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NEWS | Feb. 28, 2022

Idaho National Guard unit deploys to Africa

By Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur, Idaho Army National Guard

GOWEN FIELD, Idaho – The Idaho Army National Guard Aviation Group deployed a small unit to the AFRICOM area of responsibility to support Operation Enduring Freedom Feb. 23. 

The unit, which is based at Gowen Field and flies the C-12 Huron aircraft, will deploy for less than a year. This is a routine mission; the unit has supported several of these rotations in the past.

In 2010, the unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Task Force Odin. Members returned to Afghanistan to support Task Force Caesar in 2013. In 2015, the unit deployed to Bogota, Colombia, and to Kuwait in 2016 in support of Spartan Shield.

“The Idaho National Guard always answers the call when we are needed,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Spencer Widman, the unit’s commander. “The Africa mission is a noble example of this. I’m proud of the exemplary work the unit has accomplished when called upon in the past, and I know their professionalism during this mission will fall in line with the Idaho National Guard’s high standards.”

The C-12 Huron can accommodate cargo and passengers and is equipped to accept litter patients during medical evacuation missions. The first C-12 models entered service with the U.S. Army in 1974.

 

 

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