About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2/60th ADA) traces its origins to the early 20th century, with its lineage linked to the Coast Artillery Corps in the United States Army. During World War II, elements of the 60th served with distinction in the Pacific Theater, providing anti-aircraft defense for key Allied installations. Reactivated and redesignated several times throughout the Cold War, 2/60th ADA was equipped with various air defense systems including the Nike Hercules missile. The unit continued to adapt to evolving threats until its inactivation, contributing significantly to the Army’s air defense mission during its periods of active service.
Historical Facts
• Lineage: The 2nd Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery (2/60th ADA) traces its roots back to the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment, originally activated in the early 20th century.
• World War II Service: The 60th Coast Artillery saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing critical anti-aircraft defense in places like the Philippines and New Guinea.
• Redesignation: The unit underwent several redesignations over the decades, transforming from a coastal artillery unit to an anti-aircraft artillery battalion, and eventually to air defense artillery.
• Cold War Role: During the Cold War, 2/60th ADA was equipped with the Nike Hercules missile system, designed to intercept Soviet bombers and missiles.
• European Deployment: The battalion was stationed in Germany for parts of its history, forming part of NATO’s air defense against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
• Vietnam Era: Although not directly deployed to Vietnam, 2/60th ADA supported operations and training stateside, preparing soldiers for combat in Southeast Asia.
• Unit Motto: The motto of the 60th ADA is “Coelis Imperamus,” which translates to “We Rule the Heavens,” reflecting their air defense mission.
• Deactivation: With changes in military technology and defense priorities, the 2/60th ADA was eventually inactivated, but its lineage and honors are preserved in Army records.
• Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a winged missile, symbolizing its transition to air defense and its historical connection to both artillery and aviation defense.
• Legacy: Former members of 2/60th ADA have gone on to distinguished careers in both military and civilian life, and the unit is remembered at veterans’ reunions and in military history forums for its contributions to American air defense.
