Every Friday, communities across America wear red—not just as a color, but as a solemn and united pledge: Remember Everyone Deployed. At the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin, RED FRIDAY serves as more than a tradition. It is a call to pause, reflect, and recognize the quiet courage of our deployed U.S. service members and the resilient families who stand behind them.
As aircraft carriers patrol distant seas, and boots hit the ground in regions far from home, tens of thousands of brave men and women remain forward-deployed in defense of our freedoms. Whether navigating the straits of the Middle East, flying electronic warfare missions from sea-based squadrons, or providing logistical support in Europe or the Indo-Pacific, these troops carry the weight of America’s national security on their shoulders.
But they do not serve alone. Behind each service member is a family that answers the call in their own way—spouses who become solo parents, children who mark birthdays and holidays with video calls, and parents who keep hope close while their sons and daughters serve oceans away.
This RED FRIDAY, we especially acknowledge the recent homecomings of units like Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-144 and the Sailors of the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group—who completed an eight-month deployment across two global fleets. We also recognize the more than 500 New York Army National Guard Soldiers who have just deployed to the Middle East, and the countless others currently in harm’s way across the globe.
For the families who remain stateside, the strength shown during months of separation is no less extraordinary. Homecomings are cherished—but until that day comes, the support of our communities can make all the difference. Displaying a red shirt, flying a flag, or offering a kind word to a military spouse is a simple yet powerful way to say: You are not forgotten.
From every corner of the nation—Connecticut to California—let today be a day of visible support. Our service members may be deployed, but they are never alone.
We Remember Everyone Deployed. Always.
500 New York Army National Guard Soldiers Deploy Overseas with 42nd Infantry Division in June 2025
1 June 2025
In June 2025, approximately 500 soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division are deploying overseas for a nearly year-long mission. These soldiers will assume command of Task Force Spartan in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, replacing the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division. Their responsibilities will include coordinating operations, supporting partner nations, and enhancing regional stability across Southwest Asia.
The 42nd Infantry Division, headquartered in Troy, New York, is no stranger to such missions. This marks the second time the division will lead Task Force Spartan, having previously served in the same role from March to November 2020. Known as the “Rainbow Division” since its formation in 1917, the unit was originally comprised of National Guard units from multiple states to represent the diversity of the country. The division has a distinguished history, including combat roles in World War I and World War II, and the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in 1945. It was also one of the first National Guard units deployed to Iraq in 2005 to lead Task Force Liberty and has been instrumental in domestic operations such as the response to the September 11 attacks.
To prepare for this overseas deployment, the 500 soldiers will first report to Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania for initial training and unit integration. Following this, they will head to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas, where they will transition to federal active-duty status and undergo mission-specific training. The deployment itself is expected to last approximately 11 months, with soldiers returning in mid-2026.
Farewell ceremonies were held across three New York State locations on June 1, 2025, providing family members and communities the opportunity to honor the deploying troops. In Garden City, the largest of the events took place at the Nassau County Police Academy, where approximately 240 soldiers were joined by over 1,000 family and community members. Major General Jack James, the commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division, addressed the crowd, expressing deep pride in the soldiers’ preparedness and gratitude for the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
In Albany, about 180 soldiers gathered with their families at the Empire State Convention Center. Major General Michele Natali, Assistant Adjutant General for the Army, offered words of support to the families and encouraged soldiers to maintain the division’s strong reputation. Meanwhile, in Syracuse, nearly 80 soldiers and over 450 guests attended a ceremony at the National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University. Brigadier General Patrick Clare, Assistant Division Commander for Support, emphasized the importance of unit cohesion and mutual support throughout the deployment.
This deployment reaffirms the New York Army National Guard’s essential role in both global and domestic security. These citizen-soldiers, drawn from communities across New York, are once again answering the call to serve on the international stage with professionalism, honor, and dedication. Their mission in 2025 continues the proud legacy of the 42nd Infantry Division and the enduring spirit of the National Guard.
USS Harry S. Truman Returns to Norfolk After 8-Month Combat-Intensive Deployment
1 June 2025
On June 1, 2025, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and its carrier strike group returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, concluding an eight-month deployment marked by intense combat operations, strategic missions, and operational challenges.
The Truman Strike Group, which departed in September 2024, operated across the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the North Sea. The group consisted of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), and nine embarked squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 1.
Throughout the deployment, the strike group participated in NATO’s Neptune Strike 24-2, conducted high-level joint exercises, and made port calls in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, France, Croatia, and Greece. These efforts reinforced partnerships and demonstrated naval strength in key regions.
Combat operations defined much of the Truman’s mission:
- In March 2025, during Operation Rough Rider, the strike group launched more than 50 consecutive days of airstrikes and Tomahawk missile attacks against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. These operations aimed to protect international shipping lanes and degrade enemy capabilities.
- On February 1, 2025, the group carried out the largest airstrike ever launched from an aircraft carrier, dropping over 124,000 pounds of ordnance on ISIS targets in Somalia.
- Over the course of the deployment, the strike group completed more than 13,000 sorties and 25,000 flight hours while sailing over 240,000 nautical miles.
Despite its operational success, the deployment came with challenges:
- Three F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets were lost due to separate incidents, including a towing mishap, a landing failure, and a friendly fire event.
- In February 2025, the USS Harry S. Truman collided with a commercial vessel near Port Said, Egypt, causing damage and prompting the relief of the ship’s commanding officer.
After months of high-tempo missions, the sailors of the Truman Strike Group were welcomed home by thousands of loved ones. Captain Christopher Hill, the Truman’s commanding officer, commended the crew’s resilience and dedication, while Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, strike group commander, praised their combat readiness and professionalism.
The return of the USS Harry S. Truman highlights the strength and resolve of the U.S. Navy. Its sailors executed complex operations across multiple theaters, reaffirming America’s global maritime presence and setting a high bar for future deployments.
Welcome Home, VAQ-144: Main Battery Returns from Historic 8-Month Deployment
June 2025
The Main Battery of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144 has returned home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island following an eight-month deployment at sea with the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. The squadron landed on the first weekend of June 2025 after successfully completing operations across the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas.
This marked VAQ-144’s inaugural deployment—a milestone filled with challenges, accomplishments, and critical contributions to global maritime security. Throughout the mission, the squadron executed complex electronic attack operations, supporting joint and allied forces across key regions of strategic importance. Their service included combat operations and support across dynamic theaters in both the Middle East and Europe.
Commanding Officer Cmdr. Brant Schmall reflected on the momentous homecoming:
“VAQ-144 is excited to return home from its inaugural deployment and greet loved ones after a challenging but rewarding eight months at sea,” he said. “The Main Battery exceeded lofty expectations throughout all facets of the deployment culminating in combat operations. Several milestones were achieved during this deployment including being awarded the Battle ‘E’ and Safety ‘S’, continuing a proud Main Battery heritage.”
The Battle Effectiveness Award (“Battle E”) recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment, while the Safety “S” highlights the squadron’s excellence in mission safety and risk management—both exceptional accomplishments for a first deployment.
Families, friends, and fellow service members were on hand to welcome the aircrews and maintenance teams back to Whidbey Island, where reunions were filled with joy, pride, and deep gratitude. The success of this deployment has further solidified VAQ-144’s place in the proud legacy of Navy electronic warfare, and the squadron now returns home more seasoned and united than ever before.
Bravo Zulu, Main Battery—welcome home!
