About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2/59th ADA) traces its origins to the 59th Coast Artillery, which was constituted in the early 20th century to provide coastal defense. During World War II, the unit participated in the defense of the Philippines and saw action during the Bataan campaign. Reactivated during the Cold War era, 2/59th ADA was stationed in Europe, where it provided air defense coverage as part of NATO forces, operating systems such as the HAWK missile. The battalion was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy continues through the lineage of the 59th ADA Regiment.
Historical Facts
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Origins in Cold War Air Defense: The 2nd Battalion, 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2/59th ADA) traces its lineage to the original 59th Coast Artillery, which played a vital role in U.S. coastal defenses during World War I and II before transitioning to air defense.
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Reactivated in Europe: During the height of the Cold War, 2/59th ADA was reactivated and stationed in Germany as part of NATO’s integrated air defense network to protect against potential Soviet air attacks.
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Hawk Missile System Operators: The unit was equipped with the MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) missile, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to target low- and medium-altitude aircraft.
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Strategic Locations: 2/59th ADA had batteries deployed in key locations throughout West Germany, including Baumholder and Pirmasens, providing a protective umbrella over U.S. and NATO forces.
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Participation in NATO Exercises: The battalion regularly participated in large-scale NATO exercises, such as REFORGER and Autumn Forge, where they demonstrated rapid deployment and missile readiness.
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Cold War Standby: During periods of heightened tension, such as the Able Archer ’83 exercise, 2/59th ADA was on high alert, exemplifying the constant vigilance required during the Cold War.
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Unit Insignia: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a missile and wings, symbolizing its air defense mission and rapid response capability.
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Deactivation after the Cold War: With the end of the Cold War and the drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe, 2/59th ADA was deactivated in the early 1990s as part of broader military restructuring.
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Reunion and Veteran Associations: Former members of 2/59th ADA remain active through reunion groups and online forums, preserving the battalion’s unique history and camaraderie.
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Legacy in Modern Air Defense: Although deactivated, the legacy and lessons of 2/59th ADA continue to influence current U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery doctrine and training.
