Tennessee National Guard deploys Public Affairs Detachment to Cuba

Members of the 118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment pose for a photo during a farewell ceremony at the Hall of Flags, Joint Force Headquarters,Tennessee National Guard, Nashville, Tenn. on February 16, 2016. This is the first Tennessee Army National Guard to deploy to U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers from the 118th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment said goodbye to family and friends during a ceremony at the Hall of Flags, Joint Forces Headquarters, Tennessee National Guard on February 16, 2016. The first stop along their journey is Fort Hood, Texas where they will undergo final training before continuing on to the United States Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay.

“Considering the ongoing national discussion we read and hear about in Cuba, this should make for an historic deployment for the unit and for the state of Tennessee”, stated Maj. John Parks, 118th MPAD commander. Parks went on to say, “We are honored to be chosen at this time and place in history and are prepared to accomplish this significant mission.”

The 118th MPAD is a uniquely designed unit that provides direct Public Affairs support to units deployed in support of Army, joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational operations.

This is the first Tennessee Army National Guard unit to deploy to the U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay.