United we defend: Missile defense team tours USS Higgins

Photo By Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hoover | HAMAD PORT, Qatar – Soldiers from the 12th Missile Defense “Team Titan” Battery, the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and personnel the USS Higgins come together to discuss ballistic missile defense capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 12, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by 1st. Sgt. Vincent Branchetti)  

QATAR

02.12.2018

Courtesy Story

Task Force Spartan

HAMAD PORT, Qatar – The 12th Missile Defense “Team Titan” Battery, Top Notch 11th Air Defense Artillery “Imperial” Brigade, and the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command conducted a site visit to the USS Higgins, an Aegis destroyer in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 12.
“It is one thing to be able to synchronize ballistic missile defense capabilities when you’re able to put faces to those capabilities,” said Capt. Cassandra Steiner, commander of the Team Titans. “It galvanizes a sense of purpose in mission and commitment to one another.”
U.S. Navy Commander Victor Garza, commander of the USS Higgins expressed gratitude for the joint service that the 32nd AAMDC and 12th MDB offer. This opportunity was a great joint experience for both the Army and Navy.
“To be able to see the day-to-day life element of Sailors that support the same mission as we do is incredible,” said 1st Sgt. Vincent Branchetti, first sergeant for Team Titans. “It truly demonstrated the drive and initiative all Soldiers and Sailors have to execute such an important mission.”

Additionally, the rarity for all operators to experience one another’s working environment inculcated shared esprit de corps. Staff Sgt. Randall Morris of the Team Titans, a newly-recruited air defender from the infantry, truly appreciated the experience.
“Visiting the USS Higgins was a great experience. To see the operational impact that both our section and their team provides was outstanding, especially as a new air defender,” said Morris. “I am grateful to know we have such a great team supporting the shared mission we execute every day, especially given our strategic impact to defending the homeland.”
The opportunity to combine all warfighters and exchange experiences was unmatched. Each service member got the chance to experience the capabilities and equipment other units utilize to conduct a holistic mission.
“This mission has been the most rewarding of my career and one I will most definitely continue if given the opportunity,” said Morris.
Although the mission set has its complexities, it is exciting to know the purpose remains to deter aggression in the region and protect strategic resources, said Staff Sgt. Julian Borghese assigned to Team Titan.
“Our mission set and integration with the USS Higgins continues to evolve as we train together,” said Borghese. ”Seeing the motivation from our joint efforts truly demonstrates the effectiveness our Armed Forces have.”


This opportunity marks not only the culmination of a tremendous capability to execute the BMD wartime mission, but it also creates a level of partnership for all service members to see each other’s working environments.
“Our number one priority will be to continue to train, enhance our combat readiness, and defend the skies with our counterparts,” said Steiner.
The visit ensured that every service member knew the joint efforts.

• Date Taken: 02.12.2018
• Date Posted: 03.27.2018 03:10
• Story ID: 270695
• Location: QA