U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Poland Holds Change of Command
By U.S. Navy Lt. Amy Forsythe, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Support Facility Redzikowo
SŁUPSK, Poland (Dec. 17, 2019) — U.S. Navy Cmdr. Joshua Lewis relinquished command of U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Poland (AAMDS) to Cmdr. Derek Johnson in a ceremony in Slupsk, Poland, Dec. 17, 2019.
Personnel assigned to Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo and AAMDS participated in the ceremony held at the civilian Police Academy in the nearby town of Słupsk.
The Aegis Ashore site at Redzikowo is Phase III of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA). The first phase involved deploying Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)-capable Aegis ships and a deployed surveillance radar to Europe. The second phase deployed an Aegis Ashore site in Deveselu, Romania, which became operational in July of 2016. In 2009, the Obama Administration announced that EPAA is the U.S. contribution to NATO’s missile defense system and is designed to protect Europe against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles launched from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.
U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (USAAMDS) site in Poland is nearing the final phases of construction at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo, the Navy’s newest installation. The first Aegis Ashore site was established at Deveselu, Romania in 2016 as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach announced by the Obama administration in 2009. Aegis Ashore uses a defensive system almost identical to that used on U.S. Navy Aegis-capable guided-missile destroyers and cruisers at sea. The system is designed to detect, track, engage and destroy ballistic missiles in flight. The complex at Redzikowo will consist of a fire-control radar “deckhouse” (pictured) with an associated Aegis command, control and communications suite. Separately, it will house several launch modules containing Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors. Once construction is completed, the Aegis Ashore site in Poland will expand a defensive capability that protects NATO European territories, populations and forces against ballistic missiles launched from outside the Euro-Atlantic region. (Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. Amy Forsythe, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Support Facility Redzikowo)
As a plank owner and first commander of AAMDS Poland, Lewis praised his crew for how they performed despite the distance between Dam Neck, Va., where the majority of the crew were stationed, and Poland. “Although we’re not on mission here in Poland, yet…over the past 24-months, our crews provided direct support to large-scale Navy exercises at sea, assisted our sister organization in Romania and also participated in numerous missile flight tests,” he said.
Lewis, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate class of 2000, thanked all those in attendance for their continued support while the system is being built from the ground-up. “For everyone here today, you have in one way or another contributed to or been a part of this journey with us. As a plank owner and first commanding officer, trust me when I tell you that this has been one of the most life-enriching experiences I’ve ever had and one I will never forget.”
Johnson relieved Lewis as the executive officer of Aegis Ashore in Deveselu, Romania, in 2016, and then assumed command from him again in Poland, Lewis explained in his remarks. “I know that Aegis Ashore Poland is in good hands and I wish you and the crew all the best as you assume command here. I’m certain you will enjoy this tour as much as I did,” he added.
Johnson graduated from University of Virginia in 2001 and earned his Master of Business Administration from Naval Postgraduate School and linguist certification in French from the Defense Language Institute. Before becoming the second commanding officer for AAMDS Poland, Johnson completed a 14-month tour as the commander of the Military Sealift Command Office in Korea.
SHIELD: Red and white are the colors of the Polish flag and represent the host nation of the U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System. The waves symbolize the Navy’s mission brought ashore. The caltrips denote the three missile launchers and the version of the Standard Missile interceptor (SM-3) used in the weapon system. The prominent green field symbolizes the ashore aspect of this Navy system, and the four-pointed NATO pole star emphasizes the mission of Aegis Ashore to conduct ballistic missile defense of allies and partners in the European region.
CREST: The griffin, a symbol of strength, military courage and leadership, has traits of Protector, Guardian, Steadfast Vigilance and is styled like the heraldic eagle displayed on the Polish flag. Here colored in red to convey courage during battle. The clutched trident represents sea power, as the Aegis weapon system, initially developed for battle group defense at sea, is now poised from land to search for, track and intercept ballistic missiles.
SUPPORTERS: The crossed flags convey the partnership between two NATO nations.
MOTTO: “W Jedności Siła” is a Polish phrase meaning “Strength in Unity.” The motto reflects the strength of relationship between NATO, the United States and host nation and the resolve to promote security and steadfast commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in Europe.
NSF Redzikowo is the first U.S. installation in Poland and is the Navy’s newest installation that will be home to AAMDS Poland once construction is completed. The Aegis Ashore site in Poland will expand a defensive capability that protects NATO European territories, populations and forces against ballistic missiles launched from outside the Euro-Atlantic region.
