GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The most-deployed unit in the North Dakota Army National Guard during the Global War on Terrorism has received an alert for a domestic mobilization. The 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, which is based in Grand Forks, N.D., with detachments in Fargo and Bismarck, expects to mobilize in May for a yearlong mission in Washington.
More than 200 Air Defense soldiers will work with other Department of Defense agencies as part of the integrated air defense system designed to protect the airspace around the National Capital Region in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The soldiers are scheduled to replace the soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, a Florida Army National Guard unit, in conducting the vital mission of monitoring and defending the region’s airspace.
The North Dakota Guardsmen will be led by Lt. Col. Jon Erickson, of Bismarck, N.D., and Command Sgt. Maj. Alvin Zimmerman, of West Fargo, N.D., will serve as the senior enlisted leader.
“The 1-188th ADA offers depth and experience unlike any other unit, and that will heavily influence the success of the mission,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “The other key piece to these soldiers’ success is the continued support of their families, friends and employers during another mission away from home. As civilians, these employers also contribute to our nation’s security through their support of our men and women in uniform.”