Maine National Guard announces deployment cancelation of 136th Engineer Company (Vertical)

AUGUSTA, ME (03/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Augusta, Maine – Brig. Gen. Gerard Bolduc, The Adjutant General of Maine, announced that he was notified by the National Guard Bureau Wednesday that the planned deployment to Kuwait for the 136th Engineer Company (Vertical) has been cancelled.

The cancellation occurred due to the engineer company's scheduled transition to an infantry unit around the same time that it would return from its overseas mission.

"The deployment cancellation is not a complete surprise due to transformation timelines," Bolduc said. "The Maine Army National Guard staff will ensure that we support our Soldiers and their families throughout the deployment cancellation process."

The 136th Engineer Company (Vertical) headquartered in Skowhegan, Maine, has 160 members and was scheduled to deploy to Kuwait in sprint of 2016, to provide installation upgrades in support of the draw-down of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. The unit specializes in carpentry, masonry, electrical and plumbing.

"The 136th Engineer Company and the entire Maine National Guard remains fully prepared for any mission in support of our citizens, anywhere in the world." Bolduc said.

The Maine National Guard and senior leadership are committed to working with the families and soldiers as they continue to train and be prepared to answer our nation's call at any time.

Interviews will be available today at Camp Keyes, Augusta at 1pm and the Skowhegan Armory, at 2:30pm. Please contact the Public Affairs Office to facilitate.

For further information, please contact the Maine National Guard Public Affairs Officer, Captain Norman Stickney, (207) 430-5759, or norman.j.stickney.mil@mail.mil.