Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven expressed his gratitude to the North Dakota National Guard's 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery, upon their return from a deployment lasting ten months. The unit was stationed in the U.S. Central Command area as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, aimed at countering the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Their mission included providing integrated air defense coverage and early warning support for a battalion task force.

"The Battery’s deployment to USCENTCOM helped keep our country and their fellow servicemembers safe for nearly a year," said Hoeven. "The National Guard represents the finest men and women in our country and the work they do each and every day to protect our nation, both in communities across our state and abroad, does not go unnoticed. We remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen and support the National Guard, including policies that help ensure Guardsmen receive the benefits and recognition they’ve earned. It is an honor to welcome home these Guard members today and thank them for their service."

This marks the 13th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004, making it North Dakota's most deployed National Guard unit. Under the leadership of Captain Nicholas Kindelspire and First Sergeant Michael Travis, Bravo Battery was tasked with early warning, detection, and neutralization of enemy aerial threats. During their deployment, they successfully defended against 57 attacks involving unmanned aerial systems and over 110 rockets.