BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff
Task Force Talon relinquished command to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA), ushering in a new battalion to take over Guam’s air missile defense systems.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) had been the primary capability defending the island utilized by the Guam National Guard for the past 13 years under Task Force Talon’s mission.
However, after assessments and military expansion in the Pacific the new unit introduces new avenues for the island’s defense. Col. Joseph C. Scott shared with media that the Guam National Guard remains committed to continue implementing a “defensive” position, expanding from the previous THAAD battery to a full battalion utilizing multiple capabilities.
Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett, after a year of serving the mission, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Joshua A. Urness during a change of command ceremony held at Anderson Air Force Base on July 1.
The unit activation will begin in October. Urness stated assuming command of the unit to be a “tremendous responsibility and honor”, stating that the 3-43 ADA will continue to ensure island security through implementation of the air defense systems and work closely with local leadership to protect the island. “The previous organizations have done a fantastic job of integrating with the Guam National Guard,” he said. “That partnership is crucial to our mission here on island and it will remain critical as we move forward.” mbj
Journal Staff
Task Force Talon relinquished command to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA), ushering in a new battalion to take over Guam’s air missile defense systems.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) had been the primary capability defending the island utilized by the Guam National Guard for the past 13 years under Task Force Talon’s mission.
However, after assessments and military expansion in the Pacific the new unit introduces new avenues for the island’s defense. Col. Joseph C. Scott shared with media that the Guam National Guard remains committed to continue implementing a “defensive” position, expanding from the previous THAAD battery to a full battalion utilizing multiple capabilities.
Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett, after a year of serving the mission, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Joshua A. Urness during a change of command ceremony held at Anderson Air Force Base on July 1.
The unit activation will begin in October. Urness stated assuming command of the unit to be a “tremendous responsibility and honor”, stating that the 3-43 ADA will continue to ensure island security through implementation of the air defense systems and work closely with local leadership to protect the island. “The previous organizations have done a fantastic job of integrating with the Guam National Guard,” he said. “That partnership is crucial to our mission here on island and it will remain critical as we move forward.” mbj
