2:44th ADA

• Distinctive Lineage: The 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2-44th ADA) traces its roots back to 1918, when it was first constituted as the 44th Artillery (Coast Artillery Corps), highlighting over a century of service. • World War II Service: The unit, then designated as the 44th Coast Artillery, served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, participating in campaigns in New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon. • Vietnam War: As 2-44th Artillery (Automatic Weapons, Self-Propelled), it served in Vietnam, providing mobile anti-aircraft and ground defense, earning multiple campaign streamers and commendations. • Re-designation and Modernization: The battalion was re-designated several times, finally becoming 2-44th ADA in 1971, reflecting the Army’s shift from traditional artillery to modern air defense. • Patriot Missile Era: Throughout the late 20th and early 21st century, 2-44th ADA has operated advanced air defense systems including the Avenger and, more recently, Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) systems. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2-44th ADA deployed multiple times in support of OIF, protecting forward operating bases with C-RAM and Avenger systems against indirect fire and aerial threats. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit's insignia features a winged missile, symbolizing its air defense mission, and a red shield, representing artillery heritage. • Fort Campbell Home: The battalion is currently based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where it is part of the 108th ADA Brigade, supporting the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). • Multiple Decorations: The unit has received many awards, including Meritorious Unit Commendations and campaign streamers for WWII, Vietnam, and Southwest Asia. • Adapting to New Threats: In recent years, 2-44th ADA has been at the forefront of integrating new technologies for short-range air defense and counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) operations, reflecting the changing nature of modern warfare.