Howard Forsch

The **2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (2nd LAAMB)** is a United States Marine Corps unit specializing in air defense operations. Originally activated as the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (2nd LAAD) in the 1980s, it provides close-in, low altitude, surface-to-air weapon support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The battalion has been equipped with systems such as the Stinger missile and has participated in numerous deployments, including Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2023, the unit was redesignated as 2nd LAAMB, reflecting its evolving role in countering modern aerial threats, such as drones and cruise missiles, as part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 initiative.