EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, celebrated their return home from a federal mission at the southern border under the direction of U.S. Northern Command March 8.
The 118 Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Alpha Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, deployed with their UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopters from October 2023 to November 2024.
“I learned more as a leader from and with you during our 13-month mobilization than I have in my career,” said Maryland Army National Guard Lt. Col. Clay Bagwell, executive officer for the 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade and deployment commander. “Your in-depth knowledge of aviation operations, coupled with an ability to inspire trust and ensure mission success, was second to no other task force in the joint operations area. I’m honored to have served with you and experienced this journey together.”
The pilots, maintainers and headquarters staff were part of Task Force Freedom — nearly 350 personnel from nine states and the District of Columbia who assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing aerial detection and monitoring on the Southwest border.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard, thanked the families for supporting their Soldiers.
“Each of you understands what it means to serve and to sacrifice,” said Miller. “Make no mistake, it’s your strength, prayers and love that made their service possible, so thank you.”
Task Force Freedom supported U.S. Border Patrol with light utility helicopters and tactical remotely piloted aircraft. The deployment was the first for more than 70% of the Maryland Soldiers.
“Alpha Company is a highly skilled and trained unit who demonstrated incredible work ethic and dedication to mission success on deployment,” said Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Rachel Mazzone, commander of Alpha Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment. “This unit dealt with adversity, overcame challenges and supported each other through their long absence from home. It is truly an honor to serve and lead with these dedicated military professionals, and we are so thankful to be home with our loved ones.”
The Soldiers faced adversity exactly one year earlier when two New York Army National Guard aviators and a Border Patrol agent died March 8, 2024, when the UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopter they were flying crashed near Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft crew chief was severely injured and expects to return home this summer.
Maryland Army National Guard Capt. Anna Hagan, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, thanked her team for their perseverance during a challenging mission.
“Thank you to the Soldiers of HHC, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, for their unwavering commitment to the mission and the U.S. Army,” said Hagan. “Our team played a crucial role on this mission, and I couldn’t be more proud of our unit.”
The task force executed more than 9,100 direct support and training flight hours — more than 4,000 with night vision goggles. Soldiers also enhanced readiness by taking military education courses, completing additional duty certifications and working toward promotions.