05-03-2025
Michigan National guard company deploys to Middle East to locate, diffuse explosives
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A company from the Michigan Army National Guard is heading overseas to support American military efforts in the Middle East.
The says the 745th Ordnance Company, based out of Grayling, recently gathered at the Grayling Army Airfield Armory for a sendoff with friends and family.
This is the company's fourth deployment since the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. According to the DMVA, the company was last deployed to the Middle East in June 2020 as part of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.
This deployment could last as long as a year.
'These soldiers will be supporting Operation Spartan Shield throughout the Middle East to strengthen defense relationships and build partner capacity,' U.S. Army Major Megan Breen . 'Their mission will focus on safely identifying, disarming and disposing of hazardous explosive devices and conducting concurrent training with partner nations.
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'The explosive ordnance disposal mission not only ensures the safety of U.S. and partner nation military operations throughout the region but also ensures the safety of the local population.'
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ravindra Wagh, the commander of the Michigan Army National Guard, says while the 745th is serving overseas, it is the National Guard leadership's mission to also serve their families.
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'Our military families sacrifice a lot during these long separations and their support is crucial to the success of our soldiers as they deploy overseas,' Wagh said in a statement. 'It is our mission to support these families while they support their loved ones serving our nation.'
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, is an overarching mission in the Middle East to help countries there become more self-reliant and secure. It formally launched in 2012.
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