N.D. National Guard's Aviation Unit Receives Mobilization Orders (UNCLASSIFIED)

News Release 09-131
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2009

Contacts:
Rick Smith at 701-333-2007 (office) or 701-426-0190 (cell)

N.D. National Guard's Aviation Unit Receives Mobilization Orders

BISMARCK, N.D. - Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard
adjutant general, announced today that the Bismarck-based element of Company
C of the 2nd Battalion (Assault), 285th Aviation Regiment has received
mobilization orders. About 50 North Dakota Soldiers with the unit are
expected to mobilize in October in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Our commitment to the Global War on Terrorism continues with the
mobilization of this aviation unit. Our aviation crews and support personnel
have a great reputation and were instrumental in providing professional
aviation support during our recent flood-fighting efforts," Sprynczynatyk
said.

Company C is divided between the North Dakota Army National Guard and the
Utah Army National Guard. The Utah element, based in West Jordan, Utah, will
join the North Dakota unit to form one company while mobilized. Each state
will mobilize with five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Typically, an aviation
assault battalion flies missions to transport service members and equipment.

"During their mobilization, we have secured additional Black Hawks in order
to meet any state emergencies and other flight missions, as required,"
Sprynczynatyk said. "We continue to successfully fulfill both our national
and state missions thanks to the dedication of our Soldiers, the support of
their employers and Families, and the shared resources among the states."

Capt. Douglas Larsen, of Granville, N.D., commands Company C and 1st Sgt.
Daniel Marquart, of Bismarck, serves as the senior enlisted Soldier.

A formal send-off will take place in October, and details will be
forthcoming. The unit is expected to begin its yearlong mobilization with
training at Fort Sill, Okla., before deploying to Iraq.