5-7 ADA: Germany to Turkey and back

Courtesy Photo | A Charlie Battery, 5-7 ADA Soldier, working on the rail operations team, guides the offloading of one of the Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) the 5-7 ADA Soldiers used during their time in Turkey.  

KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, GERMANY

01.09.2015

Courtesy Story

10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - This month the 5-7 Air Defense Artillery “No Fear” Battalion closed the final chapter of their commendable efforts in support of NATO Operation Active Fence in Turkey.

Over two weeks of operations on the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Rail Head, the “No Fear” Battalion received four trains and five commercial trucks hauling 248 pieces of rolling stock and containers. The Soldiers and leaders tasked with this imposing feat were able to successfully receive and offload all equipment without incident. This was largely due to the help of several civilian experts, Daniel Riedel of BMCT Kaiserslautern, William Dial from the DPTMS, and Michael Kirwan, the Garrison Safety Officer. Their commendable efforts ensured the safety and efficacy of the Soldiers and all equipment.

During the offload operations, Soldiers drove, hauled, craned, and fork lifted vehicles and containers as varied as HMMWVs, LMTVs, PATRIOT Launchers, Radars, Engagement Control Stations, and numerous other vehicle types. The drivers, ground guides, and rail team had to be extremely flexible to ensure all equipment was safely received and staged.

While forward deployed in Turkey, the 5-7 ADA Soldiers were tasked with the defense of the 1.4 million citizens of Gaziantep from the threat of Tactical Ballistic Missiles. The Soldiers manned, operated, and maintained their equipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week for almost one year. Turkish citizens were able to sleep a little more soundly knowing the NATO Air Defense forces had a watchful eye on the sky.

Now that the Soldiers and equipment of 5-7 ADA have returned safely, the work begins anew. The “No Fear” Battalion has a busy road to travel in getting back to being able to fulfill their PTDO. Between the transportation, emplacement, and constant operation of the equipment, it’s due for some extensive maintenance. Additionally, the reintegration of Soldiers and units within the Battalion as the old guard changes out with the new arrivals will continue. With equipment refit and upgrades, personnel change out and training and reuniting with families, the Soldiers will have a lot on their plate.

However, as we have seen before, the “No Fear” Battalion is up to any challenge!

• Date Taken: 01.09.2015
• Date Posted: 01.28.2015 09:46
• Story ID: 152942
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE