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SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon hosted a formal demobilization ceremony in Salem, Oregon for the unit members of the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation on Sept. 9, 2024.
During their mobilization they provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations.
“Just over a year ago we gathered to see off an exceptional group of aviators as they embarked on a critical mission to the Horn of Africa,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold to the returning Soldiers during the demobilization ceremony. “Today we come together once again – not to say goodbye but to celebrate your safe return and extraordinary service.”
Gov. Kotek welcomed the member’s home and praised their dedication to the yearlong deployment with family and co-workers in attendance. “It was last July that you first mobilized here, and I reminded you to come home safe from your mobilization, and as this was my first mobilization ceremony as Governor and your guidon was in my office while you were gone.”
"With your dedication to duty, I am truly humbled by your commitment to serve. I want to welcome you back, and hopefully, you can now catch up on some of the activities you missed while you were away," said Gov. Kotek.
Prior to their overseas mission, the unit spent nearly two-weeks of specialized training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. The unit has a long history of deploying overseas supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and later deploying to support Operation New Dawn in Iraq in 2010 while some members of the unit deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Their most recent mobilization was in 2017 when they deployed to Kuwait to support Operation Enduring Freedom followed by Operation Spartan Shield.
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Released Photos:
240909-Z-CH590-1025: Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers his remarks during the demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon for the A (-) 641st Aviation, Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
240909-Z-CH590-1029: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek delivers her remarks during the demobilization ceremony held in Salem, Oregon for the A (-) 641st Aviation, Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
240909-Z-CH590-1053: Members of the Official Party, which includes Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, along with Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, and Capt. Christopher Hall, stand at attention at the beginning of the demobilization ceremony held for A (-) 641st Aviation, while unit members are formally recognized on Sept. 9, 2024 in Salem, Oregon. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
240909-Z-CH590-1054: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek presents the framed unit guidon to Capt. Christopher Hall assigned to the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation during the demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
240909-Z-CH590-1056: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek receives a folded Oregon State Flag from Capt. Christopher Hall that was used by the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation during their deployment. The unit had held their demobilization ceremony at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
240909-Z-CH590-1065: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (center) and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (far left), pause for a group photo with members of the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation at the conclusion of their demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
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