in early 2007, the company c of the 1st battalion was mobilized for a deployment in support of operation iraqi freedom under the command of 1st battalion, 143rd field artillery of the california army national guard. after completing training at fort dix, new jersey, the company moved to camp slayer in baghdad, iraq and conducted force protection, convoy security, and military police missions throughout the country. during their six months in iraq, they completed over 250 successful combat missions, including the care and custody of over 2,000 detainees and escorting numerous high-profile detainees to iraqi courts in baghdad. on 22 february 2008, the company transferred responsibility to charlie company, 1st battalion, 279th infantry regiment of the oklahoma army national guard. in march 2008, the company returned to los alamitos. the company received a meritorious unit commendation for their service pursuant to department of the army permanent orders 272-43 dated 29 september 2009.