The battalion moved to Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, California in 1953 and continued to support exercises across the Southwestern United States until it was decommissioned in June 1959.

The 1st AAA (AW) Battalion was commissioned on October 1, 1950, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

[1] In the summer of 1953, 1st AAA (AW) Battalion became the first unit to move to Marine Corps Training Center Twentynine Palms, California.

Because of the battalion's maneuverability and firepower it also provided a ground support role on top of its primary antiaircraft Artillery mission.

[2] In 1959, the Marine Corps reduced its end strength from 200,000 to 175,000 and as part of that reduction the 1st AA(AW) Battalion was designated for decommissioning.