A mobilization ceremony was held this morning at the Barrigada Readiness Complex for the 73 members with Guam National Guard being sent off to the northwest field for SecFor 3 Taskforce Guatdia.

The deploying soldiers were joined with family, friends and loved ones before they take on a one year mission. The operation is in support of Task Force Talon that operates THAAD, and the guardsmen and women will be performing the site security.

The Adjutant General Esther Aguigui gave opening remarks and thanked the soldiers for volunteering to serve during the pandemic.

"At a time when the world is focused on the devastation of the COVID019 pandemic, I would imagine you would not be the one calling in sick on Mondays," she said. "While our island works to revive our struggling economy and while our neighbors and families are at their most vulnerable, I imagine you will just work straight through the holidays and sometimes all night long."

Additionally, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero attended the ceremony and made remarks of her own praising them. The ceremony also included a yellow ribbon pinning and dog tag presentation.