1st LAAM Bn

The 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (1st LAAM Bn) was a United States Marine Corps unit activated in June 1960, originally stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. Tasked with providing air defense, the battalion was equipped with the HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) surface-to-air missile system, making it one of the first USMC units to field this advanced technology. In 1965, elements of the 1st LAAM Bn deployed to Vietnam, where they provided vital air defense for Da Nang Air Base during the early years of American involvement in the conflict. The battalion continued to serve in various capacities until it was eventually deactivated as part of post-Vietnam drawdowns.