Oregon National Guard unit prepares for deployment to Horn of Africa

WARRENTON, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Army National Guard's 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment will hold a mobilization ceremony on May 3, 2026, at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center near Warrenton, Ore. The ceremony, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., marks the unit's preparation for a year-long mobilization.

Composed of U.S. Army Engineers, the detachment will deploy as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, known as CJTF-HOA. The 442nd EUD will provide vertical and horizontal construction support to military installations throughout the Horn of Africa region during its deployment.

Maj. Emilie Anderson, commander of the 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment, stated that the Soldiers are well-prepared for their mission. "Our Soldiers have trained hard for this mission and are ready to serve," Anderson said. "We are proud to represent Oregon and our nation and look forward to making a meaningful contribution throughout the Horn of Africa."

The Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa conducts operations with objectives to enhance partner capabilities, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict and protect U.S. and coalition interests.

The 442nd Engineer Utilities Detachment is part of the larger 1240th Engineer Battalion, which has its headquarters in Salem, Ore.

Attendance for the mobilization ceremony is restricted to service members, their families and invited guests.