3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion
Encyclopedia
The 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (3rd LAAD) is an air defense unit of the United States Marine Corps
. It is part of Marine Air Control Group 38
(MACG-38) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
(3rd MAW) and is currently based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
, California
.
. The battalion had twelve 90mm anti-aircraft machine guns. After the landing the 3rd Defense Battalion lent its unique ability to defend the ground as well the skies in the defense of Henderson Field. From this position the Battalion and other defenders drove back multiple counter attacks by the enemy.
Commandant Major General Holcomb formed four defense battalions in 1939. By the end of 1943 there were 19, totaling 26,685 Marines (20% of the Fleet Marine Force). These battalions were reformed into anti-aircraft battalions and are the forefathers of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.
Near the end of World War II
the German scientists incorporated jet engines into their combat aircraft. This required a new approach to anti-air warfare, missiles. At First the Marine Corps used the Rim-2 Terrier but quickly switched to the Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) missile system. The HAWK was employed by the light Anti-Aircraft Missile (LAAM) Battalions.
The HAWK was first deployed by the Marines who placed them at Da Nang
and Hill 327, in Vietnam
. This was both the initial USMC deployment of the Hawk, and also the first deployment of the Hawk in Vietnam. Since then the HAWK has been credited for over 80 aircraft kills by US allies.
The next generation of Marine Air-Defense came in the form of the Stinger Missile. The basic Stinger Missile has to-date been responsible for 270 confirmed aircraft kills. This weapon system has night vision capabilities and the capability of "Identity Friend or Foe" (IFF). The missile is still the most capable man-portable surface to air missile. To stay on the cutting edge and to be able to continue to combat the current generation of aircraft threat the stinger missile has had four models. From the basic stinger, to stinger passive optical seeker technique (POST), to stinger reprogrammable microprocessor (RMP), and finally to the current version, the Stinger RMP Block I, each iteration has been more capable.
, and Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base
. Red Flag exercises are realistic aerial war game
s that are held annually. The Battalion remained heavily committed around the globe providing LAAD sections in support of the 11th 13th and 15th Marine Amphibious Units.
With Iraq
's invasion of Kuwait
on August 2nd 1990, the battalion was tasked to support Operation Desert Shield. On August 12th 1990, advance elements of the battalion deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf
in support of 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. At the time of embarkation, only 45 stinger teams and necessary support personnel were authorized to deploy. Once on deck, Alpha Battery (-) defended the vital Bahrain
i assets of Jubail Airport, Jubail Port, King Abdul Aziz Naval Base and Shiek Isa Airfield against air threats. Bravo Battery (-) was in direct support of 7th Marine Regiment. Stinger teams were shuffled as necessary to ensure mission success until the war commenced on 17 January 1991. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm the Battalion set a strong precedence for our utility on the battlefield.
In 1998 Forward deployed elements of our Battalion participated in Operation Safe Departure, a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Eritrea
. This Operation resulted in the safe removal of 105 Americans and 67 third country nationals.
. This forward deployed LAAD section enabled Task Force 58 to gain a strong foothold in the country of Afghanistan
with its seizure of the airfield at Camp Rhino
.
In February 2003, the battalion deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Force base in Kuwait in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion supported a wide array of units with ground based air defense during the initial stages of this war. The battalion returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice more from February 2004 to September 2004, and once again from August 2006 to February 2007, in order to provide base defense for Al Asad Air Base.
3d LAAD Battalion was called to action again from September 2007 to April 2008 to provide base defense for Camp Lemonier, Djibouti
, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
.
Most recently, 3d LAAD Battalion provided base defense for Camp Leatherneck
, Afghanistan, from February 2010 to September 2010. The battalion displayed its utility and versatility on the battlefield during Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1 by conducting a wide variety of distinct missions. Alpha Battery operated the Main entry control point of Camp Leatherneck, provided a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) force, conducted combat patrols, and trained Afghan forces. Bravo Battery's mission centered on small unit decentralized counterinsurgency operations and included key leader engagements, counter improvised explosive operations, and combat patrolling. Having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Djibouti, 3d LAAD successfully completed the Global War on Terror Triple Crown.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. It is part of Marine Air Control Group 38
Marine Air Control Group 38
Marine Air Control Group 38 is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar that is currently composed of 5 squadrons and 1 battalion that provide the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings tactical headquarters, positive and procedural control to...
(MACG-38) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing is the major west coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and provides the aviation combat element for I Marine Expeditionary Force...
(3rd MAW) and is currently based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Mission
Provide close-in, low altitude, surface-to-air weapons fires in defense of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) assets by defending forward combat areas, maneuver forces, vital areas, installations and/or units engaged in special/independent operations & to provide a task organized, ground security force in defense of MAGTF air sites when not engaged in air defense operations.Precursors
August seventh 1942, the Third Defense Battalion lands with the First Marine Division in order to defend the beachhead. The first waves of troops have landed on GuadalcanalGuadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
. The battalion had twelve 90mm anti-aircraft machine guns. After the landing the 3rd Defense Battalion lent its unique ability to defend the ground as well the skies in the defense of Henderson Field. From this position the Battalion and other defenders drove back multiple counter attacks by the enemy.
Commandant Major General Holcomb formed four defense battalions in 1939. By the end of 1943 there were 19, totaling 26,685 Marines (20% of the Fleet Marine Force). These battalions were reformed into anti-aircraft battalions and are the forefathers of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.
Near the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the German scientists incorporated jet engines into their combat aircraft. This required a new approach to anti-air warfare, missiles. At First the Marine Corps used the Rim-2 Terrier but quickly switched to the Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) missile system. The HAWK was employed by the light Anti-Aircraft Missile (LAAM) Battalions.
The HAWK was first deployed by the Marines who placed them at Da Nang
Da Nang
Đà Nẵng , occasionally Danang, is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Han River. It is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam; its well-sheltered, easily accessible port and its location on the path of...
and Hill 327, in Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
. This was both the initial USMC deployment of the Hawk, and also the first deployment of the Hawk in Vietnam. Since then the HAWK has been credited for over 80 aircraft kills by US allies.
The next generation of Marine Air-Defense came in the form of the Stinger Missile. The basic Stinger Missile has to-date been responsible for 270 confirmed aircraft kills. This weapon system has night vision capabilities and the capability of "Identity Friend or Foe" (IFF). The missile is still the most capable man-portable surface to air missile. To stay on the cutting edge and to be able to continue to combat the current generation of aircraft threat the stinger missile has had four models. From the basic stinger, to stinger passive optical seeker technique (POST), to stinger reprogrammable microprocessor (RMP), and finally to the current version, the Stinger RMP Block I, each iteration has been more capable.
Activation of unit to 2000
This new weapon system called for a new unit. On March 8th 1982 seventy eight marines are formed into 3rd Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Battery (-). The battery grew to five platoons including the headquarters section by 1984. Major R.J. Duhon handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel R.C. Dodt, concurrently 3rd FAAD Battery became 3d LAAD Battalion. From 1986 to 1990, the battalion supported several Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) flight phases in Yuma AZ, several Combined Arms exercises in Twentynine Palms, CaliforniaTwentynine Palms, California
Twentynine Palms is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It was previously called Twenty-Nine Palms...
, and Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
. Red Flag exercises are realistic aerial war game
War Game
War Game or War Games refer normally to: wargaming, a recreational game that simulates a military operation. It can also be a:* Military exercise* Military simulation, live or computer warfare simulations to develop real-world military strategies...
s that are held annually. The Battalion remained heavily committed around the globe providing LAAD sections in support of the 11th 13th and 15th Marine Amphibious Units.
With Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
's invasion of Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
on August 2nd 1990, the battalion was tasked to support Operation Desert Shield. On August 12th 1990, advance elements of the battalion deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in support of 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. At the time of embarkation, only 45 stinger teams and necessary support personnel were authorized to deploy. Once on deck, Alpha Battery (-) defended the vital Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
i assets of Jubail Airport, Jubail Port, King Abdul Aziz Naval Base and Shiek Isa Airfield against air threats. Bravo Battery (-) was in direct support of 7th Marine Regiment. Stinger teams were shuffled as necessary to ensure mission success until the war commenced on 17 January 1991. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm the Battalion set a strong precedence for our utility on the battlefield.
In 1998 Forward deployed elements of our Battalion participated in Operation Safe Departure, a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Eritrea
Eritrea
Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast...
. This Operation resulted in the safe removal of 105 Americans and 67 third country nationals.
Global War on Terror
Shortly after the tragic events of September 11th 2001, 3d LAAD Battalion Marines were again called to action. The LAAD Detachment assigned to the 15th MEU defended a critical Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) in PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. This forward deployed LAAD section enabled Task Force 58 to gain a strong foothold in the country of Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
with its seizure of the airfield at Camp Rhino
Camp Rhino
Forward operating base Rhino, also known as Camp Rhino, was the first US land base established in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. It was located in the Registan Desert, southwest of Kandahar.-History:...
.
In February 2003, the battalion deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Force base in Kuwait in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion supported a wide array of units with ground based air defense during the initial stages of this war. The battalion returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice more from February 2004 to September 2004, and once again from August 2006 to February 2007, in order to provide base defense for Al Asad Air Base.
3d LAAD Battalion was called to action again from September 2007 to April 2008 to provide base defense for Camp Lemonier, Djibouti
Djibouti
Djibouti , officially the Republic of Djibouti , is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east...
, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa is a joint task force of United States Africa Command . It originated under Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa as part of the United States response to the September 11, 2001 attacks...
.
Most recently, 3d LAAD Battalion provided base defense for Camp Leatherneck
Camp Leatherneck
Camp Leatherneck is a 1,600 acre United States Marine Corps base located in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade initially developed Camp Leatherneck in 2008 in preparation of its forces deploying to Afghanistan. The forward element of the II Marine Expeditionary Force...
, Afghanistan, from February 2010 to September 2010. The battalion displayed its utility and versatility on the battlefield during Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1 by conducting a wide variety of distinct missions. Alpha Battery operated the Main entry control point of Camp Leatherneck, provided a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) force, conducted combat patrols, and trained Afghan forces. Bravo Battery's mission centered on small unit decentralized counterinsurgency operations and included key leader engagements, counter improvised explosive operations, and combat patrolling. Having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Djibouti, 3d LAAD successfully completed the Global War on Terror Triple Crown.
Unit awards
A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited. Members of the unit who participated in said actions are allowed to wear on their uniforms the awarded unit citation. 3rd LAAD has been presented with the following awards:| Ribbon | Unit Award |
 |
Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (US) The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941... |
 |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... |
 |
Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... with three Bronze Stars |
 |
National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
 |
Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... |
 |
Iraq Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.... |
 |
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is a United States armed forces military award created by George W. Bush on March 12, 2003 by Executive Order 13289. It recognizes those military service members who have deployed overseas in direct service to the War on Terror from September 11,... |
 |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
 |
Afghanistan Campaign Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal The Afghanistan Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.... |
See also
- List of United States Marine Corps battalions
- Organization of the United States Marine CorpsOrganization of the United States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy . The most senior Marine officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for...