Maine Guard unit’s focus on explosives

loading...
LEWISTON – A new Maine Army National Guard company that will be activated this week specializes in detecting and disposing of roadside bombs. The 251st Engineer (Sapper) Company will have about 100 soldiers. Nearly half of them will be “sappers,” or combat engineers who clear…
Sign in or Subscribe to view this content.

LEWISTON – A new Maine Army National Guard company that will be activated this week specializes in detecting and disposing of roadside bombs.

The 251st Engineer (Sapper) Company will have about 100 soldiers. Nearly half of them will be “sappers,” or combat engineers who clear routes with explosives and detonate roadside bombs and mines.

Capt. Donald Lachapelle said the unit’s basic mission is to go out and find explosives.

The company will become part of the 133rd Engineer Battalion. The battalion is expected to be deployed to the Middle East in early 2010, but since the sappers are so new they would likely stay behind when the battalion goes.

An activation ceremony will be held Saturday at the armory in Norway.


Have feedback? Want to know more? Send us ideas for follow-up stories.

comments for this post are closed

By continuing to use this site, you give your consent to our use of cookies for analytics, personalization and ads. Learn more.