CENTENNIAL, Colo. –
The Colorado National Guard welcomed home more than 100 Soldiers from the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, following a deployment overseas in support of Operation Joint Guardian.
Service members arrived at Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, to reunite with family and friends after aiding NATO forces in maintaining peace and protecting Kosovo’s sovereignty.
“During their deployment, these Colorado National Guard aviators upheld a long, proud history of dependable support for our warfighters and international partners,” said The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Davis. “They are the best of the best.”
While deployed, the unit flew over 1,800 hours while conducting more than 300 real-world missions in direct support of Regional Command-East.
Personnel directly supported 15 NATO countries and Kosovo entities to enhance a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo.
In support of multinational air missions, ground crews pumped nearly 170,000 gallons of fuel to keep regional aerial operations running continuously.
Additionally, aerial missions directly contributed to a 92% decrease in illegal border crossings and unauthorized operations along the Administrative Boundary Line.
To maintain high operational readiness throughout the demanding schedule, maintainers logged over 40,000 maintenance hours in support of RCE air missions.
The 2-135th GSAB provided around-the-clock medical evacuation coverage, troop transport, and training support for allied forces. Following their arrival, the Soldiers will complete standard demobilization and administrative processing before returning to their civilian careers and local communities across the state.
The unit is headquartered at Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.
For more than 165 years, the men and women of the CONG have served our nation in wartime and as the first military responders in support of civil authorities during state emergencies. The CONG’s 5,500 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are Always Ready, Always There.