Full Breakdown
Maryland National Guard Deploys 300 Soldiers to Horn of Africa
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Deployment Details
The Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment is scheduled to begin a deployment on Monday, September 28 2026. About 300 soldiers will travel from the Dundalk Readiness Center to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, where they will support the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The mission focuses on regional security, counter-terrorism operations and partnership with African allies for several months.
Historical Context of the 175th Infantry Regiment
The 175th Infantry traces its lineage to Maryland militia formations organized in 1774. It has served in the American Revolution, World II, a 2007 Iraq deployment, a 2011 peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Desert, and domestic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 riot at the Capitol. This long-standing record frames the unit’s current assignment in East Africa.
Official Statements & Responses
Maryland National Guard Capt. Isaac Avon highlighted the importance of family support at the departure ceremony, noting that visible encouragement from loved ones strengthens soldiers and their leaders alike. Guard officials also recognized the contributions of families, employers and community supporters during the event.
Families’ Perspectives
Sarah Patterson, whose husband Staff Sgt. Jamal Patterson is deploying for a second tour, described the emotional mix of pride and anxiety. Their daughters, now old enough to understand the separation, expressed simple longing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is my second go around,” — Sarah Patterson
- “They’re gonna miss their dad. They’re gonna ask for him.” — Staff Sgt. Patterson
- “I got my family and my in-laws that came here, so just for them to be able to look around and see all the love and support that all of the soldiers behind me and in front of me, that I'm both in charge of and that are in charge of me, just to see the support that they have, I think is extremely important,” — Maryland National Guard Capt
These remarks capture the personal dimensions of the deployment, from individual sacrifice to collective encouragement.