US Patriot missile batteries return to S. Korea after Middle East deployment
This photo, taken from the U.S. Forces Korea website, shows the soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade being greeted by Eighth Army and 35th ADA leaders as they deplane at Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, Oct. 30. Yonhap
U.S. Patriot missile defense batteries have returned to South Korea after being temporarily deployed to the Middle East earlier this year, according to the U.S. military stationed in South Korea on Thursday.
In a statement, the U.S. Eighth Army said it welcomed soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, following their deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in March.
Lt. Col. Ashley Hahn, commander of 2-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion to South Korea, said the unit's experience overseas will directly benefit its mission on the peninsula.
"The Guardian Soldiers faced an array of threat sets while deployed, which will undoubtedly add to air defense planning, decision-making, and tactical operations in Korea," Hahn said, adding these lessons will enhance combat capability and readiness on the peninsula.
At a press conference in August, USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson indicated that the Patriot batteries, which had been relocated to the Middle East for strategic flexibility, would return to South Korea for the latest equipment upgrades.
The Patriot missile system is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at low to mid-range altitudes and serves as part of South Korea's layered missile defense network, along with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, to counter North Korean threats.