Charlie Battery helps keep Kunsan's runway operational

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  Superior and efficient air power is what members of the Wolf Pack strive for daily. From maintainers to operators, Airmen ensure the 8th Fighter Wing is able to accomplish its three tier mission of "Defending the Base, Accepting Follow-On Forces and Taking the Fight North." However, what some may not realize here is that Soldiers are also involved everyday in accomplishing the Wolf Pack mission. 

The Soldiers of Charlie 2-1 Air Defense Artillery, provide missile defense for the 8th FW so that runways can remain operational at all times. 

"Our overall mission is to keep the airstrips safe," said Army 1st Lt. Shauna Keasler, Charlie Battery fire control platoon leader. "By doing this we ensure the 8th Fighter Wing is able to accomplish its mission." 

Lieutenant Keasler said the Army unit's main mission is to know of incoming threats to the area and how to defeat or minimize their impact to the base. 

The unit is broken down into three specialized platoons. 

The Support Platoon handles administrative issues, command post operations and logistics. 

The Fire Control Platoon involves engagement control station interaction, handles the antenna mass group, which provides signal support, the electrical power plant, which ensures power, and radar operations. 

The Launcher Platoon runs the equipment used to launch ballistic missiles and maintains them. 

Soldiers assigned to the unit say there are benefits to being stationed here and supporting the Air Fore mission. The biggest benefit is the mission itself. 

"We perform the same drills as we do in the states, but here we're able to work with live munitions. We don't get that type of opportunity in the states," said Army Sgt. Ricardo Acosta, Charlie Battery fire control platoon, section chief. 

The unit is undergoing upgrades as part of a peninsula wide transformation of all Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept On Target (PATRIOT) forces. According to Charlie Battery officials, the unit is being upgraded with the latest version of tactical hardware and software called Post Deployment Build 6. The upgrades provide greater flexibility, improved target detection and enhanced lethality against the variety of threats missile systems could face here. 

The soldiers currently assigned to the Charlie Battery are scheduled to rotate out soon after completing their year here. The Soldiers said working with the Air Force has been a positive experience. 

Army Staff Sgt. Steve Strickland, Charlie Battery fire control platoon sergeant, said the Air Force has been good about lending a hand when asked. 

"There have been numerous situations where we've needed certain things such as a forklift and the Air Force has been able to help us out," he said. "The Security Forces Squadron has helped us out and the dorm mangers have also been great. They've been able to be flexible and work with us for the Soldiers I have coming in and out." 

Airman or Soldier, it's a total team effort that ensures their job gets done here with the end result is always a successful aircraft launch to maintain the peace and stability of the region.