WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Army will be stationing an air defense testing unit at White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich confirmed the announcement Wednesday. The New Mexico Democrat say the range is a national treasure for the U.S. military due to its terrain, airspace and expertise.
The Air Defense Artillery Test Detachment will be made up of 143 soldiers. They'll be supporting Army missile defense programs that work to put the best equipment in the hands of soldiers deployed around the world.
Heinrich said in a statement that adding a new active duty mission at White Sands is a "big deal" and that he will continue to advocate for a larger active duty presence at the missile range.