OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - Soldiers and leaders from the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade provided an overview of the Patriot force here Aug. 23 during a visit by the leader of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Forces Strategic Command and Joint Forces Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.
In the midday heat, Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, commander of USASMDC, ARSTRAT and JFCC-IMD, confidently walked through the Delta Battery's motor pool, accompanied by 35th Air Defense Artillery Soldiers and leaders.
"I have spent 95 percent of my life talking about missiles coming out of Korea," said Formica, who prior to taking command was the Army G8, responsible for the funding associated with all Army systems, including the Patriot missile defense system.
As he looked around the motor pool, Formica was able to see up close and in person, the amount of advanced equipment 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade utilize to defend the Korean Peninsula.
Lt. Col. William E. Darne, 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion commander, along with his noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers briefed Formica on the PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles and the various functions and components within the systems.
Capt. Shawn Patton, commander of Delta Battery 6-52nd ADA, explained the Patriot missiles in its arsenal and how Delta Battery ADA has proven itself to be an invaluable asset.
"Our tactical ballistic missile defense system has achieved great success during various exercises," said Patton.
The general then asked the team several questions concerning the differences between the PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles systems.
"Unlike the PAC-2, the PAC-3 hits the enemy's missile like a bullet hitting another bullet. The PAC -2 on the other hand, is a proximity-kill missile," said Staff Sgt. Willie Roberson of Delta Battery ADA. "When it gets close to the enemy's missile, it detonates itself and then the explosion destroys the enemy's missile."
Formica then engaged the group on the topic of possibly enhancing the PAC-3 missiles and launchers.
"The PAC-3 system is the latest and greatest system on the market. However, the enhancement, if any, could be done at a minimal cost and have a powerful effect on the mission on the Korean Peninsula," said Navy Capt. Frank Doris, director, Plans and Policy/J5, JFCC-IMD .
Col. Eric Sanchez, commander of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Bridage, summarized the importance of the overall mission and plans for the future, in the fielding of the PAC -3's and launchers to support the battalions.
"The PAC-3 launcher is capable of firing the brigade's entire inventory of missiles and provides greater flexibility on the battlefield."
Formica thanked the 6-52nd ADA Battalion for its time. He then went to the Brigade Operations Center for an operational overview of the brigade's mission.
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