South Dakota National Guard unit deploying to Africa

Nathan Thompson Jun 11, 2021 Updated 5 hrs ago

Seven members of the South Dakota National Guard received a grand send-off Friday morning in Rapid City prior to their nine-month deployment to Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.

More than 100 well-wishers gathered at the new Army Aviation Readiness Center at Rapid City Regional Airport for the deployment ceremony, including Gov. Kristi Noem, Rep. Dusty Johnson and Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, who is the adjutant general of the South Dakota National Guard.

The soldiers are part of the Army National Guard's Detachment 5, Company C, 2/641st Aviation Regiment based in Rapid City. The unit deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and will support the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa to provide aviation support in the region.

The seven soldiers are pilots and operation specialists that operate the C-12 Huron, a military grade Beechcraft King Air that transports personnel. Prior to their deployment to Djibouti, the unit will receive theater-specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

{snip}

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.