The Virginia National Guard’s Powhatan-based 180th Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group conducts a departure ceremony Sept. 8, 2025, at Powhatan High School in Powhatan, Virginia. The unit will conduct pre-mobilization training in Texas before deploying to support Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and U.S. Africa Command to enhance regional stability and strengthen relationships with partner nations through construction projects across the region. During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., commander the Virginia Army National Guard, and Capt. Catherine Bean, commander of the 180th, gave remarks to the unit and gathered family and loved ones. Volunteers with the Virginia Defense Force provided parking assistance, and Powhatan High School Junior ROTC cadets acted as the color guard for the ceremony.