5th 52nd ADA, 55th maintenance battalion

• Origins of 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery (ADA): The 5th Battalion, 52nd ADA traces its lineage back to the 52nd Coast Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in 1917 during World War I. • Nickname – “5-5 Deuce”: The battalion is commonly referred to as the “5-5 Deuce,” a play on its unit designation (5-52). • Patriot Missile System: The 5-52 ADA is one of the first Army units to field and operate the PATRIOT missile system, a key element in U.S. air and missile defense. • Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF): The battalion played a critical role in OIF, deploying to Iraq in 2003 and providing air defense umbrella for coalition forces. • Friendly Fire Incident: In 2003, during OIF, a 5-52 ADA Patriot battery tragically shot down a British RAF Tornado aircraft, a significant and sobering event in coalition operations. • 55th Maintenance Battalion Lineage: The 55th Maintenance Battalion was first constituted in 1941 and has a long history of supporting U.S. Army operations worldwide. • Vietnam War Service: The 55th Maintenance Battalion served with distinction in Vietnam, providing critical maintenance and recovery services for vehicles and equipment. • Symbolism of the 5-52 ADA Crest: The unit crest features a missile and crossed cannons, representing its dual heritage in both artillery and air defense. • Defending the Korean Peninsula: 5-52 ADA was previously stationed in South Korea, providing air defense against North Korean threats and strengthening U.S.-ROK alliance. • Support for Hurricane Katrina: The 55th Maintenance Battalion assisted in recovery and humanitarian operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, showcasing the Army’s domestic support capabilities.