Maine Guard unit returns 152nd lands in N.J. from Iraq

AUGUSTA – A Maine-based Army National Guard unit, the 152nd Maintenance Company, has returned to the United States after a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq, the state adjutant general said Monday.

Maj. Gen. John Libby said 129 members of the 152nd returned to Fort Dix, N.J., and are expected to return to Maine in a week.

The unit is based in Augusta, with members from around the state and a detachment out of Bangor.

The unit conducted security and force protection operations designed to ensure the safety of 14,000 Iraqi nationals, coalition forces and civilians, Libby said.

The unit’s specialty is in servicing and maintaining vehicles, including bulldozers, cranes and heavy construction equipment.

It also served in security missions, providing base security and convoy escorts, said Maj. Michael Backus, spokesman for the Maine Army National Guard.

The 152nd was the largest state Guard unit deployed overseas.

Nine additional soldiers were sent overseas for additional support after the initial 129 were deployed, Backus said.

“They are all very anxious and all very glad to be back,” Backus said. “We sent a command visit down [to Fort Dix] to welcome them back, and they are all in good spirits and can’t wait to get back to Maine.”