BISMARCK, N.D. - Despite vigorous flood-fighting efforts, families and friends of a group of Soldiers deploying soon to Djibouti, Africa, gathered here at the Army Aviation Support Facility today for a send-off ceremony.
The Bismarck-based Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift unit of the North Dakota Army National Guard is deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Everyone understands that our National Guard force is currently focused on fighting flood threats all across North Dakota," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Martin, North Dakota National Guard deputy adjutant general.
"But send-off ceremonies are important events and we must formally honor and thank our Citizen-Soldiers for all that they have accomplished in their military careers, and all that they will accomplish during their mobilization. We wish them well and await their safe return."
Eight Soldiers with the unit received a mobilization order in December 2008 after being placed on alert in August 2008. They will serve with the Djibouti Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa for about one year, including stateside training time.
This is the second mobilization for Detachment 42, which also served in Afghanistan from September 2004 until March 2005.
This small but highly specialized aviation unit operates one C-12 Huron aircraft while stateside but will fly two C-12 aircraft during this deployment.
Their mission is to provide short-notice fixed-wing transportation for personnel and cargo within their area of operations.
Detachment 42 is one of 42 C-12 detachments nationwide assigned to various state National Guard units.
Earlier this week, on a moment's notice, the unit flew to Omaha, Neb., to quickly transport a U.S. Army Corps of Engineer water hydrologist to Bismarck. He played a critical role in the effort to dislodge ice blockage that caused flooding in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The blockage was successful removed substantially reducing further damage to area homes and business properties.