3-43 Air Defense Artillery activates in Guam continuing a legacy of U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, participated in an activation ceremony Oct. 16, 2026, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
The ceremony recognized the battalion’s activation under the unit’s historic designation as the U.S. Army continues to strengthen its integrated air and missile defense capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region. The event also built upon more than a decade of air defense operations in Guam through Task Force Talon. U.S. Army Col. Moseph Sauda, the commander of the 38th ADA BDE, addressed the significance of the activation and the responsibility of the Soldiers assigned to the unit.
“Your work here will never be ordinary. Your vigilance will have strategic consequences,” said Sauda. “Your readiness will assist in shaping regional stability, and your professionalism will ensure millions living under the umbrella of peace that your discipline helps to maintain.” The battalion’s mission will be to support the defense of Guam by maintaining readiness and providing air and missile defense capabilities against potential threats. Guam’s strategic location makes it an important part of U.S. military operations throughout the region by supporting joint force operations while making air and missile defense a critical part of protecting the forces and infrastructure needed to support those missions.
Lt. Col. Joshua Urness, the 3-43 ADA BN commander, also highlighted the importance of the battalion’s role in the broader air and missile defense mission.
“This battalion helped transform an ambitious concept toward operational capabilities,” said Urness. “The Soldiers developed new procedures, relationships, and integration required to connect sensors, command and control systems, launchers, and interceptors to promote a unified defensive architecture. It’s only fitting that 3-43 ADA now stands up the Army’s contribution to the strategic Guam Defense System.”
Before the activation of the 3-43 ADA, Task Force Talon maintained the air defense presence in Guam starting in 2013. TFT operated the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles during the later stages of flight. Its mission included protecting Guam and supporting regional defense operations.
Throughout its time on the island, TFT worked alongside joint service partners and the Guam Army National Guard to maintain readiness and support the defensive mission. TFT officially deactivated in July 2026, signaling a change in the Army's defensive architecture in Guam. The transition from a task force to a battalion cements the Department of War’s commitment toward permanent air defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The activation of 3-43 ADA carries that experience forward while providing a foundation for the Army’s evolving approach to integrated air and missile defense.
The battalion also carries the history of the 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, which traces its lineage to 1916, when its predecessor organization was established in the Philippine Islands. The regiment’s history includes multiple reorganizations as the Army adapted its air defense formations to meet changing military requirements.
Today, the battalion’s mission reflects the continued importance of air and missile defense throughout the Indo-Pacific region. As potential threats evolve, Soldiers must remain trained, equipped and ready to respond while working with joint partners to support regional security.
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