Northeast Ohio Troops Deploy To Middle East

STOW, OH — Nearly 600 Ohio National Guard soldiers are being sent to the Middle East as part of a deterrence mission called Operation Spartan Shield. Governor Mike DeWine spoke to the soldiers, and their families, before they shipped out.

"You are strong men and women, you are trained, and you are ready to fulfill your duties for Operation Spartan Shield," said DeWine during the call-to-duty ceremony on Sunday. "Godspeed as you leave for your deployment, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year."

The soldiers are members of the 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment, which is based in Stow. When they arrive in the Middle East, their unit will be part of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, which is made up of 4,200 National Guard members from Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team will be replacing the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division as part of a regular rotation of forces.

“I am extremely proud of these Citizen-Soldiers. They had just a few short months to prepare for this mission. They stepped up, executed their training, and are now ready to deploy overseas,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general.

About 450 members of the 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment were deployed to Sinai in 20019. They spent a year overseas.