South Carolina National Guard Engineers deploy to United States Central Command area of responsibility

Photo By Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe | U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to the 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, conduct a departure ceremony for their mobilization in support of Operation Spartan Shield at Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina, Oct. 23, 2025. The ceremony included the traditional casing of the unit colors, signifying the transition from their home state mission to the mission they will support while deployed. Approximately 250 Soldiers with the 117th Engineer Bridge, South Carolina National Guard, will deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)  

SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

10.23.2025

Story by Maj. Karla Evans 

South Carolina National Guard

NEWBERRY, S.C. − Approximately 130 Soldiers of the South Carolina Army National Guard were honored during a deployment ceremony today, at the Eleazer Arena of Newberry College. They are deploying with the 117th Engineer Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC).

"The Pioneers of the 117th Engineer Brigade are excited to take on this mission. We have been training for over a year in preparation for this deployment,” said Col. William Matheny, commander, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard. “We have built a strong team, and I could not be more confident in this unit's ability to provide engineer mission command in a complex and dynamic part of the world.”

The Brigade’s Soldiers will contribute to engineering capabilities which include mobility, counter-mobility, survivability, and general engineering tailored to the specific requirements of their assigned location and mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield within the United States Central Command area of Responsibility.

“We will assume responsibility as Task Force Castle from the 16th Engineer Brigade, Ohio Army National Guard, in the coming months,” Matheny said. “Col. Molinski and his team have done a phenomenal job during their tour, setting a high bar for success. We look forward to building on that success.”

The 1221st Clearance Company headquartered in Graniteville, is also deploying approximately 120 Soldiers. This unit has deployed in support of this mission several times, most recently in 2019. This is the first deployment for the 117th Engineer Brigade which was established in 2019.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2025
• Date Posted: 10.23.2025 18:13
• Story ID: 550344
• Location: SOUTH CAROLINA, US