(FT. GREELY, ALASKA)– On September 30, Davidson alongside distinguished partners, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system's operational status at Fort Greely, Alaska. The milestone reception event, co-sponsored by Davidson and the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), honored two decades of the GMD system's critical contributions to national security.
The day’s activities included VIP tours of the missile silos and key defense infrastructure at Fort Greely, as well as exclusive “windshield” tours of restricted areas. Attendees received firsthand insights into the operational readiness of the GMD system and its significance in protecting the U.S. from long-range missile threats. The celebration culminated in a formal reception, where military leaders, industry partners, and government officials gathered to reflect on the program’s achievements and its future.
As part of the event, a panel discussion was held featuring MG John W. Holly (USA, Ret.), one of the key figures in the GMD program's development. Holly served as Program Director during the development and initial deployment of the National Missile Defense System. During his distinguished military career, MG Holly also served as the Program Executive Officer for the Army’s Tactical Missile Systems and held the position of Deputy Director of the US Missile Defense Agency. Holly shared his personal reflections on the origins of the system, the challenges it overcame, and its critical importance in today's evolving global security environment.
The Strategic Importance of Alaska in Missile Defense
In his opening remarks, Holly underscored the strategic significance of Alaska in the nation's missile defense architecture. He pointed to the unique geography of Fort Greely as central to the GMD system’s ability to defend the U.S. from threats on both coasts.
“Geography counts. That's why Alaska is so important to missile defense of our nation," Holly said. "Only from Alaska do you have the capability of defending against attacks from both the east and the west."
Holly elaborated on how, although the initial focus of the GMD system was on the threat posed by North Korea, the program was designed with enough flexibility to defend against threats from other regions. He mentioned key infrastructure, such as a communications facility at Fort Drum, that now extends the system’s reach, ensuring the nation is safeguarded from both eastern and western missile threats.
Evolving Threats in Modern Warfare
Holly then shifted his focus to the nature of modern warfare and the evolving missile threats the U.S. faces. He highlighted recent conflicts as examples of how adversaries now target civilian populations and infrastructure to sow terror rather than just military forces.
"Look at the world today," Holly said. "What do we have going on in the world, and who is the target? The target’s the civilian population, the civilian infrastructure—telecom networks, the energy grid, apartment buildings—to seed terror."
Holly warned that this tactic, seen in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and previous conflicts in Chechnya and Israel, sets a dangerous precedent. According to Holly, if these trends continue, it’s possible that civilian targets in the U.S. could become vulnerable, further emphasizing the importance of a robust missile defense system like GMD to prevent such attacks.
Providing Decision-Makers with Options
One of the most compelling points Holly made during his remarks was about the GMD system’s role in providing U.S. leaders with more strategic options in the event of an attack. He posed the hypothetical scenario of an adversary launching a single intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a remote location like Adak, Alaska, and questioned whether such an event would warrant a full-scale nuclear response.
"What GMD provides to our country is options for our decision makers," Holly explained. "The ability to defend and take down a small attack gives them alternatives, avoiding massive retaliation."
Holly’s point was clear: GMD offers the U.S. a critical layer of defense that allows for measured, proportional responses to smaller-scale missile attacks. In today’s complex and volatile global security environment, this flexibility is essential to maintaining peace and stability.
Overcoming Early Skepticism and Building Trust
Holly recounted how the GMD program faced significant skepticism in its early days. The idea of intercepting a missile with another missile—what is often referred to as "hit-to-kill" technology—was initially met with disbelief.
"Nobody thought it was feasible. You couldn’t do this hit-to-kill stuff," Holly said, recalling the doubts expressed by technical experts and policymakers when the program was first proposed.
Despite these doubts, the GMD program pressed forward, fueled by a "capabilities-based" approach that allowed for flexibility and innovation in development. Holly emphasized the importance of building trust between various stakeholders, including military leaders, industry partners, and political figures. He also acknowledged the program’s many contributors, who worked tirelessly to meet the demanding deadline of becoming operational by September 30, 2004.
“I was given a lot of trust, but trust is a two-way street,” Holly said. He described how close collaboration with government officials, particularly key figures like Senator Ted Stevens and Representative Don Young, helped the program achieve its ambitious goals. GMD officially went operational just 27 minutes before the September 30 deadline—a testament to the dedication and skill of the teams involved.
Looking to the Future: Keeping Pace with Threats
As Holly reflected on the past, he also emphasized the importance of looking to the future. With adversaries continuously developing more advanced missile technologies, the U.S. must evolve its defenses to keep pace with these emerging threats.
“The threat's getting worse. We have got to continue to keep pace with the threat. It is not a static game," Holly said. He stressed that the development of the next generation of interceptors will be crucial in maintaining the U.S.’s defensive edge.
Holly concluded his remarks with a call to continue the legacy of the GMD system, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of U.S. national defense for years to come.
Celebrating 20 Years of GMD Success
The 20th anniversary celebration in Alaska was more than just a reflection on past achievements; it was a reminder of the continued importance of the GMD system in protecting the U.S. and its allies from missile threats. Davidson, as a proud partner in the GMD mission, remains committed to supporting the evolution of missile defense technologies that safeguard national security.
MG John W. Holly’s remarks captured the essence of this momentous occasion, reminding everyone in attendance of the critical role GMD has played—and will continue to play—in defending the homeland.
As Holly put it, "What GMD provides to our country is not just defense—it’s options for the future."
コメント