Mankato, Rochester and Winona-based infantry units to deploy to Sinai Peninsula

July 7, 2016 (MANKATO, Minnesota) — More than 200 Soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard’s Mankato-based 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment will deploy for a nine-month peacekeeping mission to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt in support of the Multi-National Force and Observers. Deployment ceremonies will take place in Mankato, Rochester and Winona, July 8-9.

The Soldiers are motivated, trained and ready for their upcoming mission, after recently completed annual training at Camp Ripley in preparation for the additional training they will receive once they arrive at the mobilization station at Fort Bliss, Texas, according to Lt. Col. Jon Ostercamp, the battalion commander.

The mission of the nearly 2,000-strong Multi-National Force and Observers is to enforce the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Divided into four zones, the Sinai Peninsula is host to 12 nations in support of the MFO.

The southern Minnesota “Red Bull” units will depart for pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They will begin their mission in Egypt by the end of the summer. There, they will provide force protection, serve as a quick reaction force and observe and report violations of the peace treaty in support of the MFO’s mission in the region.

Members of the media are invited to attend the departure ceremonies and are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony.