ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam, — The U.S. Army has activated the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment on Guam, establishing a permanent air and missile defense unit to strengthen the island’s protection and support U.S. military operations across the Indo-Pacific.
The activation ceremony took place at Andersen Air Force Base. The battalion falls under the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. It replaces Task Force Talon, which deactivated in July 2026 after more than a decade of air defense operations on the island.
The battalion will provide the Army’s contribution to the broader Guam Defense System, with responsibilities that include maintaining readiness and integrating sensors, command-and-control systems, launchers and interceptors into a coordinated defensive network.
Lt. Col. Joshua Urness, the battalion commander, said soldiers had developed the procedures, relationships and integration needed to connect these systems and support a unified defensive architecture. He described the activation as an important step in establishing the Army’s permanent contribution to Guam’s strategic defense.
Col. Moseph Sauda, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, told soldiers that their vigilance would have strategic consequences, their readiness would help shape regional stability, and their professionalism would contribute to maintaining security.
From Task Force Talon to a Permanent Unit
Task Force Talon established a dedicated air defense presence on Guam in 2013 to operate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles during the later stages of flight.
The task force worked with the Guam Army National Guard and other military services to maintain operational readiness. Its deactivation in July 2026 marked the end of the temporary task force structure, with the new battalion carrying forward its operational experience in a permanent formation.
The battalion is expected to support a layered defense involving THAAD, Patriot and the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (Enduring Shield). These systems are intended to address different threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Earlier reporting indicated that approximately 120 soldiers had been assigned to the battalion on Guam, in addition to existing THAAD personnel.
Guam’s Strategic Role in Indo-Pacific Defense
Guam is a key U.S. military hub supporting joint operations across the Indo-Pacific. Its air and missile defenses are intended to protect the military personnel, facilities and infrastructure required to sustain those operations.
The establishment of a permanent battalion reflects the U.S. Army’s focus on maintaining sustained, integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the region amid security concerns involving China and North Korea.
The unit also preserves the historical lineage of the 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, whose predecessor organization was established in the Philippine Islands in 1916.
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