United States European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA)
On 17 September 2009, The President of the United States (POTUS) approved a recommendation from the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to implement the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) for Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). This approach is based on an assessment of the increasing ballistic missile threat and a commitment to deploy technology that is proven, cost-effective, and adaptable to an evolving security environment. Beginning in 2011, this plan deployed more sea and land-based BMD capabilities, including a range of sensors in Europe and upgraded versions of the SM-3 to defend against a growing regional ballistic missile threat. The plan provides more effective defense against near-term ballistic missile threats to defend U.S., allied, and coalition partner forces in Europe.

The operational architecture employed will be based on procedures established in a base plan developed by USEUCOM and coordinated with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Commander, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Changes in regional ballistic missile threats, as well as advances in our capabilities and technologies, underscore the need for an adaptable architecture. The architecture implemented must be responsive to the current threat, but will also incorporate relevant technologies to respond quickly to evolving threats. While future advances in technology or changes in the threat may modify the details or timing, current plans call for the following phases under the EPAA:

• Phase I (2011 timeframe) – Deploy current and proven BMD systems available in the next two years, including the sea-based, multi-mission Aegis weapons system (AWS), the SM-3 missile (Block IA), with sensors such as the forward-based transportable radar surveillance (AN/TPY-2) system, to address regional ballistic missile threats to Europe and our deployed personnel and their families.

• Phase II (2015 timeframe) – After appropriate testing, deploy a more capable version of the SM-3 missile (Block IB) in both sea- and land-based configurations, and more advanced sensors to expand the defended area against short- and medium-range missile threats. The first Aegis Ashore land-based deployment in Europe occurs.

• Phase III (2018 timeframe) – After development and testing are complete, deploy the more advanced SM-3 Block IIA variant, to counter short range, medium range, and selected IRBM threats. The second Aegis Ashore land based deployment in Europe occurs.

LOCATION

Poland (Polish: Polska), officially the Republic of Poland, is a parliamentary republic in Central Europe. Poland is a unitary state divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, with a mostly temperate climate. With a population of over 38.5 million people, Poland is the sixth most populous member state of the European Union. Poland's capital and largest city is Warsaw. Other cities include Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Szczecin and the Silesian Metropolis.

Poland is a diplomatic powerhouse as well as a regional and a major emerging world power. It is a developed and democratic country, which maintains a high-income economy along with very high standards of living, life quality, safety, education and economic freedom. Situated between Eastern and Western European cultures and coined by a changing history, Poland has a rich cultural heritage, including numerous historical monuments and 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is visited by approximately 16 million tourists every year, making it the 16th most visited country in the world. Poland is a member state of the European Union, the Schengen Area, the United Nations, NATO and the OECD.

CHARACTERISTICS

The architecture of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Reconstitutable Deckhouse (RDH) is based on the superstructure of a destroyer. The diamond-shaped configuration is driven by the third floor layout where the four large AN/SPY-1 radar faces are installed, just as on a ship. The floors are referred to in naval terms - a main deck with 01, 02 and 03 levels above.

The building includes all the elements of the combat system. Command-and-control consoles fill the 01 level, processors are installed on the 02 level while radar equipment dominates the 03 level. Power supplies and auxiliary equipment are installed on the main floor.

The layout of the three levels is nearly like that on a destroyer, although with the absence of bulkheads and hatches. Ladders are replaced by wide and shallow stairs, to allow workmen to move equipment up and down.

The entire installation is designed to be relocatable, meant to be erected and operational in a matter of months. Key to the concept is the mounting of most equipment on skids, incorporating false floors for cabling and environmental connections.

The skids, known as Removable Equipment Units (REU), have fittings for wheels and cables so they can be easily moved. Designed with control consoles and power racks already installed, they can be quickly set up and interconnected, with false flooring fitted in between to complete the installation.

Special cradles were built to carry the SPY-1 radar faces. The phased-array unit, including the cradles, is installed in the building's walls. The command, control, and communications suite is also located within the RDH and includes mast-mounted antennae installed on the roof of the deckhouse. Associated missile launchers are also located within the confines of the U.S. controlled facility.

MANNING

The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) is crewed by U.S. Navy Sailors trained and certified in the operations and maintenance of the weapon system. Additional expertise in maintenance and operation of the auxiliary systems is provided by U.S. Defense Contractors. The uniformed members of the Aegis Ashore team are based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and deploy to the Redzikowo base in a rotational timeframe. Certain members of the command are assigned directly to Redzikowo for longer periods of time. AAMDS is a tenant onboard the Naval Support Facility Redzikowo.