Florida Guard prepares for homeland security mission

Photo By Lt. Col. Deanna Bague | The solid rocket engine lights and propels the stinger missile launched from the avenger weapon system platform at McGregor Range, N.M. during a live fire exercise conducted by 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.  

MCGREGOR RANGE, UNITED STATES

05.01.2009

Story by Maj. Deanna Bague 

Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. — About 200 Florida National Guardsmen from 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, trained here for Operation Noble Eagle for which the unit will conduct military operations in support of homeland security.

"We're going as part of Operation Noble Eagle in defense of the national capital region integrated air defense system," said 1st Sgt. Robert Grimes, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-265th ADA.

Prior to coming here, the Guardsmen conducted training at their home station for several months to prepare them for the avenger and stinger live-fire exercises that took place here Friday. The unit focused on individual and collective tasks that honed their skills and helped them achieve the level of proficiency required for success, said Grimes.

Grimes said the open terrain was a key in performing their culminating training event. In addition to the air assets here, said Grimes, the space provided the ability to track the target and improve their skill set. The Guardsmen successfully mimicked the procedures used in a real-world scenario to engage hostile aircraft, said Grimes.

Spc. Chad Harter, a gunner assigned to 3-265th ADA, was as confident as his leadership in his ability to successfully fire the missiles.

"We've had a lot of training ... going through drills over and over again, so I'm pretty comfortable and I believe the rest of my unit is pretty comfortable with this exercise," said Harter.

The Guardsmen were evaluated on their success in engaging targets and on the steps they took to fire the missiles.

"The steps are important because there are different states of alert, and we need to make sure we don't get ahead of ourselves — and for safety precautions," said Harter.

Guardsmen said the training was so extensive, procedures became second nature to them.

"We've trained so much that we know we're definitely ready for this mission," said Harter.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2009
• Date Posted: 05.11.2009 14:38
• Story ID: 33472
• Location: MCGREGOR RANGE, US