This week, the Montana National Guard’s 1052nd Firefighting Detachment deploys to Europe for an approximately year-long mission, continuing the Guard’s long-standing role in supporting U.S. operations overseas while maintaining readiness to respond at home.
The unit held a deployment ceremony on Fort Harrison, in Helena. Family members, friends, community leaders, and fellow Montana Soldiers and Airmen attended in recognition of the Soldiers’ service and commitment.
The 1052nd Firefighting Detachment, while one of the state’s smaller units, is highly specialized in fire protection and emergency response capabilities, supporting installations and operations in complex environments. Comprised of citizen-Soldiers from communities across Montana, the unit brings professional expertise, disciplined training, and a strong sense of pride to the mission.
Over the past year, personnel assigned to the 1052nd have completed rigorous and comprehensive training designed to prepare them for the full spectrum of firefighting and emergency response operations. This training included live-burn exercises on aircraft and structures, as well as vehicle extraction and medical response training. In addition, the unit conducted focused training to strengthen teamwork, leadership, and operational effectiveness, ensuring the detachment is fully prepared to execute its mission overseas.
The 1052nd is one of four firefighting detachments within the Montana National Guard. While the 1052nd deploys overseas, the three remaining firefighting detachments will remain in Montana, ready to provide fire and emergency response support—as required—to both state and federal missions, ensuring continued readiness at home.
“This deployment reflects the continued global demand for the Montana National Guard’s capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Trent Gibson, Montana’s Adjutant General. “I have great confidence in these Soldiers and leaders. They represent the very best of our Guard and embody our promise to be always here and always ready—ready to support the nation overseas while continuing to protect and serve the people of Montana.”
While overseas, the 1052nd will work alongside U.S. forces and partner nations, strengthening relationships and contributing to regional security and readiness. Their deployment underscores the Guard’s dual mission of supporting federal operations abroad while remaining prepared to respond to emergencies at home.
As the unit departs, leaders emphasized the importance of family and community support throughout the deployment.
“These Soldiers are leaving behind families, employers, and communities who make their service possible,” Gibson added. “Their sacrifice—and the support behind them—matters, and we are deeply grateful.”
