California National Guard Soldiers Leave for the Middle East

California National Guard soldiers board a plane at Mather Airport. (Courtesy: California National Guard)

Posted: Nov 6, 2016 / 02:15 PM PST

Updated: Nov 6, 2016 / 02:15 PM PST

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MATHER — Around 150 soldiers flew out of Mather Airport Sunday to start the first leg of their deployment to the Middle East.

The California National Guard’s 649th Engineer Company, based out of Chico, Lakeport and Red Bluff, will be flying to a mobilization duty station before leaving for the Middle East in 2017.

The soldiers, led by 1st Lt. Ron Eberhardt and 1st Sgt. David Adlard, will be utilizing their training in road and airfield construction while overseas.

National Guard unit leadership from across the state gathered to send the soldiers off.