OKLAHOMA CITY – Friends, family and Oklahoma National Guard leaders gathered Tuesday at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma for a farewell ceremony held for members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 745th Military Police Detachment, 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command.
The nearly 50 Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield, a U.S. military operation in U.S. Central Command’s area of operations aimed at building partner capacity and enhancing security in the Middle East.
“You embody the very best of our organization,” said Lt. Col. Samantha Pearce, commander of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “Your dedication, courage and commitment to serve are what define our unit.”
During the nine-month deployment, 745th Soldiers will provide law enforcement operations where they will conduct routine military police operations.
“I’m so proud of everything you’ve done and for everything you’re about to do,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “Stay alert and stay ready. Thank you, Soldiers, and thank you to the family members for supporting them.”
The unit will move onto Fort Bliss, Texas to complete additional training before heading overseas. They are expected to return in Fall 2026.