5:62 ADA

• Unit Background: The 5th Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-62 ADA) is part of the U.S. Army’s air defense artillery branch, with a lineage dating back to World War I. • World War I Origins: The 62nd Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps) was constituted in December 1917 and organized at Fort Winfield Scott, California, initially serving coastal defense roles. • World War II Service: Elements of the 62nd served in the European Theater, providing anti-aircraft fire and protecting Allied forces from enemy air attacks. • Cold War Role: The 5-62 ADA was activated during the Cold War and assigned to various air defense missions, including the defense of critical U.S. and NATO assets in Europe. • Hawk Missile System: Throughout much of the Cold War, the 5-62 ADA operated the MIM-23 HAWK missile system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile designed to counter low- to medium-altitude threats. • Desert Storm Deployment: Elements of the 5-62 ADA deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1990–1991, providing air defense coverage for coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. • Transition to Patriot: In the late 1990s and 2000s, the battalion transitioned to the more advanced MIM-104 Patriot missile system, enhancing its capability to counter ballistic missile threats. • Global War on Terror: The 5-62 ADA has participated in multiple rotations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, defending critical assets and forward operating bases. • Unit Motto: Their motto, “First Line of Defense”, underscores their primary mission of air and missile defense for U.S. and allied forces. • Modern Operations: Today, the 5-62 ADA continues to provide advanced air and missile defense capabilities, training with allied partner nations and participating in joint readiness exercises worldwide.