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New battalion assumes air defense mission

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Maria L. Asenbrener
  • 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, stationed out of Fort Bliss, Texas, assumed the air defense mission in Southwest Asia Feb. 4, from the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, also stationed out of Fort Bliss.

In addition to the pre-deployment training that 2-43 ADA conducted prior to this deployment, the two battalions worked together diligently for the past few weeks to ensure that 2-43 ADA would be ready to take the reins from 3-43 ADA, as the unit departs Southwest Asia.

Col. James Jenkins, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander in Southwest Asia, spoke at the transfer of authority ceremony to bid farewell to the departing battalion and welcome 2-43 ADA.

"The Soldiers in [3-43 ADA] exemplify Army Strong," Colonel Jenkins said.

Colonel Jenkins added that the 3-43 ADA has played a key role in wars and battles throughout history, and now the Soldiers of this battalion are included in that lineage.
The battalion used teamwork to get through this deployment. Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers of the battalion have worked together to ensure that the unit's missions and objectives were achieved. Now 2-43 ADA, a battalion known for its high standards and discipline, is moving in to take their place, he said.

The Battalion Commander of 3-43 ADA, Lt. Col. Douglas Waddingham, applauded the maintenance company and the operators who maintained and updated the equipment during the past year. He also commended the battery commanders who have made their sites more secure and permanent.

With the support of 69th ADA and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in the area of operations, the 2-43 Battalion will continue on the path started by its predecessors to develop these sites, Colonel Waddingham said.

"Southwest Asia is safer because of the protection you provided," Colonel Waddingham said to his Soldiers during the ceremony.

The warriors of the 2-43 Battalion are ready to take on this mission, said Lt. Col. Alan A. Wiernicki, commander of 2-43 ADA. The battalion is ready to stand with 69th ADA to complete its mission, and the Soldiers in the unit are proud to be members of this joint forces team, he added.