About this Unit
A Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, is a unit of the United States Marine Corps specializing in short-range air defense. The 2nd LAAD Battalion traces its lineage to the Cold War era, providing vital Stinger missile support to protect Marine forces from enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. A Battery has been integral in numerous training exercises and deployments, supporting both domestic operations and overseas contingencies. Stationed at MCAS Yuma, the unit benefits from the extensive airspace and live-fire ranges, ensuring readiness to defend against aerial threats wherever Marines are deployed.
Historical Facts
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Origins: A Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion traces its roots to the establishment of LAAD units in the Marine Corps during the 1980s, designed to provide short-range air defense against enemy aircraft and missiles.
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Primary Mission: The unit's main role is to protect Marine air-ground task force assets from low-flying aircraft with Stinger missiles and machine guns, making them a crucial part of base and forward area defense.
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MCAS Yuma: Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, A Battery benefits from one of the largest aviation training ranges in the U.S., allowing for realistic air defense exercises.
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Desert Training: The harsh desert environment of Yuma provides unique training opportunities, sharpening the battery’s ability to operate in extreme heat and challenging terrain.
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Stinger Missiles: Marines in A Battery are experts in the use of the FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) known for its "fire and forget" infrared homing capabilities.
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Global Deployments: While based in Arizona, A Battery members have participated in operations and exercises worldwide, including deployments to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
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Women in LAAD: The 2nd LAAD Battalion has included female Marines in various roles, reflecting the Marine Corps’ evolving policies on gender integration in combat units.
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Live-Fire Exercises: The unit regularly conducts live-fire missile shoots at Yuma, often engaging target drones to simulate real-world threats and enhance operational readiness.
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Support to Aviation: A Battery not only defends airfields but also provides mobile air defense for Marine aviation units on the move, protecting helicopters and jets during combat operations.
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Community Engagement: Marines from A Battery frequently participate in Yuma area community events, parades, and educational outreach, fostering strong civilian-military relations.
