Photo By Maj. Benjamin Hughes | Maryland Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Simpkins poses with his family for a...... read more read more
EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, celebrated their return home from their federal deployment under the direction of U.S. Northern Command at Weide Army Heliport located at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground - South, March 8, 2025.
The 118 soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Alpha Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, deployed with their UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopters from October 2023 to November 2024.
“I learned more as a leader from and with you during our 13-month mobilization than I have in my career,” said Maryland Army National Guard Lt. Col. Clay Bagwell, executive officer for the 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade and deployment commander. “Your in-depth knowledge of aviation operations, coupled with an ability to inspire trust and ensure mission success, was second to no other task force in the joint operations area. I’m honored to have served with you and experienced this journey together.”
The pilots, maintainers, and headquarters staff, who operated as part of Task Force Freedom, were part of nearly 350 personnel from nine states and the District of Columbia. The task force assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations by providing aerial detection and monitoring capabilities on the Southwest border in federal duty status and were not part of the Texas National Guard’s Operation Lone Star.
Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for the Maryland National Guard, were a part of the official party and thanked the families for their support of their soldiers.
“Each of you understands what it means to serve and to sacrifice,” said Miller. “Make no mistake, it's your strength, prayers, and love that made their service possible, so thank you.”
Task Force Freedom provided U.S. Border Patrol direct support with light utility helicopters and tactical unmanned aircraft systems. More than 70% of the Maryland soldiers were first time deployers.
“Alpha Company is a highly-skilled and trained unit who demonstrated incredible work ethic and dedication to mission success on deployment,” said Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Rachel Mazzone, commander of Alpha Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment. “This unit dealt with adversity, overcame challenges, and supported each other through their long absence from home. It is truly an honor to serve and lead with these dedicated military professionals, and we are so thankful to be home with our loved ones.”
The soldiers of Task Force Freedom faced adversity exactly one year earlier when two New York Army National Guard aviators and a Border Patrol agent were killed March 8, 2024, when the UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopter they were flying crashed near Rio Grande City, Texas.
The aircraft crew chief was severely injured and expects to be sent home later this summer.
Maryland Army National Guard Capt. Anna Hagan, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, expressed gratitude for how her team “persevered in the face challenging moments.”
“Thank you to the soldiers of HHC, 1-224th Aviation Regiment, for their unwavering commitment to the mission and the U.S. Army,” said Hagan. “Our team played a crucial role on this mission, and I couldn’t be more proud of our unit.”
The task force executed more than 9,100 direct support and training flight hours, which
included more than 4,000 flight hours with night vision goggles. Maryland soldiers also used their time on deployment to enhance the units’ readiness by taking professional military education courses, completing additional duty certifications, and working towards promotions.
Leadership credited the aviation units for their successful mission enhancing support to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s border security operations so CBP agents could conduct their law enforcement mission more efficiently and increasing the overall readiness level of the Maryland National Guard for follow-on assignments.
“To our returning service members, we can never, ever say it enough,” said Miller. “On behalf of a grateful state and a grateful nation, thank you for your service and for sharing the best of you with us. Welcome home soldiers, and may God bless you and your families.”
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2025 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 492911 |
| Location: | EDGEWOOD, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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