Dragon Brigade’s Shield: 7 Critical Facts About The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s 2025 Mission In Korea
The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADAB), known as the "Dragon Brigade," remains the spearhead of air and missile defense for the United States Army in the Republic of Korea (ROK). As of late 2025, the brigade is operating at a heightened state of readiness, continuously validating its layered defense capabilities against potential threats in the Korean Theater of Operations (KTO).
The brigade's recent activities, including emergency deployment exercises and the return of key units, underscore its critical role as a subordinate command of the Eighth United States Army. This elite unit is responsible for protecting critical Combined Forces Command assets, utilizing the most advanced missile defense technology to ensure stability on the Korean Peninsula.
I. Command Profile: COL Kevin P. Stonerook, 35th ADA Brigade Commander
The leadership of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade is central to its operational readiness and strategic execution. The brigade is currently commanded by a proven Air Defense Artillery expert, whose tenure has been marked by significant training and readiness validation in 2025.
Confirmed Command Team Profile:
- Commander: Colonel (COL) Kevin P. Stonerook
- Role: Commander, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (Dragon Brigade)
- Confirmed Command Tenure: COL Stonerook has been confirmed in this command role throughout 2025, participating in key events such as trilateral flight training briefs and signing the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation for the brigade.
- Senior Enlisted Leader: Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Antonio Golden (as of late 2025)
- Operations Sergeant Major: Sergeant Major (SGM) Bradley McGlothlin (confirmed in a March 2025 interview)
While a full, detailed biography of COL Stonerook’s complete military career, including all previous assignments, education, and decorations, is not publicly available in standard U.S. Army press releases, his current leadership is focused on maintaining the brigade’s "Fight Tonight" readiness posture on the peninsula.
II. The Dual-Layered Shield: Patriot and THAAD Systems
The 35th ADA Brigade’s primary mission is to provide a robust, layered Air and Missile Defense (AMD) for the KTO. This mission is executed through the strategic deployment and maintenance of two of the world’s most advanced missile defense systems: the Patriot and THAAD.
Patriot Missile Systems
The Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept of Target) missile system forms the lower-tier defense layer. It is designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. The system’s high-mobility and proven combat history make it the backbone of the brigade’s defense posture, protecting critical assets like airfields and command and control centers.
- Key Unit: The 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2-1 ADA Battalion) is a primary Patriot missile battalion subordinate to the 35th ADA Brigade, often stationed at locations like Suwon Air Base.
- Readiness: The 2-1 ADA Battalion is consistently involved in exercises, ensuring their Patriot systems are maintained in a standby mode, ready for immediate engagement.
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
THAAD provides the upper-tier defense layer, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at very high altitudes, both inside and outside the atmosphere. The integration of THAAD into the brigade's structure provides a crucial "shoot-look-shoot" capability, allowing for multiple engagement opportunities against advanced threats.
- Integration: The 35th ADA Brigade has successfully integrated a THAAD battery, such as D Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (ADAR), into its overall defense architecture on the Korean Peninsula.
- Strategic Importance: The THAAD system is a globally recognized symbol of the U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK against hostile ballistic missile programs.
III. Recent and Critical 2025 Activities of the Dragon Brigade
The year 2025 has been exceptionally busy for the 35th ADA Brigade, demonstrating their continuous vigilance and commitment to operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
1. Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) Validation
In a monumental first, the 35th ADA Brigade executed a complex Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) validating its capability to rapidly receive air missile defense equipment by sea at the Port of Busan, South Korea. This exercise is critical for proving the brigade’s ability to surge defense assets quickly in a crisis scenario, a key component of its mission readiness.
2. The Return of the 2-1 ADA Battalion
In March 2025, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment returned to the Korean Peninsula. This unit had departed on short-notice orders to provide critical air defense support elsewhere, highlighting the unit’s global deployment flexibility and the high demand for its Patriot missile expertise. Their return was met by Eighth Army and 35th ADA leaders, reaffirming their vital role in the KTO.
3. 6-52 ADA Battalion Change of Command
The brigade maintained its formal readiness and leadership continuity with the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (6-52 ADA Battalion) conducting a change of command ceremony in June 2025. This event is a critical element of military tradition, ensuring a seamless transition of authority and responsibility for the subordinate unit.
4. High-Level Command Visits
The strategic importance of the 35th ADA Brigade was highlighted by a visit from the INDOPACOM and 7th Air Force Commander in August 2025. These high-level visits are crucial for ensuring strategic alignment and providing the brigade's command team, including COL Stonerook and CSM Golden, the opportunity to brief senior leaders on the current theater defense posture and operational challenges.
5. Global Reach and Mobilization Exercises
While primarily focused on the KTO, elements of the 35th ADA Brigade, such as C. Battery, 6-52 Air Defense Battalion, have been noted staging and moving vehicles to start mobilization exercises in Europe and Africa. This demonstrates the brigade’s dual role: a forward-deployed defense shield in Korea and a globally responsive force capable of supporting U.S. Army Europe and Africa operations.
IV. The Strategic Role of the Dragon Brigade
The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, headquartered at Osan Air Base, is one of the six major subordinate commands of the Eighth Army. Its continuous presence and operational exercises, such as its support for the Keen Sword 25 exercise in Japan, solidify its role as a regional deterrent force. The brigade’s commitment extends beyond missile defense to include community engagement, such as its efforts to combat sexual assault, affirming its role as a responsible and engaged partner in the ROK.
By operating Patriot and THAAD systems in a coordinated, layered defense, the Dragon Brigade ensures that the air space over the Korean Peninsula is protected 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This readiness is not static; it is constantly tested through live-fire exercises and no-notice deployments, making the 35th ADA Brigade an essential and dynamic component of U.S. forward-deployed forces.
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