About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-4 ADA) is a distinguished air defense unit of the U.S. Army and a key component of the 82nd Airborne Division. Its lineage traces back to the early 19th century, with participation in major conflicts such as World War II, where elements provided critical anti-aircraft support. Reassigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, 3-4 ADA has since specialized in rapid deployment and short-range air defense, protecting airborne forces against aerial threats. The battalion has supported numerous operations, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding ground forces in both combat and peacekeeping missions.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: The 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-4 ADA) is a key air defense unit assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina.
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Historical Lineage: The 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment traces its origins to 1821, making its lineage one of the oldest in the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery branch.
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World War II Service: The regiment’s predecessor units participated in multiple campaigns during WWII, including Normandy and the Rhineland, providing crucial air defense against Axis aircraft.
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Airborne Capability: As part of the 82nd Airborne Division, 3-4 ADA is one of the few air defense units trained and equipped to deploy via parachute, bringing Stinger and Avenger systems into combat by air drop.
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Operation Just Cause: Elements of the 3-4 ADA participated in the 1989 Panama invasion, providing air defense cover for the rapid airborne assault.
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Desert Storm/Desert Shield: The battalion deployed with the 82nd ABN to Saudi Arabia in 1990, protecting coalition forces from potential air and missile threats during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
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Global War on Terror: 3-4 ADA deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, adapting its air defense and security capabilities to counter rocket, artillery, and mortar threats.
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Distinguished Unit Honors: Units in the 4th ADA Regiment have been awarded numerous campaign streamers and unit citations, reflecting their long record of distinguished service.
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Avenger and MANPADS: The battalion fields the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense system and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) like the FIM-92 Stinger, providing mobile, agile protection for paratroopers.
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“Guardians of the Sky:” The battalion’s motto highlights its mission to protect airborne forces from aerial attack, a responsibility it has carried from WWII glider assaults to modern-day contingency operations.
