U.S. National Guard soldiers and airmen from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming compete in the Region VI Championships organized by the Marksmanship Advisory Council at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, on Aug. 8, 2025. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
The South Dakota National Guard announced Monday that about 130 Mitchell-based soldiers have been activated for overseas service in Germany.
The 665th Support Maintenance Company will deploy to Grafenwöhr Training Area, the U.S. Army’s largest permanent training site in Europe.
“This mobilization demonstrates our unwavering commitment to operational readiness and mission success,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell, the South Dakota National Guard’s adjutant general, in a news release.
The company will ensure equipment used by the U.S. and allies is mission-ready, including weapon systems, communication systems, electronic systems, generators and vehicles.
Capt. Kasey Lanning is the commander of the company.
“The opportunity to work with equipment that we rarely see in South Dakota and to learn from our NATO partners will enhance our skills and knowledge immeasurably,” Lanning said in the news release.
Gov. Larry Rhoden visited with the soldiers and their families in Mitchell on Saturday to wish them farewell and thank them for their service.
