VNG brigade HQs, aviation battalion will deploy to Kosovo

RICHMOND, Va.  –   The Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Headquarters will mobilize for federal active duty in early January 2022 to take responsibility for the NATO-led Kosovo Force Regional Command-East, and the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division will mobilize as their aviation task force according to an announcements made Aug. 13 and 23, 2021, by Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. NATO KFOR troops conduct peace support operations contributing to a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo while healthy political dialogue continues between Kosovo and Serbia.

"The 116th IBCT Headquarters has time and again been given the toughest assignments, and they are staffed with some of the most experienced and capable leaders and Soldiers in the Virginia National Guard," Williams said. "Whether it was duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, the U.S. Virgin Islands or most recently assisting civilian law enforcement with security operations at the 59th Presidential Inauguration, they can always be counted on to accomplish the mission with results exceeding the standard. I have tremendous confidence in their ability to be a valuable partner in the NATO-led Kosovo Force and to help maintain safety and security for all people in their area of operations."

Williams said aviation support for troop movement and medical evacuation is a critical element for the NATO mission in Kosovo, and the 116th IBCT Headquarters is fortunate to have an experienced team of aviators and maintainers who are also their fellow Virginians.

“The 2-224th has deployed overseas multiple times as well as supported the Commonwealth of Virginia in multiple hazardous weather situations, and I have every confidence they will continue their outstanding record of mission success in Kosovo,” he said.

It will be the 30th rotation of U.S. military forces based at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo.

Read the AG’s 116th IBCT mobilization announcement: https://go.usa.gov/xFtn2 

Read the AG’s 2-224th mobilization announcement: https://go.usa.gov/xFtnb