THE U.S. military is deploying a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense or THAAD Remote Launch Package to Rota International Airport, Special Assistant for Military Affairs Glenna S. Palacios said.
“It’s part of the military training exercises to enhance the effectiveness of its defense system in our region,” she added.
“Members of the public are advised not to be alarmed. This operation was coordinated in advance with our office, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, and the office of Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig,” Palacios said.
In a statement, the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and Joint Region Marianas said they “are dedicated to the defense and safety of our citizens and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. To exercise emerging capabilities, THAAD battery assigned to the defense of Guam is deploying a THAAD Remote Launch Package consisting of one THAAD launcher and associated personnel and equipment to Rota International Airport in the CNMI early March.”
“There is no more important mission than the defense of the homeland — exercising THAAD’s remote launch capability allows us to enhance the effectiveness of a combat-tested, upper-tier missile defense system that is vital to the Army’s ability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Holler, commanding general of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, the senior military official for the CNMI and Joint Region Marianas commander said, “Missile defense is the number one priority for Indo-Pacific command in this region and testing THAAD’s remote launch ability bolsters our defense of the CNMI, fortifying our layered defense in the region.”
A Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense Battery is seen on a missile launch pad at Andersen Air Force Base in November 2021. A remote THAAD launcher is being deployed from Guam to Rota to expand the missile defense reach in this region.
