Maryland Army National Guard soldiers deploy to southern border
by Maj. Benjamin Hughes
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — About 120 Maryland Army National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1729th Support Maintenance Company gathered at the Mallette Training Facility, October 20, 2025, for a farewell ceremony ahead of their deployment to support federal operations along the southern U.S. border.
Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the adjutant general for Maryland, hosted the ceremony with fellow soldiers, families, and community members in attendance. The soldiers of the unit will provide unique military capabilities in support of the United States Border Patrol under Joint Task Force-Southern Border.
“You have built a company that is ready, confident, and capable,” said Birckhead. “That kind of readiness does not happen overnight. It is the result of deliberate leadership and a restless pursuit of excellence. I am sure you will excel.”
The 1729th SMC completed extensive pre-mobilization training, including a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. The demanding Mojave Desert environment and high-intensity, scenario-based operations tested the unit’s readiness and cohesion. Battalion leadership stated that the 18 months of pre-deployment training validated the company’s ability to perform its upcoming mission.
“Capt. [Jon] Shipley was picked for his abilities and potential, knowing a tough training cycle was coming,” said Lt. Col. Anthony S. Morris, commander of the 1297th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “He is decisive in his decision-making, and he has a keen ability to navigate complex organizational problems that will greatly benefit his soldiers.”
The soldiers departed the following day to begin their federal mobilization. Shipley thanked the families and emphasized the crucial role they play in the lives of each Guard member.
“Our soldiers are nothing without their support system,” said Shipley, commander of the 1729th SMC. “You allow us to operate and fulfill our duties while focusing on the mission, and we could not do it without your ability to hold down the fort at home.”
The unit and its predecessors have served in the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and, most recently, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2011. During Operation New Dawn, soldiers of the 1729th SMC maintained communications and electronics systems, repaired a wide range of military equipment, and played a key role in the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq.
The unit has also supported state missions, including extensive COVID-19 response operations. Their work at home included distributing more than 400,000 meals to Maryland families during school closures and supporting testing sites during the peak of the pandemic.