80th Engineers begin federal active duty mobilization
Approximately 130 Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the l80th Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group marked the beginning of their federal active duty mobilization to the Horn of Africa with a departure ceremony Sept. 8, 2025, in Powhatan, Virginia.
During the ceremony, Capt. Catherine Bean and 1st Sgt. Bryan Estes, the 180th ESC command team, furled their organizational colors to signify the start of the mobilization. They will unfurl the colors when they arrive in the Hom of Africa and officially take responsibility for their mission.
The 180th will take responsibility as the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s engineer capability from the New York National Guard’s 152nd ESC. The 180th will support CJTF-HOA and U.S. Africa Command to enhance regional stability and strengthen relationships with partner nations through various construction projects coordinated across the Horn of Africa
Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr., commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, both gave remarks during the ceremony.
The Virginia National Guard’s Powhatan-based 180th Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group conducts a departure ceremony Sept. 8, 2025, at Powhatan High School in Powhatan, Virginia.