The United States Army
08/02/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/02/2024 04:17
US Army’s newest air defense artillery brigade gets a new boss in Europe
[Link] 1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Curtis King, the commanding general for 10th AAMDC, passes the guidon to Col. Hailey Bairu, the 52D ADA BDE commander, as a symbol of his trust and confidence in him to command the brigade during a change of command ceremony Aug. 1, 2024, in Sembach, Germany. Col. Hailey Bairu assumed command of 52D Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Col. Bruce Bredlow. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Robert Wormley)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Curtis King, Col. Hailey Bairu, and Col. Bruce Bredlow walk towards the podium after inspecting the troops during a change of command ceremony Aug. 1, 2024, in Sembach, Germany. Col. Hailey Bairu assumed command of 52D Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Col. Bruce Bredlow. (Photo Credit: Capt. Leara Shumate)VIEW ORIGINAL
SEMBACH, GERMANY - In a ceremonious change of command on August 1, 2024, U.S. Army Col. Bruce Bredlow handed over the reins of the 52D Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADA BDE) to U.S. Army Col. Hailey Bairu. This event marks a new chapter for the brigade, which remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing its people-Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. The brigade's mission is built on a supportive framework that ensures both mission success and the personal growth of its members.
Bredlow expressed his heartfelt thoughts about his time with the brigade, saying, "I am grateful for having been a part of such a tremendous team of American Soldiers and their families over the past two years. This brigade is very special to me, and I'm so excited to hand it off to my friend, Hailey Bairu."
[Link] U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Robinson, the 52D ADA BDE Command Sgt. Maj., passes the guidon to COL. Bruce Bredlow, the previous 52D ADA BDE commander, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 1, 2024, in Sembach, Germany. Col. Hailey Bairu assumed command of 52D Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Col. Bruce Bredlow. (Photo Credit: Capt. Leara Shumate)VIEW ORIGINAL
The 52D ADA BDE continues to be at the forefront of advancing joint and combined operations within the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) framework. Under Col. Bairu's leadership, the brigade will remain dedicated to developing interoperability across all layers of its multinational IAMD fabric. The 52D ADA BDE is recognized as the most unique ADA brigade in the Army, equipped with three different weapon systems: the Avenger, SGT Stout (previously known as the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, or M-SHORAD), and Patriot. The brigade carries out two forward missions-one in Africa and the other concentrated on Europe's eastern flank.
The 52D ADA BDE is committed to securing comprehensive readiness across all levels. Integral to this readiness is the acknowledgment that true preparedness is interdependent with the brigade's Allies and Partners. The brigade collaborates with joint, allied, and partner forces on air defense, promoting global security.
Bairu's assumption of command marks a continuation of excellence for the 52D ADA BDE. His leadership is expected to drive forward the brigade's mission and vision, ensuring that it remains a critical component of the Army's air and missile defense strategy.
When asked why he serves, Bairu answered with, "I got addicted to witnessing those who have worked with me and for me succeeding within the Army's legacy."
[Link] U.S. Army guidon bearers from each battery within 52D ADA BDE stand at attention during a change of command ceremony Aug. 1, 2024, in Sembach, Germany. Col. Hailey Bairu assumed command of 52D Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Col. Bruce Bredlow. (Photo Credit: Capt. Leara Shumate)VIEW ORIGINAL
As the brigade navigates the challenges and opportunities of the future, its commitment to people, interoperability, and readiness will remain unwavering.
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