NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia National Guard units from the Norfolk, Hampton and Hanover-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 111th Field Artillery Regiment held a deployment ceremony Monday morning for the families of members who are going to an undisclosed location in the Middle East.
The timing of course isn't ideal with less than two weeks to go until Christmas, but deployment day is at hand for 300 soldiers from the Virginia National Guard's Task Force Thunder.
It's a proud but also difficult day.
"We're doing pretty good so far," said Billy Wade, whose 22-year old son Evan is deploying. "That may change in the near future, especially Christmas time. It's rough, but, they've got to do what they've got to do."
They will spend the next two months doing pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas before heading overseas.
"Around the holidays, it's a little tough. You want to be with your family and everything, but we signed up for this. We knew it was coming. So, just mentally preparing ourselves," Sargeant Christopher Kelly said.
Eleven months ago, the team was tasked with providing security at the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 insurrection.
"Everything is falling into its place. I'm excited. And I'm just ready to perform my duties," said Army Specialist Darrell Worrell.
This is scheduled to be a 12 month deployment.
Meaning, with luck, the troops will be home in time for Christmas next year.
Governor Ralph Northam attended the deployment ceremony at the Harrison Opera House.
He was a combat medic 30 years ago in Operation Desert Storm.
He told the troops: "There is no prouder moment for you than what you're getting ready to do, so I certainly wish you God-speed."
According to a statement, approximately 300 soldiers will be on active duty at the Central Command area to provide protection and assistance with the Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar System (C-RAM) the United States has in the Middle East.
The C-RAM was created to intercept any enemy rockets, artillery and mortar fire. The system locates and destroys any possible threats mid-flight.
"While C-RAM is not a traditional field artillery mission, I know the Soldiers of 1-111th have proven themselves smart, adaptable and resilient," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, when he announced the mobilization. "I have no doubt they will master the weapons system and be ready to accomplish their mission when they arrive in the Middle East."
The units will join the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division and Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group that are already on duty in the Middle East, according to personnel.
"This is definitely a unique deployment," said Lt. Col. Donald Bailey, commander of the 1-111th. "Although C-RAM capabilities exist outside the mission of the field artillery, our Soldiers remain excited about the opportunity to learn about, train for and support this vital protection mission."
This deployment marks several milestones: by January of this coming year, more than 2,000 Virginia National Guard members will be mobilized, which is the most since the Iraq surge in 2007.
"After an unprecedented period of response to domestic emergencies, including the extended deployment of over 300 Soldiers to the U.S. Capitol to perform security missions in support of federal authorities, I want to extend a special thanks to our families and employers for their continued support and remarkable sacrifice as we transition to pre-mobilization training activities and prepare for the deployment," Bailey said.
This will be the first time all three batteries of the battalion headquarters have deployed since WWII, according to the release.
The units are as follows:
- Norfolk-based Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- Hanover-based Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- Norfolk-based Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- Hampton-based Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- Norfolk-based Foxtrot Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team