About this Unit
The 528th Engineer Battalion is a unit of the Louisiana Army National Guard, headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. It traces its lineage to earlier engineer units in the Louisiana Guard, supporting both state and federal missions. The battalion has provided critical engineer support during domestic emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods, as well as overseas deployments in support of operations like Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 528th Engineer Battalion specializes in construction, route clearance, and infrastructure repair, playing a vital role in both combat and humanitarian missions.
Historical Facts
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Louisiana Roots: The 528th Engineer Battalion is part of the Louisiana Army National Guard, with its headquarters located in Monroe, Louisiana.
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World War II Lineage: The battalion traces its lineage back to the 105th Engineer Battalion, which served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Disaster Response: The 528th Engineer Battalion has been crucial in responding to numerous natural disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Isaac, providing engineering support, debris removal, and recovery assistance.
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Overseas Deployments: Members of the 528th have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting route clearance, construction, and base improvement missions.
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Bridges and Roads: The unit specializes in horizontal and vertical construction, including building roads, bridges, airfields, and other critical infrastructure in both combat and peacetime environments.
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Subordinate Units: The battalion commands several companies, such as the 830th, 832nd, and 921st Engineer Companies, each with unique engineering specialties.
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Community Projects: The 528th has contributed to local Louisiana communities through projects like building playgrounds, renovating schools, and improving public facilities as part of Innovative Readiness Training (IRT).
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Distinctive Insignia: The battalion's crest features a pelican, the state bird of Louisiana, symbolizing its deep connection to the state and its people.
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Combat and Peacetime Honors: The unit has received multiple commendations and awards for both its combat service overseas and its exceptional performance in stateside missions.
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Training Excellence: The 528th is known for its rigorous annual training exercises, such as construction projects at military training sites and support for the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program.