On Thursday, November 8th, 27 members of the Delaware National Guard’s 166th Security Forces Squadron, 166th Airlift Wing, New Castle County Airport Air National Guard Base, received orders placing them on active duty in accordance with the partial mobilization authorized by President Bush. The group reported on Tuesday, November 13th for official duty.

In September, 44 members of the same squadron were activated and some were subsequently deployed to an undisclosed location in the United States. Members affected by both call-ups are activated for up to 12 months, unless sooner relieved, in support of operations in the continental United States and abroad.

"Just like the group activated in September, these airmen are trained as Security Police and experts in providing force protection and facility security." said Col. Ron Mehan, 166^th Airlift Wing commander.

"With increased security requirements on our air base we would love to have them keep serving right here in New Castle. However, their exact role for the duration of the mobilization has yet to be determined."

"Initially, this activation will be transparent as the airmen we are calling up today already serve on active duty for us on the New Castle County Airport," said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, Adjutant General and commander of the Delaware National Guard. However, this is significant as they are now under federal control and may be deployed elsewhere to help support other missions as part of the president’s Homeland Defense initiative, he explained.

As Delaware has no commercial airports, this activation is not related to the president’s plan to use Guardsmen and women at our commercial airports. "We are activating these airmen in support of force protection and security enhancement measures," explained Vavala.

The Delaware National Guard is your "Hometown Force" and is made up of more than 2,700 soldiers, airmen and women living and serving with you here in Delaware.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – contact Capt. Len Gratteri at 326-7010 or page at 247-5547

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