HAWK Surface to Air Missile (MIM-23) (Source: Author's collection) The HAWK entered service in 1960. In March 1961, the 32nd AADCOM's first HAWK battalion became operational. In this photo, from around 1969, is a self-propelled version of the HAWK launcher. In all, four of the 32nd AADCOM HAWK battalions were converted to SP HAWK in 1969.