About this Unit
The 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (3rd LAAM Bn) was a United States Marine Corps unit activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War. The battalion was equipped with HAWK surface-to-air missile systems, designed to provide air defense for Marine forces and key installations against enemy aircraft. It was deployed to Vietnam, where it played a critical role in protecting the Da Nang area and other bases from potential North Vietnamese air attacks. The battalion remained in Vietnam until 1969, when it was deactivated as part of the general drawdown of U.S. forces.
Historical Facts
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Full Name and Role: The 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (3rd LAAM Bn) was a United States Marine Corps unit specializing in air defense, primarily equipped with HAWK surface-to-air missile systems.
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Activation: The battalion was first activated on 14 September 1962 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.
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HAWK Missile System: The 3rd LAAM Bn was one of the first Marine units to operate the Raytheon HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) missile system, a cutting-edge, mobile, medium-range air defense weapon of its era.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Readiness: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the battalion was placed on high alert and prepared for possible deployment, reflecting the tense atmosphere of the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Service: The 3rd LAAM Bn deployed to Vietnam in February 1965, becoming the first HAWK missile unit to serve in combat in the Vietnam War, providing air defense for Da Nang Air Base.
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Combat Readiness: While in Vietnam, the battalion maintained a high state of readiness, tracking both enemy and friendly aircraft, and deterring potential attacks on critical US installations.
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Notable Engagement: Although the battalion never fired a HAWK missile in combat during Vietnam, its presence was considered a significant deterrent against North Vietnamese and Soviet aircraft.
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Return from Vietnam: The 3rd LAAM Bn redeployed from Vietnam to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, in November 1969 as US involvement in the war began to wind down.
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Deactivation: The battalion was deactivated on 1 September 1970, as part of a broader reduction in Marine Corps air defense units following advancements in air warfare and changing defense priorities.
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Legacy: The 3rd LAAM Bn’s service helped pave the way for the integration of advanced missile systems in Marine air defense doctrine, influencing subsequent generations of Marine Corps air defense units.
