MITCHELL, S.D. – More than 130 Soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 665th Support Maintenance Company, based in Mitchell, have been activated for federal service in support of overseas operations.
The company will deploy to Grafenwöhr Training Area, the U.S. Army’s largest permanent training site in Europe, to conduct maintenance operations. They will ensure that all equipment used by U.S., NATO, and partner nation forces is mission-capable, maintaining readiness for global missions. This includes a wide range of weapon systems, communication systems, electronic systems, generators, and both wheeled and tracked vehicles.
“This deployment represents a true maintenance mission, allowing our Soldiers to fully engage in their job functions for an entire year,” said Capt. Kasey Lanning, commander of the 665th SMC. “The opportunity to work with equipment that we rarely see in South Dakota and to learn from our NATO partners will enhance our skills and knowledge immeasurably.”
The 665th SMC has spent the past year not only maintaining equipment readiness within the SDARNG but preparing for this deployment.
“We have significantly enhanced our mission readiness, ensuring all equipment is fully mission-capable, seaworthy for transport, and properly staged to meet EUCOM standards,” Lanning said. “We’ve dedicated countless hours to completing U.S. and EUCOM-required training, including multiple Field Training Exercises and a Culminating Training Exercise at the Sustainment Training Center in Camp Dodge, Iowa.”
“The 665th is properly trained, equipped, and ready to support U.S. forces, our allies, and partners,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, South Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general. “This mobilization demonstrates our unwavering commitment to operational readiness and mission success. I have no doubt that they will excel in their mission and bring home incredible experience to our ranks.”
Governor Larry Rhoden visited with the Soldiers and their families in Mitchell on Saturday to wish them farewell and thank them for their service.
“To the family members, employers, and communities that support our Guardsmen and women – thank you,” Morrell told those in attendance. “We cannot serve without your support.”