FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii (AP) – The U.S. Army’s new missile defense commander for the Asia-Pacific region said Friday his priorities are readiness, being able to respond to contingencies and working with partner countries in the region.
The region is so large it’s important to leverage partnerships with other nations, Brig. Gen. Sean Gainey said.
Gainey assumed control of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command during a ceremony at Fort Shafter in Honolulu on Friday.
The command oversees missile defense radars and Patriot anti-missile batteries in Japan and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system in Guam.
THAAD is a land-based system that includes a truck-mounted launcher, tracking radar, interceptor missiles and an integrated fire control system.