By Spc. Duncan Foote | Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS – Continuing the request from the state of Texas and with the approval of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, the Louisiana National Guard’s 61st Troop Command mobilized 50 Soldiers to the Texas border in support of Operation Lone Star to replace the second rotation that arrived in April. This is the third rotation that the LANG will support, with each lasting approximately 30 days.

“Things are beginning to get warm in Texas as the temperature rises,” said Capt. Zach Neely, commander of LANG’s Task Force Lone Star. “Besides the challenge of the heat, the mission is going smoothly. Communication between Louisiana and Texas is still open and productive.”

The LANG Soldiers are assisting the Texas National Guard with patrols along the southern border to prevent, detect and deter illegal migrant crossings. They have an impact on broader security operations by providing additional manpower and resources to address emerging threats, respond to security incidents and enhance situational awareness along the border region.

Neely expressed that the LANG leadership back home is very supportive.

“They continue to remind me that I have whatever support is needed to ensure mission success and take care of our Soldiers,” said Neely.

“The soldiers from the 3-156th exceeded all expectations,” said 1st Sgt. Darron Murray, LANG Task Force Lone Star first sergeant. “Their platoon leadership did a good job preparing them for this mission and setting conditions for them to start day one.”

“The last rotation is coming from the 61st TC, and they are eager to support,” said Neely. “They are leaning forward to prepare their Soldiers and be ready to hit the ground running. They will benefit from all the lessons learned from rotations one and two, I’m excited to see how they perform.”