At the break of a fog-shrouded dawn, members of the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing departed Bradley Airport Tuesday morning for up to six months in the Horn of Africa.

The 103rd Operations Group, 103rd Maintenance Group, 103rd Medical Group and 103rd Mission Support Group, all subordinate units of the 103rd Airlift Wing, deployed with several of the unit’s C-130 aircraft.

The units are deploying for up to six months in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), whose stated mission is “to conduct operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.” (Daniel Passapera/Special, to The Day).