Maryland Guard Welcomes Home Aviation Sustainment Soldiers from Kuwait Deployment
By Capt. Dylan Bradford
EDGEWOOD, Md. — The Maryland Army National Guard held a welcome home ceremony to honor the return of soldiers from the 1100th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group, following their nine-month deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield at Aberdeen Proving Ground – South, August 3, 2025.
The ceremony, held at the Edgewood Conference Center, recognized more than 20 Guardsmen who deployed as Task Force 31, providing critical aviation sustainment and maintenance support across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
“This task force didn’t just support the mission, they transformed it,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew Collins, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, during keynote remarks. “The 1100th TASMG revolutionized how we conduct aviation engine repairs in theater, stood up a new engine repair shop months ahead of schedule, and made a lasting impact on Army readiness. That’s what we mean when we say: leaders up front.”
During the deployment, Task Force 31 played a key role in establishing the CENTCOM theater’s first expeditionary engine repair shop, which was capable of servicing key Army helicopter engines and improving turnaround time for operational units. The shop, that opened in October 2024, is expected to save significant resources and improve aircraft readiness for future rotations.
“This team wasn’t just an advisory unit, we delivered tangible results that enhanced readiness, saved millions of dollars, and brought real capability back to the warfighter,” said Maj. Dante Gizzi, who served as acting commander during the ceremony. “By the time we left theater, the Engine Repair Shop had already turned over six engines, accounting for over $5 million in savings. That’s the kind of impact this team made—measurable, strategic, and mission-critical.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Hash, the unit’s senior enlisted leader, closed the ceremony with a message focused on the importance of recovery and reintegration.
“You’ve done your time overseas. Now it’s time to heal, reset, and prepare for the next challenge,” said Hash. “We’re proud to have you back safe, and together again.”
The 1100th TASMG is headquartered at Edgewood, Maryland, and is one of five TASMGs in the Army National Guard responsible for aviation maintenance and support for U.S. and allied aircraft. The unit rotates regularly through overseas missions to provide sustainment and technical oversight.
Sunday’s ceremony marked the official end of the unit’s deployment, as Soldiers transition back to their families, civilian careers, and continued service in the National Guard.
