The Delaware National Guard held a deployment ceremony for 250 of the Delaware Army National Guard’s 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion Soldiers at the Delaware State University Football Stadium in Dover today, August 3, 2019.
The Citizen Soldiers are scheduled to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of United States Central Command in Operation Inherent Resolve and will be away for nearly a year.
Hundreds of family members, well-wishers, and support organizations along with dignitaries attended the event to see the service members off before they leave.
“What a tremendous showing of support and gratitude for the members of our Delaware National Guard family who are answering the call, once again, to serve our nation overseas,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Adjutant General for the Delaware National Guard. “These men and women are about to embark on a journey that will undoubtedly enhance the proud heritage of the unit, as they serve alongside their active duty brothers and sisters”
In his address, Berry acknowledged the sacrifice that the family members of the deploying Soldiers are also making.
To the Soldiers in formation. All of us here today make a vow that we will support your families, as you support our nation,” said Berry. “We are proud of all of you and are looking forward to watching you perform your communications mission, keeping our combat formations linked together.”
The Guardsmen are trained to provide command, control and supervision of the battlefield for combatant commanders while deployed. Their mission will be to provide voice communication an information networks to the warfighter in the Army’s central area of operations.
The 198th ESB members are scheduled to deploy later this August.
