East Granby, CT — Airmen from the 103rd Airlift Wing and soldiers from the 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group gathered at Bradley Air National Guard Base on Saturday, March 1, for a joint send-off ceremony ahead of their deployment to support U.S. military operations overseas.
The Guardsmen will provide logistical, mechanical, and mission support for forces assigned to global combatant commands, including Operations Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve, and Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa.
During the ceremony, Connecticut Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. John Larson, and State Treasurer Erick Russell praised the deploying service members.
“The United States military’s success is carried on the backs of support personnel,” Evon said. “Soldiers and Airmen, like those heading out the door, are vital to securing and maintaining our nation’s interests at home and abroad.”
The 103rd Airlift Wing and 1109th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group play key roles in sustaining operations abroad, ensuring forces remain equipped and operational. Their deployment underscores the Connecticut National Guard’s ongoing contributions to national security and global stability.
The Guardsmen will deploy to various locations as part of their assignments, with no timeline provided for their return.
