BISMARK KASERNE, ANSBACH, GERMANY - The 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADA BDE), South Carolina Army National Guard, headquartered in Eastover, South Carolina, held an uncasing of the colors ceremony on Bismark Kaserne, Germany, March 27, 2018.
Some in attendance included, United States Army personnel and distinguished guests from the local German community. From the South Carolina contingency, Brig. Gen Frank M. Rice, Deputy Commander, 263rd AAMDC, from USAEUR, Col. David E. Shank, Commander 10th AAMDC, Col. Benjamin C. Jones, Commander, USAG Ansbach Garrison and local German dignitaries, 2nd Mayor Rainer Volkert, Mr. Kenneth Aungst, Oberstabsfeldwebel d. R. Peter Plagens, Stabsfeldwebel a.d. Fritz Whittman and others.
“Today we recognize the 678th ADA BDE,” said U.S. Army Col. David Shank. “This is the newest ADA BDE in the U.S. Army and the first ADA BDE to serve under the 10th AAMDC and USAEUR command.”
Col. Shank discussed the historical progression of why the Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) was needed on today’s current battlefield.
“Back in the 1990s, decisions were made to down size and there was not much of a need for SHORAD,” said Shank. “It all started in 2004 when the first SHORAD battalion was inactivated and it snowballed from there.”
“Fast forward to today and what does that mean? We have stinger teams, Avenger batteries, the eventual 5-4 BN build up and why we are here today, the 678th ADA BDE,” added Shank.
The 678th ADA BDE soldiers and Col. Richard A. Wholey Jr., Commander 678th ADA BDE, hosted this historic event in the Von Stubben building on the Bismark Kaserne.
“This is a historic day for U.S. Army Europe, the 10th AAMDC, USGA Ansbach, the Air Defense community and the local Ansbach community,” said Wholey. “ Less than five months ago, we received our notification of sourcing, 33 pre mob training days and 20 post mob training days later, we uncased the first air defense artillery colors in Europe since the drawdown of the cold war.”
The ceremony included the Germany National Anthem, The United States National Anthem, the Air Defense Artillery song, the Army song, as well as the uncasing of the colors. The uncasing of the colors is a military tradition signifying the relocation of the command headquarters.
“We are blessed to be here, grateful for all the hospitality that has been conveyed to us thus far,” said Wholey. “We are looking forward to participating with the U.S. Ansbach community, with our fellow brigades and ultimately NATO partners on a mission of peace and prosperity.”
“For freedom, we defend,” concluded Wholey.
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2018 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 270871 |
| Location: | DE |
| Web Views: | 1,238 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 678th ADA BDE Uncasing Ceremony, by CPT William Duvall, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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