Daily News Photo by SEAN McCOY V.I. National Guard soldiers take part in a deployment ceremony Sunday at Leonard B. Francis Armory on St. Thomas.

Relatives bid farewell to members of the Virgin Islands National Guard 786th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion over the weekend on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

The 73 guardsmen - including three members of the V.I. Air National Guard - will begin a one-year deployment to Guantanamo Bay on Nov. 2.

Family members, dignitaries and National Guard members gathered at Leonard B. Francis Armory on St. Thomas on Sunday to send off 46 of the guardsmen who reside on St. Thomas and St. John. People prayed and sang during the emotional send-off.

Brig. Gen. Timothy Lake, Deputy Joint Force Commander at Guantanamo Bay, said the soldiers are prepared for their mission.

"I am proud to serve with each and every one of you," Lake said.

Daily News Photo by CRISTIAN SIMESCU Sgt. Latoya Letang, left and Staff Sgt. Gary Green sing Saturday during a deployment ceremony for the 786th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at the University of the Virgin Islands cafetorium on St. Croix.

Lake is a graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School.

On St. Croix, the farewell ceremony took place Saturday at the University of the Virgin Islands cafetorium.

The St. Croix contingent of soldiers, including three from the V.I. Air National Guard's 285th Combat Communication Squadron, will join the rest of the battalion from St. Thomas heading for Guantanamo Bay.

The ceremony included speeches from several National Guard leaders and government officials.

Company commander First Lt. Josephine Hector Murphy said the deployment comes in a time of great need for the nation and promised to bring every member of the battalion home safely.

"I am very honored to be charged with this responsibility," she said.

State Command Sergeant Major Barry Fredericks said the group heading for Guantanamo Bay was one of the most experienced to be deployed by the Guard.

Fredericks said that although the mission will not be in an active war zone, it will not be a vacation. He said the mission is delicate and vital.

Lake said he is looking forward to leading the soldiers on the mission. "Although your loved ones aren't going into a combat zone, there are dangers," he said. He vowed to bring all of the soldiers home safe.

"We go there with great hearts to do this nation's work," Lake said.

V.I. Adjutant General Renaldo Rivera said soldiers returning for second and third tours of duty deserve a lot of praise.

Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis told the soldiers to "make us proud and remember we support you 100 percent."