On Saturday, September 29^th, the Delaware National Guard’s 166^th Security Forces Squadron, part of the 166^th Airlift Wing, based on the New Castle County Airport’s Air National Guard Base, was called to active duty as part of the partial mobilization authorized by President Bush. The unit is activated for up to 12 months, unless sooner relieved.

"The squadron consists of airmen and women trained as Security Police and in its pre-mobilization role, provided force protection and facility security for our Air Base." said Col. Ron Mehan, 166^th Airlift Wing commander. "What their exact role will be for the duration of the mobilization has yet to be determined," he explained.

This mobilization is not related to any military strike, nor is it in anticipation of imminent or impending terrorist actions, said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general and military commander of the Delaware National Guard. It is also not related to the president’s plan to use Guardsmen and women at our commercial airports. "We are deploying in support of force protection and security enhancement measures as part of the Homeland Defense initiative," explained Vavala.

Members of the 166^th Security Forces Squadron have been notified of the mobilization, reported for duty and have begun in-processing into the active duty force. This should take a few days. Typical in-processing includes updating personnel, medical and pay records, along with receiving information about family and employer support groups. Lastly, the airmen and women will receive any additional training they may need to accomplish their mission.

The last partial mobilization of the National Guard and Reserve was ordered on January 18, 1991 for Operation Desert Storm, when 265,322 Guard and reserve members were activated, to include elements of the Delaware Army and Air National Guard. The 166^th Security Forces Squadron was not called during that period.

"This weekend I spoke with our Commander in Chief, Governor Ruth Ann Minner, about the mobilization and she pledged her full support," said Vavala. "On September 11^th, we entered a new era and engaged in a new kind of war. Our country, our state and your Delaware National Guard are united and strong. "We are trained, ready and committed to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of this great country"

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