Maine Army Nationwide Guard troopers are being praised for his or her “distinctive” work overseas, returning dwelling on Valentine’s Day from a profitable mission to Saudi Arabia.
The Skowhegan and Lewiston-based 136th Engineering Vertical Development Firm of Maine was deployed within the fall of 2025, returning to Bangor on Feb. 14 to a number of greetings and salutations.
“I’m immensely happy with the 136th’s distinctive efficiency and unwavering dedication all through the whole deployment and redeployment,” Lt. Col. Donald LaChapelle, Battalion commander, 133rd Engineer Battalion, mentioned in an announcement to Navy.com. “The corporate executed their mission to the very best requirements with unmatched professionalism, and the battalion is grateful everybody has returned dwelling safely.”
In all, 114 troopers of the Maine Army Nationwide Guard, 136th Engineer Vertical Development Firm, 133rd Engineer Battalion, returned dwelling following the five-month deployment. Whereas abroad, they labored with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) space of operations in assist of Operation Spartan Defend to enhance infrastructure and safety within the area.
For his or her work, the battalion firm acquired recognition from each the Army and Air Drive, in addition to from their comrades and households.
It’s nice to see the relations popping out welcoming their troopers coming again dwelling, it’s very heartwarming. I can bear in mind coming dwelling to an analogous occasion and simply having your loved ones members, your family members, out there may be only a particular second.
Nationwide Guard figures launched to Navy.com present the troopers executed 67 building tasks whereas abroad, with a complete approximate value worth of $775,000. Moreover, the corporate performed an important function by supporting Air Drive operations, sustaining greater than $1.2 million in infrastructure, and making certain the continued performance and readiness of key services.
“We proudly welcome dwelling the troopers of the 136th Engineer Vertical Development Firm following their deployment to Saudi Arabia in assist of Operation Spartan Defend,” mentioned Maine Gov. Janet Mills in an announcement offered to Navy.com.
Their service strengthened our alliances, superior the safety and stability of our nation, and mirrored the perfect of Maine folks.
The battalion firm returning dwelling on a vacation weekend that included Valentine’s Day and was adopted by President’s Day was famous by the governor.
“Returning on Valentine’s Day makes this homecoming particularly significant as they reunite with the households and family members who supported them each step of the best way,” she mentioned. “To Maine’s returning service members — on behalf of a grateful state — welcome dwelling.”
This was the primary deployment of an engineering unit from the U.S. since 2013. The final time a Maine unit was deployed dates again even additional, to 2004.
