A Battery 3:68 ADA

• Lineage: A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 68th Air Defense Artillery (A/3-68 ADA) traces its roots to World War II, where the 68th Coast Artillery Regiment was first constituted in 1918 and later reorganized into air defense roles. • Cold War Mission: During the Cold War, the 3-68 ADA was equipped with air defense missile systems to protect key installations in Europe from Soviet air threats, often stationed in Germany. • Patriot Missile Transition: The unit was among the first to transition from Nike-Hercules to the more advanced Patriot Missile System in the 1980s, enhancing its air defense capabilities. • Desert Storm Deployment: Elements of the 3-68 ADA were deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, participating in the defense against Iraqi Scud missile attacks. • Unit Motto: The official motto of the 68th ADA Regiment is "Guardians of the Skies," reflecting its air defense mission. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit's insignia features a winged missile, symbolizing its transition from traditional artillery to air defense roles. • Reactivation and Deactivation: A/3-68 ADA has experienced multiple activations and inactivations as the Army reorganized its air defense assets over the decades. • Key Training Exercises: The unit participated in major NATO exercises such as REFORGER and joint missile defense drills, honing its interoperability with allied forces. • Homeland Defense: In the post-9/11 era, elements of the unit have contributed to homeland air defense missions, supporting NORAD and protecting critical infrastructure. • Legacy of Service: Veterans of A Battery, 3-68 ADA have been recognized for their dedication and expertise, with several soldiers earning commendations for exemplary service in combat and peacekeeping operations.