Joint Tactical Ground Station opens at Misawa

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  In a history-making event Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m., the U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command deputy commanding general cut a red ribbon at the wing's newest facility, the Joint Tactical Ground System, marking its official opening here.

The ceremony, led by Army Brig. Gen. John Seward from the Space and Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo., gave attendees an opportunity to find out exactly what JTAGS is all about.

"The presence of JTAGS in Japan provides a more robust theater ballistic missile defense and ballistic warning capability and joins three other JTAGS units located around the world," said General Seward. "Misawa was chosen for the location of the unit because it provides the best location for this mission as well as a good quality-of-life for our soldiers. The Japanese community is a welcoming and supportive civilian environment for our soldiers and their families."

Although JTAGS is the second system to be located in the Pacific Command, it is the first to be located in Japan. Guests at the ceremony included civic leaders from Misawa, Tokyo and surrounding areas and Japan Air Self Defense leaders. Masses of Japanese and American reporters were on hand to capture the event.

"JTAGS receives infrared data directly from the Defense Support Program satellites and Soldiers operating the JTAGS receive and process the data from the satellite sensors to warn and alert U.S. and Allied commanders," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Adams, 1st Space Brigade training and evaluations noncommissioned officer to the crowd.

System operators were also on hand to provide a simulation of what occurs when they detect the launch of a TBM.

"Once a missile launch is detected, it is verified and all allied and U.S. forces are notified of an incoming threat," said Sgt.1st Class Cody Dorman, JTAGS operations crew chief. "We're also able to determine the impact time of the missile."

JTAGS is an around-the-clock operation.

"I trust with the activation of this detachment, we will not only develop a stronger partnership, but will also increase the trust and friendship of our Japanese allies," said General Seward. "This unit stands as a symbol of our two nations' long-standing security cooperation and commitment to peace and stability in this region."