Army, Air Force come together during BB 14-01

by Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/20/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- For the first time during an operational readiness exercise here, the Army's 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade teamed up with 51st Fighter Wing and 7th Air Force units during ORE Beverly Bulldog 14-01 Nov. 15-21.

Army Col. Thomas Nguyen, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander, said his soldiers bring a unique capability to the fight.

"Day in and day out, you see our soldiers amongst you," he said. "We take pride in our ability to provide you a defensive umbrella against asymmetrical attacks from theater ballistic missiles to enable 51st FW and 7th AF the ability to generate air combat power. In addition to defending TBM threats, we have the ability to help defend the base from ground attacks."

Nguyen also said the 35th ADA Brigade is proud to fight alongside the men and women of the 51st FW.

"We have an unstoppable team here that's ready to deter, defend, and if necessary, defeat our enemy," Nguyen said. "From 'Readiness Radio' to the fighter jets working around the clock, to security forces neutralizing ground threats, I'm proud of what you are doing. I'm proud of what you have done and proud of what you will do to prepare us to fight tonight."

Exercising as a team is the only way Team Osan can truly be ready to fight tonight, said Air Force Col. Brook Leonard, 51st FW commander.

"You play like you practice, so what we wanted to do here is work on our combined skills to get after our number one priority, which is to be ready to defend the base and our Korean hosts against all conceivable threats," Leonard said. "The only way we can be successful is if we are at full strength, which means every Team Osan member doing their part to the best of their ability. We have a very important job here and are all very fortunate to be part of a great team."