New air defenders on peninsula

  • Published
  • By Pfc. Gretchen N. Goodrich
  • HHB 35th ADA
GIMHAE AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The first group of Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 44th Air and Missile Defense, landed here for their one-year deployment to Korea on Oct. 17 . 

The new battalion, from Fort Bliss, Texas, is replacing the 2-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, in support of the 35th ADA BDE's Relief in Place-Transfer of Authority mission. 

"1-44 is ready and prepared to replace 2-1 to provide air defense artillery support for the Korean peninsula," said Lt. Col. Gerald Dailey, deputy commander of 35th ADA BDE. "Their mission is critical to the protection of this country." 

The 2-1 ADA battalion, stationed at Camp Carroll, has been deployed to Korea since December 2004. The "Second to None" battalion has been providing theater air and missile defense against the threat of tactical ballistic missiles for the peninsula. 

"We have a very strategic mission," said Col. James H. Dickinson, 35th ADA BDE commander. "We have one of the most important missions and one of the most timely missions in Korea. We're the only line of tactical ballistic defense on this peninsula." 

After landing, the Soldiers were greeted by Colonel Dickinson and Command Sgt. Maj. James T. Carr, 35th ADA BDE CSM. They went through customs and immigration, loaded a bus and headed for their new home at Camp Carroll. Once there, the Soldiers were processed into the brigade, received any necessary shots, got their military ID cards updated and ventured into their new rooms. 

Following a briefing by Colonel Dickinson and Command Sgt. Maj. Carr, 1-44 AMD ripped off their previous brigade patch and replaced it with the 35th ADA BDE patch, symbolizing their move under the brigade. 

Despite the overseas deployment, many of the war-fighters had optimistic outlook on their new home. 

"I'm looking forward to the opportunities here and I'm ready for the challenges" said Sgt. Mastie Baker, an NCO with 1-44 AMD. 

The 1-44 is the next unit upholding a proud history of providing tactical ballistic missile defense of the peninsula. A history that has spanned 13 years.