NORTON -- Approximately 80 Kansas National Guardsmen of the 170th Maintenance Company are deploying in mid-February.

Their mission has changed, and the unit will participate in a base security mission in southwest Asia.

A departure ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at hangar 600, 2720 Arnold Ave., Salina.

The 170th Maintenance Company is headquartered in Norton with a subordinate unit in Colby. The 170th is a subordinate unit of the 287th Special Troop Battalion, Hays.