The 61st Air Defense Artillery Regiment is an integral part of the United States Army's air defense artillery, specializing in anti-aircraft warfare operations. The regiment's lineage dates back to the War of 1812, with its 1st Battalion gaining campaign credit for that conflict. The regiment has undergone various reorganizations and reassignments, including its transformation from the Coast Artillery Corps to the Coast Artillery Regiment and later to the Antiaircraft Artillery Regiment. The regiment's insignia, derived from Greek mythology, symbolizes the winged chariot of Helios, the sun, and the lightning bolt of Zeus. The regiment's motto, "First To Fire," reflects its role as the 'First to Fire' in World War II against the Empire of Japan. The regiment's mission is to protect the force and selected geopolitical assets from aerial attack, missile attack, and surveillance