The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) conducted a cultural site dedication today for the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex (AAMDTC) to be constructed at two locations on PMRF.

The Hawaiian blessing site dedication was conducted by noted Waimea kupuna Aletha Kaohi, with assistance from Sherri "Puni" Patrick. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Rear Adm. Joseph A. Horn, Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) program director for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, and other dignitaries were in attendance.

The AAMDTC will be a test and evaluation center in the development of the second phase of the Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA). The PAA was announced by the president in September 2009 to provide flexible, adaptable ballistic missile defense for our deployed troops, friends, and allies.

The test complex at PMRF is critical to the development of the Aegis Ashore capability. It is essential for verifying requirements and validating design capability prior to deployment at the first of two planned sites in Europe in 2015.

After initial certification, the AAMDTC will remain at PMRF as a Missile Defense Agency test asset and will be operated by the Missile Defense Agency.

Deployment of Aegis Ashore to Europe will greatly enhance coverage of defense of Europe as part of the overall Ballistic Missile Defense System.