34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade to Deploy

September 18, 2019 (ST. PAUL, Minnesota) — Nearly 700 soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s St. Paul-based 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade will deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

A departure ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on September 20, 2019 at GraceChurch, 9301 Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie.

“Our soldiers are ready to deploy, well-trained, fully-equipped and highly-motivated,” said Col. Gregory Fix, the brigade commander. “Several of our soldiers re-enlisted or extended to go on this deployment.”

The 34th ECAB will provide Army helicopter, Unmanned Aerial System, and fixed wing support to United States Armed Forces and Coalition Forces. They will fly UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and AH-64 Apache helicopters, Grey Eagle unmanned aircraft, and the fixed-wing C-12 Huron. 

“We will provide support to Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, using aviation assets to provide reconnaissance, transportation, and medical evacuation and partner with other coalition military units,” said 34th ECAB Commander Gregory Fix. 

The brigade is deploying as a multi-state Army National Guard Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade including soldiers from units in Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, Mississippi, and Montana. While deployed, the brigade will standup as an aviation task force comprised of Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve soldiers along with Coalition forces from Spain and Italy.        

Minnesota National Guard aviation units have had a total of 18 deployments over the past 18 years. The headquarters of the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade last deployed in 2014 to Kuwait.

Media members are invited to attend the departure ceremony, Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Media should R.S.V.P. to the Minnesota National Guard public affairs office at 651-282-4410 or mn.ng.web@mail.mil. To coordinate an interview with deploying soldiers and/or event day questions contact Capt. Melanie Nelson, melanie.k.nelson.mil@mail.mil or 651-435-0857.

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.