On Friday, October 5^th, members of the Delaware National Guard’s recently activated 166^th Security Forces Squadron, departed Delaware and traveled to an undisclosed location somewhere in the United States.

"Right now, there is no specific threat. We are simply deploying elements of the 166^th to augment security at various locations here in the United States, " said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general and military commander of the Delaware National Guard. "These augmentations are just prudent measures to enhance security," he said.

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

"The remaining elements of the squadron will remain on our Air Base at New Castle County Airport and continue to provide increased security, protecting our force, our equipment and our facilities," said Col. Ron Mehan, 166^th Airlift Wing commander.

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 and the 166^th is the first Delaware Guard Unit called to active duty in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11^th.

"Thus far, no other units have been ordered to mobilize as a result of the presidential declaration on September 14^th," said Vavala. "However, we are currently conducting necessary planning and preparations in the event any of our units are called."

**** The sendoff of troops will take place from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 on the New Castle County Airport. Departing airmen, families and leadership of the Delaware National Guard will be present for your interviews. The entrance to the Air Base is located on Corporate Commons Boulevard. From I-95, take 141 South and turn right onto Corporate Commons Boulevard. The Air Base is your first left.

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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Guidelines for media inquires or interviews

Any interview is strictly voluntary.

Family members need to help preserve operational security for the protection of their loved one and not provide any operational information they may have learned. Operational information includes the following: location to which their loved one has been deployed, the unit mission, and the anticipated duration of the mission, any information your loved one gives you while deployed, etc.

Family members need to know that while there is no specific threat, it would be better to be abundantly cautious and not provide details about their home address, children’s school, etc. Lastly, we suggest they do not provide their last name to any reporter.

This conflict will be of long duration. It is important to preserve operational security for the long-term and possible future military operations.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Len Gratteri at 302-326-7010 or page at 302-247-5547.

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2001 Delaware National Guard