Waterville-based Maine Guard unit will be home for the holidays

PHOTO: A soldier from the 488th Military Police Co. is welcomed home. (Sgt. 1st Class Alyson Pelletier photo)

BANGOR – The 488th Military Police Co., based in Waterville, is in the process of returning from the Southwest border, including 46 soldier who arrived by charter flight Nov. 15 at the Army Aviation Support Facility.
They were greeted by family, friends, National Guard leaders and fellow service members, just some of the 125 soldiers on their way home.

“I am proud of the performance, dedication, and discipline the soldiers of the 488th showed during it’s 13-month deployment,” Capt. Garrett Clark, commander of the 488th said. “Our unit represented the state of Maine, the National Guard, and the U.S. Army in a positive light, creating lasting impressions on Customs and Border Protection, the local community, and Army leadership. We are thankful for the support shown by our families and friends, and are happy to be home for the holidays.”
The remainder of the unit, including Clark, is expected to travel by a combination of individual commercial and charter flights, depending on how quickly soldiers are able to process through their demobilization station.
“Congratulations to the 488th, we’ve been looking forward to seeing them all safely home,” said Adj. Gen. Douglas Farnham. “Their successful mission is the latest in Maine’s consistent support to the active services. I continue to be proud of the National Guard’s ability to respond to varying assignments, which would not be possible without the support and flexibility of family members and employers across the state of Maine – the ultimate team effort.”
The unit departed in October 2021 on a federal Title 10 mobilization in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The 488th assisted CBP by operating vehicle-mounted mobile surveillance platforms and remote video surveillance systems, then relaying critical information to law enforcement authorities.
“On behalf of all Maine people, I am proud to welcome these brave men and women home and to thank them for their service which has kept our state and nation safe,” said Gove. Janet Mills. “My deepest gratitude is also with the Maine service members who remain deployed around the world. I look forward to welcoming you home safely soon.”
It was anticipated that the majority, if not all of the unit, would be home by Thanksgiving, and not later than the end of November.
The 488th Military Police Company was formed in September 2008, previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, and supported Washington, D.C. authorities following the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. The unit trains and validates annually as a National Guard Reaction Force, making them able to mobilize quickly in support of local, state, and federal law enforcement and other civil authorities.