About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-2nd ADA) traces its lineage back to the early 19th century, with origins in the coastal and field artillery units of the U.S. Army. Over its distinguished history, the unit has participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Cold War, and the Gulf War, providing critical air defense capabilities. In recent decades, 1-2nd ADA has been equipped with advanced air defense systems like the Patriot missile, contributing to the protection of U.S. and allied forces against aerial threats. Today, the battalion remains an integral part of the Army's air and missile defense mission, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Historical Facts
• Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-2 ADA) traces its lineage back to the 2nd Regiment of Artillery, which was constituted in 1821. Its roots go back even further, with various predecessor units serving since the early 1800s.
• Coastal Defense Heritage: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the unit’s predecessors manned coastal artillery batteries, defending key American ports from enemy fleets.
• Participation in Major Conflicts: Elements of the regiment or its predecessors have served in the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, World War I, World War II, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism.
• Normandy Landings: In World War II, the 2nd Coast Artillery (an ancestor of the ADA unit) participated in the D-Day landings, providing critical anti-aircraft cover for Allied forces on the beaches.
• Transformation into Air Defense: With the advent of air power, the unit transitioned from coastal and field artillery to anti-aircraft artillery, and eventually to modern air defense artillery roles equipped with advanced missile systems.
• Service in Operation Desert Storm: 1-2 ADA deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, using Patriot missile batteries to defend coalition forces and critical sites from Iraqi Scud missile attacks.
• Stationed in South Korea: In recent decades, 1-2 ADA has played a key role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula, manning Patriot missile batteries as part of the U.S. commitment to deter aggression in the region.
• Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a red shield (symbolizing artillery), a gold lion (representing courage), and a missile (reflecting its modern air defense mission).
• “Guardian of the Skies” Motto: The battalion’s motto, “Guardian of the Skies,” underscores its mission to protect friendly forces from aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
• Multi-National Exercises: 1-2 ADA regularly participates in joint and combined military exercises with allied nations, enhancing interoperability and readiness in defense of U.S. interests overseas.
