4 March 2025
An air defence officer from 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (16 Regt, RAA) recently received both a US Army Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal for his work while embedded with the US Army’s 94th Army Air and Missile Defence Command out of Hawaii.
Major Michael Parry was responsible for planning air and missile defence for US operations in the Indo-Pacific.
He was the third Australian embedded under this reciprocal arrangement, under which a US Army officer is posted to 16 Regt, RAA, as Army develops integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) following the rollout of the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS).
The regiment will operate two NASAMS batteries by the end of 2026, with one going through final operational testing.
Integrated air and missile defence brings multiple capabilities from across the joint force to protect against airborne threats.
94th Army Air and Missile Defence Command manages units throughout the region, such as Patriot and THAAD batteries stationed in Korea, Japan and Guam.
“Having a position in their plans cell means we can use that experience to build our own operational IAMD system and procedures,” Major Parry said.
“It will look very similar to the US, but with our own sovereign requirements because we’re going to integrate into a combined system as best we can.”
'Australia will never fight on its own and the relationships working with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defence Command are invaluable.'
The reciprocal rotation of air defence personnel marks closer collaboration between US and Australian air defenders.
Last year, the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart and a RAAF Wedgetail joined the US Navy and Missile Defence Agency to intercept ballistic missiles near Hawaii.
In September, the first Air Defence Artillery Fire Control Officer course wrapped up at RAAF Base Williamtown.
Six officers were qualified by US and Australian instructors, paving the way for combined fire coordination of NASAMS and Patriot systems.
“Air defence is a small community,” Major Parry said.
“Although we have different capabilities, the principles of air defence do not change – the US military just works at a far larger scale.
“Australia will never fight on its own and the relationships working with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defence Command are invaluable.”
