U.S. Army activates air and missile defense battalion

BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff



The U.S Army activated the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, officially assuming responsibilities of Guam’s air and missile defense systems on Oct. 16.

According to a U.S. Army release, the battalion’s mission will have them prepared to assist against potential threats by maintaining and providing air and missile defense capabilities, in consideration of the island’s strategic location within the Indo-Pacific region. Lt. Col. Joshua Urness, commander, 3-43 ADA, said the battalion has contributed to improving Guam’s air and missile defenses.

“This battalion helped transform an ambitious concept toward operational capabilities,” he said. “The Soldiers developed new procedures, relationships, and integration required to connect sensors, command and control systems, launchers, and interceptors to promote a unified defensive architecture; It’s only fitting that 3-43 ADA now stands up the Army’s contribution to the strategic Guam Defense System.”

According to journal files, Task Force Talon previously operated the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system for 13 years as part of its mission.

A change of command ceremony was held to commemorate the transition with Task Force Talon’s official deactivation on July 1. mbj