2nd laad

• Origins: The 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (2nd LAAD Bn) was originally activated in 1982 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to provide close-in air defense for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. • Stinger Missiles: The battalion is equipped primarily with the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense System), designed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters. • Gulf War Deployment: 2nd LAAD Bn participated in Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing crucial air defense support for I Marine Expeditionary Force in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. • Expeditionary Role: The unit is highly mobile and deployable, often supporting Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) aboard Navy amphibious ships, ready to respond worldwide. • Vietnam Roots: The concept of Marine Corps air defense battalions dates back to the Vietnam War, where threats from enemy aircraft prompted the development of specialized units like LAAD. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2nd LAAD Bn deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, adapting its role to provide security and convoy support in addition to its traditional air defense mission. • Vehicle Platforms: The battalion uses the Avenger Air Defense System, a Humvee-mounted turret equipped with Stinger missiles and .50 cal machine guns, increasing mobility and firepower. • Redesignations: Over its history, the unit has been known as 2nd Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Battery and 2nd Forward Area Air Defense Battalion before becoming 2nd LAAD Bn. • Humanitarian Missions: Members of 2nd LAAD Bn have participated in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, such as providing security and support during hurricane recovery operations. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The battalion was deactivated in 2007 as part of force restructuring but was later reactivated in 2018 to meet renewed air defense requirements within the Marine Corps.