Multi-National Corps-Iraq Chief of Staff
Meets the Wrath of “Big Ivy”

By CW3 Sam Ngaropo
Photo by Mr. Lee Craker, MNC-I Public Affairs Office

An historic meeting took place on 25 June 2009 when the Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Peter Bayer, had the opportunity to meet the legendary “Big Ivy."

Big Ivy is one of several integral mechanical members of Lieutenant Colonel Randy McIntire’s 3d Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery (3-3 ADA) Task Force on Camp Victory Iraq. Ivy is one of several weapon systems within the counter-rocket, -artillery and –mortar (C-RAM) arsenal known as the Naval Close-in Weapon System (CiWS).

“Originating from the decks of our Naval Ships,” Petty Officer First Class Wheeler says Big Ivy, Zeus, Punisher and systems like them have been protecting the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years.

Now they serve us here in ground combat as part of an integrated C-RAM base defense throughout Iraq. Ivy is a combination of radars and computers with a multiple rapid-fire caliber gun placed on a rotating gun mount. General Bayer had the opportunity to feel the power and wrath of “Big Ivy” when he pulled the trigger during a recent Pre-action Aim Calibration exercise which is designed to deter and simultaneously calibrate the firing system.

“Big Ivy” Close-in Weapons System (CiWS) “puffs” after being fired by BG Pete Bayer, MNC-I Chief of Staff.

“What a great experience and opportunity to meet this great organization” said General Bayer after test firing Ivy. “It was the best thing I’ve done all day but more importantly it gave me a chance to thank the Soldiers and Sailors who jointly man this weapon system and keep us all safe”.

During his brief to General Bayer, LTC McIntire stated the importance of the joint weapon system as he told the story of over hearing young Soldiers and Sailors at the Post Exchange talking about how safe they feel on forward operating bases that have the C-RAM systems taking care of them.

“They make us all feel safe” reinforced McIntire.

Brigadier General Bayer with the U.S. Army and Navy team of Task Force 3-3 ADA located inside “Big Ivy’s” cage.

Prior to departing, General Bayer stressed the importance of  Task Force 3-3 ADA’s mission and how thankful he was to them for sharing their mission with him and his staff. He acknowledged that the Soldiers and Sailors obviously felt pride for what they do in support of the corps mission in Iraq.