’s airspace.
“This exercise reassures the Romanian people that the U.S. and NATO stand ready to defend their skies,” said Lt. Col. André Ruff, commander of 1-57 ADAR. “It’s a purely defensive measure, intended to support Romania’s air defense capabilities. Alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Abitua, we have worked closely with our Romanian counterparts to ensure the air picture generated during this exercise is fully integrated into the Romanian common air picture, enhancing shared situational awareness and interoperability.”
Exercise Southern Shield is not just about technology; it’s about the Soldiers who operate these advanced systems. Air defense professionals like Specialist Alexis Ortega, a 14P with Alpha Battery, spoke about the Avenger system’s role in countering low-altitude threats. “The Avenger is used for countering low-altitude UAVs, fixed-wing, and rotary-wing [aircraft],” Ortega explained. “The .50 Cal machine gun is used for coverage of the missile dead zone and limited self-defense.”
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Eickmeyer, Platoon Sergeant for Alpha Battery’s first platoon, emphasized the importance of rapid response in the exercise. “This is about showing that we’re ready to defend, no matter what comes at us. Our Soldiers are highly trained and able to respond quickly to any threats,” he said.
For 2nd Lt. Gabbi McElyea, Platoon Leader for Alpha Battery, the exercise is not only an opportunity to showcase tactical expertise but also a chance to immerse herself in the intricacies of NATO interoperability. “Being in Romania, working alongside our Romanian counterparts, is an exciting experience,” McElyea said. “This exercise strengthens our relationships with our Allies and enhances our ability to integrate with their systems.”
The exercise also highlights NATO’s emphasis on agility and readiness. Soldiers from Alpha Battery demonstrated their capacity to set up and integrate SHORAD systems into the country’s layered air defense network. Capt. Kurt Blumeyer, Commander of Alpha Battery, noted the value of demonstrating NATO’s quick-response capabilities. “This exercise shows that NATO’s air defense forces are combat-ready, able to respond quickly and efficiently to defend Allied airspace.”
Col. Hailey Bairu, Commander of the 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade, emphasized the significance of the exercise in strengthening the U.S.-Romanian relationship. “A partnership only works when we’ve demonstrated our ability to be interoperable, and to communicate both on the personal level, system level, and tactical level,” said Bairu. “This brigade is visibly demonstrating our commitment to our European Allies and Partners.”
Exercise Southern Shield, while routine, carries an enduring message of peace and deterrence. As the exercise wraps up, the U.S. and Romanian forces remain committed to the protection of Romania’s airspace, ensuring the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank. The success of this exercise reinforces the collective defense that NATO stands for.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact 10th AAMDC Public Affairs at +49 (0)162.761.0897 or via email at USARMY.Rheinland-Pfalz.10AAMDC.PAO@army.mil.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/52DBest/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/52dadabde/.
Social Sharing