Virginia Guardsmen Deploy in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve

RICHMOND, Va. - About 1,200 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Staunton-based 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team began their deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during a ceremony Sept. 19.

Col. Brian Gallavan and Command Sgt. Maj. Brodie Kirkland, the 116th's command team, furled their organizational colors during the ceremony to signify the start of the deployment. They will unfurl the colors when they arrive in the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, area of operations and officially take responsibility for their mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Ghazala F. Hashmi attended and gave remarks at the ceremony, as did retired Maj. Gen. Tim P. Williams, Virginia secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and retired Col. Lesley Kipling, Virginia deputy secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.

"As the governor of the commonwealth, looking out at this formation, I am filled with immense pride, but more importantly, a profound sense of gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility," Spanberger said. "You have raised your right hands, sworn an oath to support and defend our constitution of the United States, and you all have answered a call that demands so much from you and from your loved ones. On behalf of every single Virginian, all 8.7 million of us, I want to say thank you for your selfless commitment to our commonwealth and to our country."

Virginia National Guard senior leaders also gave remarks, including Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the adjutant general of the Virginia National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Christopher Samulski, 29th Infantry Division commanding general.

The Soldiers have trained and are ready for any challenges, Ring said.

"As adjutant general, I'm extremely proud of the work these men and women have put in to maximize their readiness, and I'm confident in their ability to support peace and stability operations in the CENTCOM region," Ring said.

The 116th becomes the first Army National Guard brigade to mobilize as a mobile brigade combat team. The unit transformed from an infantry brigade combat team to a mobile brigade combat team in late 2025, then validated the concept during a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center earlier in 2026. The new force structure incorporates unmanned aerial systems and electronic warfare capabilities, showcasing Virginia's role at the leading edge of military innovation.

"Thanks to their determination, resilience, teamwork and perseverance, the 116th is trained and ready to accomplish any mission asked of us," Gallavan said.

The deployment is the latest in the 116th's storied history. The 116th traces its roots to colonial America and Virginia militias that fought in the Revolutionary War. The brigade saw combat in both World Wars and has conducted peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"You couldn't be more ready," Samulski said. "You represent the best of Virginia, the best of the United States Army, and the mission ahead is important and you will execute it with confidence and character. That is what this brigade is known for."

Senior leaders noted the exceptional service of the Soldiers of the 116th and the support of their families, loved ones and employers.

"It's impossible to overstate the role all of our supporting elements play in ensuring our readiness and resolve," Gallavan said. "That includes the unwavering support of our loved ones, co-workers and employers. That cornerstone of support is vital during drills and training, and even more important during a mobilization."

The Virginia Army National Guard supports national and international security in various places, including the U.S. Southern Border, U.S. Africa Command Area of Operations, U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility, Ring said.

Despite the large number of Virginia National Guard troops deploying, the organization remains ready to respond at home if needed.

"The Virginia National Guard continues to maintain dedicated, rapid-response domestic elements to include high-water clearance vehicles, search and rescue units and debris clearance teams," Ring said. "The safety, security and emergency response capabilities within the commonwealth will remain seamless and uncompromised."