3:71st ADA

• Lineage: The 3rd Battalion, 71st Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-71 ADA) traces its lineage back to the 71st Coast Artillery, activated during World War II to provide anti-aircraft protection. • Activation: The unit was officially constituted on 17 July 1943, and activated at Camp Stewart, Georgia, a major training center for anti-aircraft artillery during WWII. • World War II Service: The 71st ADA saw action in the European Theater, providing air defense for Allied ground forces and logistics centers, particularly during the Normandy and Rhineland campaigns. • Cold War Era: During the Cold War, elements of the 71st ADA were stationed in Germany to protect NATO forces from potential Soviet air attacks, utilizing Nike Hercules and later HAWK missile systems. • Patriot Missile Transition: In the late 1980s, 3-71 ADA transitioned to the Patriot missile system, enhancing its capability to counter modern air and missile threats. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion was deployed to the Middle East during Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical air and missile defense coverage for coalition forces and key infrastructure. • Notable Awards: 3-71 ADA has received several unit commendations for its performance in combat, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in Southwest Asia. • Training Excellence: The unit is renowned for its high level of training and readiness, often participating in joint exercises with allied nations and consistently earning top ratings in evaluations. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, 3-71 ADA has been a key component of the U.S. Army's global missile defense posture, with deployments to locations such as South Korea and the Middle East. • Motto and Symbolism: The battalion’s motto, “Swift and Sure,” reflects its mission to provide rapid and reliable air defense, and its unit insignia features lightning bolts symbolizing speed and striking power.