by Spc. Gretchen Goodrich

            The first Patriot battalion to deploy to South Korea since the Korean War wrapped up its tour during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Suwon Air Base gymnasium May 23.

            The 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, handed over the responsibility of providing air defense support and capabilities to the northern area of South Korea to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, by rolling up the “Panther’s” colors to symbolize the change of authority.    

This third Patriot battalion rotation under 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade represents the continuing strong United States commitment to the Republic of Korea-United States Alliance, said Maj. Gen. Michael Kuehr, 8th Army Deputy Commander and guest speaker at the ceremony.

“United States Forces Korea takes very seriously its role in helping maintain security in the Korean Theater of operations.  The theater missile defense support represented by the Patriot battalions underscores what not only makes this alliance enduring, but great as well,” said Kuehr.

Over the past month, the new warfighters arrived in separate groups to ensure the alliance is maintained through a proper transition.  Soldiers inventoried supplies, reviewed plans, traded barracks and passed on lessons learned to ensure their readiness.

            The “Eagles Dare” battalion prepared to take on their new mission in Korea over the past year through various training exercises.  The unit trained extensively on air and missile defense tactics and operations, said Col. James H. Dickinson, the 35th ADA Brigade commander. 

The various training the soldiers underwent specifically trained them for their mission in Korea; a complex mission that involves shooting down one missile with another, both traveling faster than the speed of sound, said Dickinson. 

            “The battalion rotations brings the most highly trained and experienced Patriot forces to the peninsula, ensuring that the alliance and citizens of Korea have the best possible protection against an enemy missile attack,” said Kuehr.

            The brigade rotates air defense battalions to Korea every six months for a one-year deployment to ensure that the warfighters are always ready to fight tonight.