5:3 ADA

• Oldest Air Defense Artillery Battalion: The 5th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-3 ADA) traces its lineage back to 1812, making it one of the oldest air defense units in the U.S. Army. • War of 1812 Origins: The unit was originally constituted as Captain Ichabod B. Crane's Company, part of the 3rd Regiment of Artillery, and saw action in the War of 1812. • Mexican-American War Service: The unit participated in the Mexican-American War, supporting U.S. operations during the campaign. • Civil War Campaigns: 5-3 ADA's predecessor units fought in key Civil War battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. • World War II Contributions: The unit operated as part of coastal and anti-aircraft artillery units during World War II, defending U.S. and Allied interests. • Transition to Air Defense: In the 1970s, the unit transitioned from traditional field artillery to air defense artillery, adapting to changing threats. • Patriot Missile Expertise: 5-3 ADA is equipped with the Patriot Missile System, a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air and missile defense. • Deployments to Southwest Asia: The battalion has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, providing air and missile defense in high-threat areas. • Stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord: The unit is currently based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, as part of the 17th Field Artillery Brigade under I Corps. • Motto and Symbolism: 5-3 ADA’s motto, "Nous Soutiendrons" (We Shall Defend), reflects its enduring commitment to protect and serve, and its crest features symbols representing its long and distinguished history.