FRANKFORT, Ky., (01/15/2009) - The Kentucky National Guard will be supporting the 56th Presidential Inauguration by providing airlift, communications and contingency operation support Jan. 15-22 in Washington.
"Because of the unique versatility of the Kentucky National Guard, we are able to provide proven assets you can't find anywhere else," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky adjutant general. "We're very excited to be able to play a role in this historic event."
The Kentucky Army National Guard will send two units from Frankfort to the greater D.C. area – a communications support team made up of 12 Soldiers will deploy on Jan. 16, followed by an Army Guard aviation unit of 27 Soldiers and five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters scheduled to depart on Jan. 17 that will provide airlift and medical evacuation support. Additionally, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, with units throughout the commonwealth, will have more than 1,200 Soldiers on stand-by throughout the week to provide assistance as needed.
The Kentucky Air National Guard, based in Louisville, will provide personnel and equipment assets to support the inauguration as well. Two Airmen from an explosive ordnance disposal team, along with another nine Airmen from the 123d Service Flight will deploy Jan. 17 to Washington to provide support to the Department of Defense. Also, two C-130s from the 123d Airlift Wing will transport 18 Airmen and equipment from the 123rd Contingency Response Group to an airport in Maryland where they will support airlift operations. Additional Airmen will also be on stand-by in Louisville for on-call contingency operations.