The 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-4 ADA), often spoken as “Three-Quarter ADA,” served as the airborne air defense battalion supporting the 82nd Airborne Division. With the regimental motto “Audacia”—Boldness—the battalion provided short-range air defense capability to rapidly deployable forces.
The 3rd Battalion, 4th ADA carried the lineage of the 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and served for decades at Fort Bragg in support of the 82nd Airborne Division and other contingency forces.
Operations and Readiness
- Cold War: Maintained high readiness to support airborne contingency missions.
- Operation Urgent Fury: Supported U.S. operations in Grenada.
- Operation Just Cause: Supported Army forces during operations in Panama.
- Desert Shield/Desert Storm: Deployed in support of operations in Southwest Asia.
- Post-9/11 era: Continued air defense missions in support of Army operations and deployments.
2025 Reflagging
On 21 February 2025 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the battalion was reflagged from 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment to 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, continuing its air defense mission under the new designation.
Identity & Legacy
- Motto: “Audacia” (“Boldness”)
- Heritage: Air defense service in support of airborne and rapid-deployment forces.
- Successor designation: 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, following the February 2025 reflagging.
Enduring Significance
The history of 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery remains an important part of the 82nd Airborne Division’s air defense heritage even though the battalion now serves under a different regimental designation.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.