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Photo(s) by Sgt. Frank Magni, 1-62 ADA Courtesy Photo
An Avenger weapon system fires a Stinger missile during exercise Blazing Skies at Pohakuloa Training Area in 2002.
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Soldiers from 1-62 ADA set up an overwatch position in Baiji, Iraq.
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By Spc. Cheryl Ransford 17th Public Affairs Detachment
With a history that spans more than 200 years, the oldest unit in the 25th Infantry Division (Light) will be inactivated Sept. 15 to meet the changing needs of the Army and air defense.
In recognition of the inactivation, a ceremony was held May 25 at Schofield Barracks. With friends and family present, Lt. Col. Stephen Christian, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment commander, cased the battalion and regimental colors.
The 1st Bn., 62nd ADA Rgt., has fought in eight wars, earning 47 campaign streamers and a Navy Presidential Unit Citation.
Dating back to April 27, 1798, when Capt. Callendar Irvine’s company of artillerymen was organized, Soldiers of the battalion have been fighting for the rights of our country with courage and pride.
The first letter designation and campaign streamer as Co. K, Corps of Artillery, Northern Division, was earned following the War of 1812.
In the years to follow, 23 more campaign streamers were added for service in the Mexican, Indian, Civil and Spanish-American Wars.
In November 1950, the unit was sent to fight in the Korean Conflict, earning 10 campaign streamers and a Navy Presidential Unit Citation.
Following the Korean Conflict, the unit had a brief period of inactivation; after which, the unit was moved to its final home at Schofield Barracks. Here, it was armed with the Avenger system.
Now, as the face of war changes, the battalion has seen its final conflicts for this era.
“Although the unit is inactivating, it could still see combat again in the future,” said Christian. “Since the unit is inactivating and not deactivating, the unit could be reactivated should the need arise down the road.”
In 2004, 1st Bn., 62nd ADA Rgt., deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
As combat multipliers throughout both regions, the battalion added another success story to its long history.
“This unit has a long and prestigious history,” said Sgt. Frederick Robinson, squad leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Bn., 62nd ADA Rgt. “It makes me extremely proud to know that I have had the opportunity to be a part of that history by adding another chapter.”
As the Soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, they are faced with the knowledge that they will be moved to new locations based on the needs of the Army.
“Some of the Soldiers will be relocating to the newly formed 94th Army Air Missile Defense Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, while others will (remain) at Schofield Barracks and be reassigned to division headquarters, unit of action or Striker Brigade,” said Christian.
Although changing units and locations can be stressful, Soldiers are viewing the changes in a positive light.
“This is an opportunity for those Soldiers who want to change their occupational skill or experience other things and go to different locations a chance to do so,” said Sgt. Kinney Sannicolas, section sergeant, 1st Bn., 62nd ADA Rgt.
While those Soldiers remaining in the Army will find new military families to be a part of, being in a unit that’s being inactivated means different things to different people.
“Knowing the battalion is inactivating is a bittersweet moment for me,” said Christian. “I have spent 11 years with the 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. It is a sad day to see the regiment inactivated. However, it is an indication that positive change is happening within the air defense branch of the Army.”
Although change is good, a change of this magnitude can sometimes bring out the emotional side of Soldiers.
“Being able to be a part of this unit has given me the opportunity to get to know my fellow Soldiers on a personal level,” said Sannicolas. “We have been able to become a family. We truly depend on each other every day -- not only at work, but also when someone needs strength to get through hard times.”
The inactivation has also brought about a time of reflection within the unit.
“During the deployment, I gained a greater appreciation for the willingness of Soldiers to do anything asked of them, and the significant sacrifices the Soldiers and their family members make in support of our nation,” said Christian. “These Soldiers were asked to deploy doing a job they weren’t trained to do. ...They went out there and did exceptionally well.”