HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, GA. - A send-off ceremony was held Sept. 17 for the Georgia Army National Guard’s 863rd Engineer Utilities Detachment, which is deploying in support of United States Africa Command, or USAFRICOM.
The ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield was held before Soldiers boarded a flight to conduct final training in Texas en route to mobilizing overseas for a year-long rotation.
The Toccoa-based detachment, composed of skilled engineers, will focus on providing support to establish and sustain critical infrastructure in austere environments. The expertise of detachment members is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and supporting partner nations in the region.
“With this mission focused on construction, it’s not just our military experience but civilian experience as well that makes us qualified,” said Capt. Eric Phillips, commander of the 863rd Engineer Utilities Detachment. “Many of the Soldiers in our formation have construction-related jobs on their civilian side. They have seen a variety of engineering builds in their professional lifetime and can accomplish the tasks put in front of them.”
The 863rd’s capabilities will focus on a wide range of utility support functions, including electrical power generation and distribution, with the ability to provide limited heating, ventilation and air conditioning support, as well as plumbing installation and repair. They also may complete construction tasks such as framing and masonry repairs for new and existing structures.
During unit drills, the 863rd Engineer Utilities Detachment typically focuses on both basic Soldier skills and specialized engineering tasks, such as vertical and horizontal construction, as well as equipment maintenance. The members prepared for this deployment by building concrete pads, wood-framed structures and combat roads.
“I’m proud of the work that the Soldiers have put in leading up to this deployment,” Phillips said. “The sacrifice that both the Soldiers and their families have made is what makes all this possible. At every milestone we have hit leading up to this, I’ve enjoyed watching the pride they take in accomplishing the goals.”
Although Soldiers from the 863rd Engineer Utilities Detachment were briefly activated to support the Hurricane Helene response in 2024, this will be the first overseas deployment since the unit was organized in 2016.