Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held for New Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center in Lake Charles

The Louisiana National Guard celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Readiness Center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles today, marking a significant milestone for the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. The new 60,391-square-foot facility, owned by the State of Louisiana Military Department, replaced the aging center, which had been serving the region since the 1950s.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, who spoke at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of the new center. “I know the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion will appreciate this facility for many, many years to come,” Friloux noted. The readiness center will house over 200 soldiers and features state-of-the-art technology to support both administrative work and critical training.

It has a “campus-like feel,” said Friloux. The facility includes separate areas for administration, training, and shared spaces such as classrooms and an auditorium. The cutting-edge audio-visual systems will enhance operational planning, especially in times of disaster response, such as hurricanes or when preparing soldiers for deployment.

The new Readiness Center stands as a symbol of progress and resilience, ensuring that Louisiana’s soldiers have access to modern facilities to support their critical mission.