Twenty-seven members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard are leaving for duty in support of the war in Iraq.

The members of the 143rd Civil Engineering Squadron, 143rd Airlift Wing, based in North Kingstown, will be providing support before and after attacks, and working on passive defense, according to a statement from the Guard. The guardsmen and women will also work with the Air Force handling engineering and operations responsibilities and helping to maintain airfields and base encampments.

A formal departure ceremony is set for tonight at 6 at the Quonset Air National Guard Base auditorium, 13 Minuteman Way, in North Kingstown.