NEWINGTON, Conn. (AP) – A medical unit of the Connecticut National Guard is heading home from Iraq after an 18-month deployment.

The unit is expected to arrive in Fort Drum, New York on Thursday before returning to Connecticut sometime next week, said Maj. Gen. William A. Cugno.

“The families and I look forward to their return to home station in Newington,” he said.

The unit has served in Kuwait and throughout Iraq. Its main duty was to assist combat hospitals. It is comprised of doctors, nurses, medics and other support personnel.

Cugno said members of the unit will be released from active duty by summer.