SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah National Guard will mobilize and deploy approximately 350 service members to Washington, D.C. to support civil authorities for the presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20, 2021. The service members will be there to protect lives, preserve property, protect critical infrastructure, and the right to peacefully assemble.
At the request of national command authorities, Utah National Guard service members will be flown from Salt Lake City to Washington D.C. by Utah Air National Guard’s KC-135, military aircraft. All personnel will be medically ready and adhere to COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols while assigned to the National Capital Region.
“A task force, comprised of service members from throughout the state, will assist the Washington D.C. National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Clayton Anderson, commander of Utah National Guard element. “We are honored to assist local and federal partners, and appreciate the support from our family, friends and employers.”
In addition, the Utah Air National Guard’s 130th Engineering Installation Squadron will provide Joint Incident Site Communication Capability in support of the inauguration. The JISCC, a routine communication-support package requested for presidential inaugurations, is comprised of approximately 14 Airmen and communication equipment and will provide interoperability for communication systems used by supporting agencies throughout Washington.
The Utah National Guard rapidly responds to requests with capable, trained, ready, and adaptive forces in support of local and national authorities. For specific request of what missions will be fulfilled once they arrive in the District of Columbia please contact the Washington D.C. National Guard.
“The Utah National Guard has responded to domestic emergencies on an unprecedented level this past year. We are proud to support our partners and serve our fellow Americans once again,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general, Utah National Guard. “Every member of the Utah National Guard is committed to our national and military values and our oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
-30-