116th MBCT begins federal active duty with ceremony
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 support and defend our constitution of the United States, and you all have answered a call that demands so much from you and from your loved ones. On behalf of every single Virginian, all 8.7 million of us, I want to say thank you for your selfless commitment to our commonwealth and to our country.”
“Here we are in the presence of one of the most storied brigades in the United States Army,” said Williams during the ceremony. “From before our revolution to the multi-domain battlefield of today, you have answered the call. As you prepare to deploy, your presence, the best of our nation, present the best of our nation, the best of our commonwealth, the best of our communities.”
“The Soldiers of the 116th have trained hard and are ready for any challenges they may face,” said Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “As Adjutant General, I’m extremely proud of the work these men and women have put in to maximize their readiness, and I’m confident in their ability to support peace and stability operations in the CENTCOM region.”
The deployment is a historic one, as the 116th becomes the first Army National Guard brigade to mobilize as a mobile brigade combat team. The unit transformed from an infantry brigade combat team to an MBCT in late 2025 before validating the concept during a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center earlier in 2026. The new force structure incorporates unmanned aerial systems and electronic warfare capabilities, showcasing Virginia's role at the leading edge of military innovation.
“I am proud to stand in front of this storied brigade as its commander, and I am especially proud of our Soldiers and the work they have put in to getting ready for this mobilization,” said Gallavan. “Thanks to their determination, resilience, teamwork and perseverance, the 116th is trained and ready to accomplish any mission asked of us.”
The mobilization is the latest in the storied history of the 116th, which traces its roots back to colonial America and Virginia militias which fought in the Revolutionary War. The brigade saw combat in both World Wars, and has conducted peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“You couldn't be more ready,” said Samulski. “You represent the best of Virginia, the best of the United States Army, and the mission ahead is important and you will execute it with confidence and character. That is what this brigade is known for.”
Senior leaders noted the exceptional service of the Soldiers of the 116th, and also the support of their families, loved ones and employers.
“It’s impossible to overstate the role all of our supporting elements play in ensuring our readiness and resolve,” said Gallavan. “That includes the unwavering support of our loved ones, co-workers and employers. That cornerstone of support is vital during drills and training, and even more important during a mobilization.”
”I can’t thank our Guard families, loved ones and employers enough for what they do to support our military service members,” said Ring. “Without their support, we can't accomplish our mission," said Ring.
The 116th’s mobilization is a pre-planned, scheduled deployment followingmonths of intensive pre-mobilization training, validation exercises and mission readiness preparation. The CENTCOM mission is just one in the VaARNG’s current support to national and international security.
“In addition to the CENTCOM missions, the VaARNG continues to project security and stability across multiple continents, including at the Southwest Border of the United States, in the U.S. Africa Command Area of Operations and within the U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility,” said Ring.
Despite the large number of VNG troops mobilizing, the organization continues to stand ready to respond at home if called upon.
“The Virginia National Guard continues to maintain dedicated, rapid-response domestic elements to include high-water clearance vehicles, search and rescue units, and debris clearance teams,” said Ring. “The safety, security and emergency response capabilities within the commonwealth will remain seamless and uncompromised.”
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