Ohio National Guard News

Ohio Guard unit assumes charge of
rotational air defense artillery brigade in Germany

Story and Photos by Capt. Aaron Smith, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Col. Thomas E. Moore (front left), commander, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Ohio Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight S. Chambliss, the brigade command sergeant major, uncase the unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony Nov. 28, 2018, on Katterbach Kaserne in Ansbach, Germany.

Col. Richard A. Wholey Jr., commander, 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, relinquishes command to Col. Thomas E. Moore, commander, 174th ADA Brigade, Ohio Army National Guard, during the transfer of authority ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling (left), U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) deputy commanding general, speaks with Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff, deputy commanding general of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Col.

Col. Thomas E. Moore, commander, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Ohio Army National Guard, speaks during the transfer of authority ceremony. Col.

ANSBACH, Germany (11/28/18) — The official beginning of the “Phoenix” Brigade’s deployment to support Operation Atlantic Resolve commenced with a transfer of authority ceremony here.

During the ceremony, the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Ohio Army National Guard took charge from the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, for a rotational air defense artillery brigade in Germany. The ceremony included the official casing of the colors for the 678th ADA Brigade, and the uncasing of the colors for the 174th ADA Brigade, signifying the transition of authority between the two Army National Guard units.

Over the course of the unit’s nine-month deployment, the 678th ADA Brigade participated in five major training exercises and established the Army’s newest air defense battalion, the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

Col. Richard Wholey, commander of the outgoing unit, spoke with pride about the accomplishments of his unit and thanked them for their efforts.

“You volunteered not knowing what to expect, left your families, employers, your way of life for the greater good,” Wholey said. “We thank you, my family thanks you, your Army thanks you, and your country thanks you.”

Serving under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), the 174th ADA Brigade’s mission consists of the command and control of short-range air defense artillery formations throughout Europe, including the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, in addition to the 5-4th ADA.

Col. Thomas E. Moore, the 174th ADA Brigade commander, thanked the outgoing unit for its commitment and accomplishments conducted during the last nine months.

“I am truly humbled to stand with you today,” Moore said. “The 678th has created a high ceiling that is our new floor.”

As part of the rotational mission, the 174th ADA will conduct joint and multinational training exercises designed to enhance unity of effort with allied partners.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our force to continue to build the relationships and partnerships established by our predecessors,” Moore said as he addressed his formation. “I am privileged to be a part of this great organization, I am proud to lead you, and even prouder to serve with you.”

In attendance were local German mayors and regional representatives as well as Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) deputy commanding general, and Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff, deputy commanding general of the 263rd Army AAMDC.

Col. David E. Shank, commander of the 10th AAMDC, spoke during the ceremony, commending the success of the 678th ADA, and welcoming the 174th ADA to Germany.

“We are excited to have you, and know very well that you and the 678th ADA Brigade have completed a very thorough and deliberate relief in place,” Shank said. “We will continue to refine systems and processes, all in an effort to support our higher headquarters by setting the theater, being ready, and continuing to support our allies and partners.”

Operation Atlantic Resolve aims to ensure peace and stability in the Eastern European NATO countries. Since April 2014, U.S. Army Europe has led land forces efforts on behalf of the U.S. military by conducting continuous, enhanced multinational training and security cooperation activities with allies and partners in Eastern Europe. The training events improve interoperability, strengthen relationships and trust among allied armies, contribute to regional stability, and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO.