1400 Soldiers of Combat Aviation Brigade prepare to deploy to Middle East

Combat Aviation Brigade prepares to deploy during pandemic

By Capt. Travis Mueller

Soldiers with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade mobilized from their home stations to Fort Hood, Texas, to prepare for their deployment to the Middle East.

The 28th ECAB is preparing for deployment and is taking precautions to ensure soldiers receive the training, experience and confidence to accomplish their missions and stay safe. They will soon deploy to the Middle East, where they will assist U.S. Central Command with increasing regional security and stability in support of U.S. interests.

Though he acknowledged that there were some delays due to weather and lost baggage, Army Col. Howard Lloyd, commander of the 28th ECAB, described the movement of the brigade to Fort Hood as “spot on.”

“Almost 1,400 soldiers embarked for this place without any hiccups,” Lloyd said. “They are here, all safe. They are all bedded down. Our unit movement officers and logisticians did a great job to support the force.”

The command team understands the concerns about COVID-19 and its potential to spread within the formation. It is very important that soldiers remain healthy, and the brigade has taken numerous steps to ensure the virus doesn’t spread.

“Some of the precautions we are taking to prevent transmission of COVID-19 are wearing masks whenever we are within 6 feet of each other,” said Army Maj. Todd Lupold, surgeon with the 28th ECAB. “We are socially distancing as much as possible. We are also keeping up with frequent hand washing and sanitization of our areas. Our soldiers have been counseled frequently about the precautions for COVID-19 and the importance of wearing masks, and we keep up on each other and keep an eye out for each other.”