Lockheed Martin delivered the first two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Missiles to the U.S. Army, capping off years of planning and development.

The two missiles arrived at Anniston Defense Munitions Center May 16 and were quickly taken to the ammunition bunker that will be their home until the need arises to ship them to the warfighter.

The THAAD missile is a U.S. Army missile system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles. The THAAD missile uses kinetic energy to destroy its target, meaning it does not carry a warhead like traditional missiles, but makes a direct hit and destroys the enemy missile.

ADMC will be responsible for maintaining, shipping and escorting the missiles to their destination.

This has required extensive training and preparation by the employees of ADMC to ensure mission success.

Representatives from various DOD agencies, such as the Missile Defense Agency and Army Aviation and Missile Command, who had a part in the planning, testing and production of the THAAD missile, were on-hand to witness this historic moment.

"Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter," said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong.