Skip to content
Home
>
News
>
Mississippi National Guard airmen,...

Mississippi National Guard airmen, soldiers deployed to support Operation Epic Fury

By: Frank Corder - March 13, 2026

(Photo from the MS National Guard on Facebook, June 2025)

  • Governor Tate Reeves said the residents of the state are praying for those deployed in harm’s way in the Middle East.

Members of the Mississippi National Guard have been deployed to support the Trump administration’s Operation Epic Fury that is waging an assault on Iran’s military installations in an effort to ensure the country does not acquire nuclear weapons.

According to a statement from the Mississippi National Guard shared on social media, airmen and soldiers from the 186th Air Refueling Wing, 172d Airlift Wing, 2-20th Special Forces Battalion, and Special Operations Detachment deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury.

“Mississippi’s Airmen and Soldiers stand ready to serve wherever they are needed,” said Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., Adjutant General of Mississippi. “Supporting this operation highlights the training, commitment and capability that define the Mississippi National Guard.”

Ginn said working together as a joint force, Mississippi National Guard Airmen and Soldiers strengthen the total force supporting operations around the world.

Governor Tate Reeves said in a statement that the residents of the state are praying for those deployed in harm’s way.

“Mississippi is praying for the brave members of the Mississippi National Guard and all U.S. Service Members who have been deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury,” Governor Reeves said. “Our state’s guardsmen are truly the best of the best, and Mississippi will always be grateful to them and their families for courageously defending our nation.”

The operation in Iran is completing its second week. Thus far, 13 U.S. services members have died in the Middle East conflict.

About the Author(s)
author profile image

Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com
Previous Story
Next Story