By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile, AL – Another Alabama National Guard unit is preparing to deploy to Iraq. One hundred thirty-five soldiers assigned to Mobile-based 690th Chemical Company began mobilizing Friday in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They will join an advance party of 25 soldiers from the unit who have been on active duty since last month. The 690th's tour of duty will last for up to 18 months. It will mainly serve as a security force in military operations.