3rd 59th air defense artillery

The 3rd Battalion, 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-59 ADA) traces its lineage to the 59th Artillery, organized in 1917 during World War I. Throughout its history, the unit has served in various air defense roles, including coastal and anti-aircraft artillery during World War II and later as part of the Cold War air defense network in Europe. In the late 20th century, 3-59 ADA operated advanced missile systems such as Nike-Hercules and later PATRIOT, providing protection against aerial threats. The battalion was inactivated in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, but its legacy endures as part of the U.S. Army’s enduring air defense mission.