About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery (Combat Vehicle), traces its origins to the 60th Artillery, organized in 1917 during World War I. Reactivated and redesignated multiple times over the decades, the 2/60th ADA Battalion saw service during the Cold War, providing air defense for key installations and maneuver forces. As a CV-designated (Combat Vehicle) unit, it was equipped with mobile, self-propelled air defense systems, enhancing its rapid deployment and protective capabilities. The battalion was eventually inactivated as part of the Army's restructuring and modernization of air defense assets.
Historical Facts
• Lineage Rooted in WWII: The 2nd Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery (2/60th ADA) traces its origins to World War II, originally constituted as a coastal artillery unit tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and troop formations from aerial attack.
• Conversion to Air Defense: After WWII, the unit transitioned from coastal artillery to air defense artillery, reflecting the shifting threats from naval to aerial attacks during the Cold War era.
• Vietnam War Service: Elements of the 60th ADA served in the Vietnam War, where air defense units provided critical protection for airfields and key installations from enemy aircraft and missile attacks.
• “CV” Designation: The “(CV)” in its title stands for “Composite, Vehicle-mounted,” indicating a mixed array of missile and gun systems mounted on mobile platforms, enabling rapid deployment and flexible defense.
• Nike Missile Era: During the 1960s and 1970s, the 2/60th ADA was equipped with the Nike missile system, one of the first generation of U.S. surface-to-air defense missiles designed to intercept high-speed jet aircraft.
• Strategic Location Assignments: The battalion has historically been stationed at several key military installations, including Fort Bliss, Texas, and various NATO bases in Europe, underscoring its importance in continental and overseas defense.
• Cold War Missions: Throughout the Cold War, the 2/60th ADA played a vital role in the North American and European defense network, standing on constant alert against potential Soviet bomber and missile attacks.
• Integration with Allied Forces: The unit frequently participated in joint exercises with NATO allies, honing interoperability and reinforcing collective air defense strategies.
• Modernization: Over the decades, the battalion has been equipped with a range of advancing technologies, from early anti-aircraft guns to guided missile systems, reflecting the evolution of air defense doctrine.
• Heraldry and Legacy: The 2/60th ADA’s insignia and motto reflect its vigilance and defensive prowess, and its soldiers have earned numerous commendations for their service in diverse operations worldwide.
