The Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) is deploying approximately 200 service members to the National Capitol Region (NCR) to support the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Jan. 20, 2025. The Soldiers and Airmen from the 112th Military Police Battalion, the 172nd Airlift Wing, and the 186th Air Refueling Wing, will deploy from Thompson Field Air National Guard Base in Flowood the morning of Jan. 17, 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared the inauguration a National Special Security Event, calling on the DCNG and their supporting units to assist local authorities during the inauguration, parade, and related activities. The nature of the event poses a potential threat to the continuity of government, members of the three branches of the U.S. Government, residents of the district, and all citizens in attendance. The DHS is expecting a crowd of approximately 800,000 to one million people attending the day’s events.
The MSNG service members will assist the DCNG Joint Task Force with providing Defense Support of Civil Authorities to federal and District of Columbia agencies, ensuring a safe and secure NCR during the 60th Presidential Inauguration. The mission focus of the Guardsmen is to support local and federal agencies with increasing the capacity for public safety and the protection of life and property, ensuring a peaceful transition of Presidential powers.