230 Conn. soldiers headed to Afghanistan

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Nearly 230 Connecticut National Guard soldiers are headed to Afghanistan to help transport personnel and supplies by air and ground.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy attended a send-off ceremony for the soldiers Tuesday afternoon at the William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford.

About 170 soldiers with the 1048th Transportation Co. of Stratford and another 60 soldiers with the 104th Aviation Regiment of Windsor Locks are headed overseas.

The Connecticut National Guard now has more than 550 soldiers and airmen deployed in Afghanistan.

It's the third deployment to southwest Asia for the 104th Aviation Regiment and the second deployment for the transportation company. The 104th will provide air support, including transporting equipment and personnel.

The 1048th Transportation Company will move cargo, including refrigerated goods and bulk water on the ground.