A soldier assigned to the 234th Army Band prepares to play the trombone during the mobilization ceremony for the 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment, Oregon Army National Guard, at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center, Warrenton, Oregon, May 3, 2026. The 442nd EUD is deploying for a year-long mobilization in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, where the unit will provide vertical and horizontal construction support to military installations throughout the region. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Ehren Castle)
WARRENTON, Ore. — Family members, fellow soldiers, and community supporters gathered Sunday at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center to bid farewell to the Oregon Army National Guard’s 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment as the unit prepared for a year-long overseas deployment.
The formal mobilization ceremony, held May 3, marked the sendoff for the 442nd EUD as soldiers ready to deploy in support of U.S. Africa Command operations in the Horn of Africa. The unit will be stationed at Camp Lemonnier, serving under the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Philip DeMontigny, Assistant Adjutant General–Army, and included remarks from Col. Russell Gibson. Musical honors were provided by the 234th Army Band, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The 442nd EUD, made up of Army engineers, will provide both vertical and horizontal construction support across military installations in the region. Their work is expected to directly support efforts to strengthen partner nations, improve infrastructure, and promote regional stability.
“While you’re there, you’ll build, you’ll repair, you’ll improve the infrastructure, and you’ll solve problems,” DeMontigny said during the ceremony. “In doing so, you’ll help support the base, sustain our operations on the Horn, and help create conditions for mission success.”
According to unit leaders, every soldier assigned to the mission volunteered, with many coming from outside the detachment and undergoing additional training to qualify for engineering roles.
“It’s a complete volunteer deployment,” said Capt. Ryan Dobler, the unit’s construction operations officer. “A lot of people came from outside of 442, and many didn’t originally have our 12-series engineer specialty. The way the unit came together, cross-trained, and became cohesive has been impressive.”
Dobler said the mission environment will require adaptability and quick problem-solving, with projects often starting from minimal initial plans.
“Our customer might give us a rough sketch, and we have to turn that into a finished project,” he said. “Whether it’s force protection or infrastructure improvements, it’s fast-paced and requires creative solutions.”
In preparation for deployment, soldiers completed extensive training, including a three-week rotation at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in eastern Oregon. There, teams worked on real-world construction projects such as replacing sidewalks, building protective structures, converting buildings into office spaces, and clearing terrain for training operations.
Despite the challenges ahead, soldiers expressed a mix of anticipation and determination.
“I’m excited,” said Staff Sgt. Rebecca Warden. “There’s some nervousness about the unknown, but I’m ready to get into a routine and accomplish the mission.”
CJTF-HOA conducts operations throughout the Horn of Africa aimed at enhancing partner nation capabilities, deterring conflict, and safeguarding U.S. and allied interests. The 442nd’s engineering expertise is expected to play a key role in advancing those objectives.
Following the ceremony, soldiers participated in a receiving line, greeting loved ones in emotional farewells that highlighted the personal sacrifices behind the mission.
The 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment is expected to spend approximately one year overseas before returning to Oregon.
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