Maine Army Guard Black Hawk Helicopter Crew Deployed for a Year

A Maine Army National Guard unit has deployed to the Middle East, to offer air support with their Black Hawk helicopter.

Which Unit is Deploying?

It's hard for most of us to imagine what it must be like to leave your loved ones behind, knowing it will be a year before you can hug them again. But that's what a group of Maine Army National Guard soldiers  in the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation unit did this week when they began a year-long deployment to the Middle East. For these soldiers, it's just part of the job.

What Will They Be Doing Overseas?

The unit is trained to conduct air assault and air movement missions in a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. During this deployment, the 3-142 will be providing air support to Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The mission will last approximately a year.

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Brigadier General Dean Preston, Commander of the Maine Army National Guard says the country continues to rely on members of the National Guard to support active-duty missions.

Our soldiers have been training hard - just as you'd expect them to be doing - and we know they will do Maine and our country proud.

 

How Long Has It Been Since A Maine Aviation Unit Has Deployed Overseas?

The last time a Maine Army aviation unit deployed was in 2018, when Company G 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment supported operations in Afghanistan. Maine's Adjutant General, Major General Douglas Farnham offered his 'sincere thanks' to all of the military families and employers.

These men and women have a lot on their plates to balance in order to lead a life of service, and your support is critical to mission accomplishment.

We send our gratitude to the military members for their service and wish them a safe and successful mission.