U.S. Department of Defense
08/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 10:11
Soldiers Prepare to Deploy to Kosovo
BOISE, Idaho - Family, friends and coworkers gathered on Gowen Field Aug. 22 to say farewell to Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard's 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion as they left Idaho to prepare to deploy overseas in support of Operation Joint Guardian.
"I have complete confidence that you will carry out this mission successfully and return home safely," said Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho and commander of the Idaho National Guard. "You are among the finest Soldiers, and your commitment to duty and to each other will see you through. We will continue to support you from here, and we look forward to welcoming you back home with pride and honor."
Several UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and more than 100 personnel deployed to Texas for approximately 30 days of additional training before departing for Kosovo for an 11-month rotation in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission.
Operation Joint Guardian is a joint mission under the United States European Command. Soldiers will focus on training and supporting allied partners.
"The Soldiers of Task Force Sawtooth have been working and training diligently over the past 18 months for this deployment," said Lt. Col. Bryan C. Reid, 1st of the 183rd AHB commander. "Leadership is proud of what we have accomplished. We are focused on the mission ahead and we are ready to go."
It's the first time since 2003 that the unit has deployed to the region. The 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion deployed to Bosnia in 2002-2003 for a humanitarian relief mission and to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006-2007. Most recently, the unit built schools and medical facilities with the Guatemalan Armed Forces in 2019.
"I have confidence in your readiness," said Donnellan. "You've undergone extensive training and are equipped with the best tools and knowledge available. Your dedication to this mission is clear, and I know you will carry it out with the professionalism and excellence that defines the 1st of the 183rd AHB."