Task Force Dragonslayer transfers authority to TF Iron Shield, protection mission continues

AFGHANISTAN

06.25.2015

Story by Vanessa Villarreal 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, July 1, 2015--On June 25, the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-5 ADA BN) transferred authority to the 1-265 ADA BN. Since last October, 5-5 ADA BN Soldiers, also known as Task Force Dragonslayer, have protected U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan by destroying enemy indirect fire (IDF) across Train Advise Assist Command - East (TAAC-E) in Afghanistan.

The 5-5 ADA BN is one of the Army's first Indirect Fire Protection Capability battalion, also known as Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM). The land-based Phalanx weapon system (LPWS) is the unit's trademark piece of equipment. Developed from the Navy's close-in weapon system (CIWS), the LPWS is capable of intercepting incoming rockets and mortars aimed at friendly assets. The battalion uses a family of sensors to detect incoming rockets and mortars and is responsible for sounding an audible warn to provide soldiers the opportunity to take protective actions.

"Leading the Army, TF Dragonslayer was the first to operationally install a new software version that substantially improved LPWS performance and effectiveness against IDF threats," Deputy Commander -- Support Maj. Gen. Mike Murray, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said. "Their ability to fuse technologically-advanced systems and the hard work of these Soldiers and contractors resulted in very high IDF intercept rates that continues to improve with upgrades. Here at BAF, the C-RAM system protects virtually all living areas."

"I am incredibly proud of the men and women, Soldiers and contractors, who selflessly served to provide C-RAM protection for U.S. interests, allies, and partners for both Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom's Sentinel throughout TAAC-East," Lt. Col. Bradley Herman Jr., 5-5 ADA BN commander, said. "We worked hard every day to provide indirect fire protection intercept and enable our higher and adjacent organizations to more effectively perform their own designated requirements. The ability to stop a high explosive detonation increases both equipment and personnel survival."

The 265th ADA, also known as Task Force Iron Shield, was first constituted in 1923 in the Florida National Guard as the 1st Separate Battalion, Coast Artillery Corps. Its job was to protect seaports from air and naval attack, and to prevent amphibious invasions. The 1st Separate Battalion was federally recognized later that year. The 1-265th ADA was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, but never left the mobilization station at Ft. Bliss. In 2007-2008 and 2010-2011, 1-265th ADA was activated as the ground based air defense battalion within the National Capital Region Integrated Air Defense System as part of Operation Noble Eagle to protect the National Capital Region from air attack.

"First, I would like to say that 1st of the 265th Air Defense Battalion is ready to assume full authority of the critically important C-RAM mission," Lt. Col. Mike Powers, 1-265 ADA BN commander, said. "As an Avenger Battalion, we were not sure how to spell C-RAM when we were notified of our sourcing for this mission in January of 2014. However, thanks to the tremendous assistance of a number of organizations, we are ready. I'd like to thank the C-RAM office in Huntsville, Ala., and 2-6 ADA in Ft. Sill, Okla., for their tremendous assistance and training which has ensured that we are fully prepared to conduct this mission. I'd like to also thank 2-44 for providing initial guidance and providing experienced C-RAM Soldiers to assist with our MRE. Lastly, I need to thank 5-5 ADA. Lt. Col. Herman and his entire team have been exceptional during the past nine months."

• Date Taken: 06.25.2015
• Date Posted: 07.03.2015 05:31
• Story ID: 169027
• Location: AF