Hastings-based 434th Chemical Company to deploy Saturday

May 13, 2021 (HASTINGS, Minnesota) — Approximately 150 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company, based in Hastings and Red Wing, will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

While deployed, the Soldiers will provide Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense in the area of operations. The unit is trained to respond to multiple hazards in the event of a CBRN or weapons of mass destruction attack or threat.

“I am proud the members of this unit and their willingness to go above and beyond to prepare for this mission,” said Capt. Andrew Duitsman, commander of the deploying troops. “We have had almost two years of training leading up to this event. I am confident in the abilities and professionalism of these Soldiers.”

The unit’s deployment ceremony will be streamed live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/434thChemicalCompany  at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person attendance is limited to close family members.

Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 15, at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Hastings at 3050 Highway 316 South, Hastings, MN 55033. Please RSVP to mn.ng.web@mail.mil if you plan on attending. Masks are required.

– 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.