AKARNG Deploys to Kosovo for NATO Peacekeeping Mission

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The Alaska Army National Guard’s 134th Public Affairs Detachment held a deployment ceremony December 16, 2025, to recognize four Soldiers preparing to deploy to Kosovo in support of Kosovo Force (KFOR) 36.

134th Public Affairs Detachment Deploys to Kosovo

The unit will deploy for nine months as part of KFOR, a NATO-led international peacekeeping mission supported by the U.S. military to promote stability and security in Europe. KFOR’s mission, established following the Kosovo conflict in 1999, focuses on maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all people in the region.

“This deployment represents far more than a geographic movement for the 134th Public Affairs Detachment, it reflects two decades of professionalism, adaptability and trust earned through service at home and abroad,” said Col. Christopher Stutz, rear detachment commander of the 297th Regional Support Group.

The detachment will provide public affairs and strategic communications support to U.S. and allied forces conducting peacekeeping operations. This deployment marks the unit’s first overseas mobilization in 20 years.

The 134th Public Affairs Detachment recently supported the Alaska Organized Militia’s response to Typhoon Halong and documented the evacuation of survivors from Western Alaska. The unit also focuses on community outreach, strengthening relationships between the Guard and Alaskan communities.

Stutz stated the unit’s recent operational tempo has strengthened its readiness for the overseas mission. “From responding to Typhoon Halong to documenting historic evacuations in Western Alaska, this detachment has repeatedly proven its ability to operate under pressure and deliver when it matters most,” he said.

The unit previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 as the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, supporting combined operations to publicize and document military training, humanitarian, and civic-action exercises. Following that deployment, the 117th MPAD was redesignated as the 134th PAD.

The unit will mobilize to Fort Hood, Texas, in January before conducting final training validation in Germany prior to arriving in Kosovo. Pfc. Azavyon McFarland, a recent Basic Combat Training graduate, expressed his excitement about honing his public affairs skills during his first deployment.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to deploy alongside this fantastic group of leaders,” McFarland said. “I’m excited to see a new country and all there is to learn about this career field.”