116th MBCT begins federal active duty with ceremony

Approximately 1,200 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Staunton-based 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team began their federal ac… Approximately 1,200 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Staunton-based 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team began their federal active-duty deployment during a departure ceremony Sept. 19, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. During the ceremony, Col. Brian Gallavan and Command Sgt. Maj. Brodie Kirkland, the 116th’s command team, furled their organizational colors to signify the start of the mobilization. They will unfurl the colors when they arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of operations and officially take responsibility for their mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Virginia Gov.

Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Ghazala F. Hashmi attended and gave remarks at the ceremony, as did the Virginia Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, retired Maj. Gen. Tim P. Williams and retired Col. Lesley Kipling. VNG senior leaders also gave remarks, including Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Maj. Gen. Christopher Samulski, 29th Infantry Division commanding general. “As the governor of the commonwealth, looking out at this formation, I am filled with immense pride, but more importantly, a profound sense of gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility,” said Spanberger. “You have raised your right hands, sworn an oath to