7:200 ADA

• Origins: The 7th Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery (7/200 ADA) is a unit of the New Mexico Army National Guard, tracing its lineage back to the historic 200th Coast Artillery Regiment, famous for its service in World War II. • Bataan Legacy: The 200th Coast Artillery, the predecessor of 7/200 ADA, was deployed to the Philippines in 1941 and played a critical role in the defense of Bataan during the early months of World War II. • Bataan Death March: Many members of the original 200th were among the American and Filipino troops forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March after the fall of Bataan in April 1942. • Unit Motto: The 7/200 ADA carries the motto "Pro Patria Vigilans" ("Vigilant for the Country"), reflecting its enduring commitment to national defense. • Modern Role: Today, the 7/200 ADA specializes in air defense artillery, operating systems such as the Avenger Air Defense System and Stinger missiles to protect against aerial threats. • Community Engagement: The unit regularly participates in New Mexico’s annual Bataan Memorial Death March event, honoring the sacrifices of its WWII predecessors. • Heritage Recognition: The 200th's WWII service is recognized with numerous decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. • Post-9/11 Deployments: The 7/200 ADA has supported homeland defense missions and deployed soldiers to support operations in Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terror. • Symbolic Insignia: The unit's distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a silver bend and three gold fleurs-de-lis, symbolizing its artillery heritage and service in the Pacific theater. • Training Excellence: The 7/200 ADA is known for its high standards in air defense training, frequently working with other National Guard units and active-duty forces to maintain readiness.