1161st Transportation Company returns from Iraq

Ephrata-based unit expected in Tacoma tonight

CAMP MURRAY, WA - The Washington National Guard is pleased to announce the return of 110 of our Guardsmen from Iraq. The valiant men and women of the 1161st Transportation Company, headquartered in Ephrata, Wash., will be arriving at Camp Murray, Tacoma at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, July 30, where they will be greeted by their families and loved ones.

The 1161st, under the command of Captain David Linville, entered active duty in February 2003 for a 12-month tour. In early 2004 the unit was extended for an additional 120 days. The unit spent approximately 15 of their 18 months of activation in Iraq, shuttling critical cargo and supplies across that combat zone in their unique "Palletized Loading System" (PLS) trucks. During their deployment the 1161st successfully completed nearly 14,000 missions, and drove over 1,000,000 miles.

The Washington National Guard has not had a complete unit — like the 1161st Transportation Company — on Federal Active Duty for this length of time since World War II.

This event is not open to the public, although media are invited to attend, provided they RSVP by phone or e-mail to this office prior to 4:30 PM Friday. Media may arrive as early as 9:00 PM that evening, and report to the main gate of Camp Murray.

There will be an opportunity for media to speak with families prior to the arrival of troops, and another opportunity to speak with families and troops following a brief ceremony.

As of yesterday, the 1161st was still on the ground in Kuwait. Because of the distances involved and the number of connecting flights, there is a possibility for unexpected delays. More information about this unit and their deployment can be found on our website, under the Current Operations section at http://www.washingtonguard.com/operations.htm and on our main website at http://www.washingtonguard.com.