2:62nd ADA

• Origins in World War II: The lineage of the 2nd Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2/62nd ADA) traces back to elements organized during World War II, initially as coastal and anti-aircraft artillery units. • Redesignations over Decades: The unit underwent several redesignations, reflecting the evolving nature of air defense—from coastal artillery to anti-aircraft artillery and, finally, to air defense artillery. • Cold War Service: 2/62nd ADA played a key role in continental air defense during the Cold War, operating surface-to-air missile systems such as the Nike Hercules, providing protection for vital U.S. assets. • Vietnam Era Assignments: While not deployed to Vietnam as a battalion, elements of the regiment supported air defense missions in the Pacific theater, including Okinawa. • Patriot Missile Era: Later in its history, the 2/62nd ADA was equipped with the Patriot missile system, marking its transition into the modern era of mobile, high-tech air defense. • Gulf War Readiness: During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Patriot-equipped ADA units like 2/62nd were on alert and stood ready to deploy, highlighting the importance of air defense in modern conflict. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 62nd ADA Regiment's insignia features a gold wheel and a red shield, symbolizing its artillery roots and readiness to defend against aerial threats. • Global Deployments: Throughout its service, 2/62nd ADA conducted numerous overseas deployments, including to Europe and the Pacific, supporting U.S. and allied air defense missions. • Deactivation and Legacy: Like many air defense units, elements of the 62nd ADA, including 2/62nd, have been inactivated or reorganized as air defense priorities and technologies have evolved. • Motto and Esprit de Corps: The 62nd ADA's motto, "Valor and Honor," reflects the unit's long-standing commitment to protecting U.S. forces and assets from aerial attack.