LANSING, Mich., October 09, 2019 – The Michigan Army National Guard is preparing to deploy more than 80 Soldiers this week in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Spartan Shield. A deployment ceremony will be held at the Grand Ledge Army Aviation Facility, Thursday, Oct. 10 at 10:00 a.m.
The Grand Ledge units deploying are: Detachment 1, Company C, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (Air Ambulance Company); Company D, 3-238th GSAB (Aviation Maintenance Company); Company E, 3-238th GSAB (Forward Support Company); and Detachment 2, Company B, 351st Aviation Support Battalion (Aviation Maintenance Company). These soldiers will conduct Air Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations with HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters as well as aviation maintenance operations. The units consist of pilots, aircraft mechanics/crew chiefs, critical care flight paramedics, and operations personnel.
The Soldiers and aircraft will depart Grand Ledge at varying intervals over the next two weeks. The Grand Ledge units will be deploying as part of the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (Red Devils) out of Minnesota. These units expect to serve throughout the Middle East, and will conduct a full spectrum of aviation missions throughout the theater in pursuit of regional stability.
"The Michigan National Guard is an integral part of The Department of Defense, made up of devoted citizen soldiers committed to our national security," said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, The Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard. "Our Soldiers make up a lethal warfighting organization that is always ready to respond when called upon by state and federal authorities. As they begin their deployment to the Middle East, I am extremely confident in the ability of Michigan's Army Aviation Soldiers to meet and exceed every objective of their mission with excellence."
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For more information: SFC Helen Miller, 517-481-7736 office / 517-518-1050 cell