A yearlong deployment to Afghanistan is coming to an end today for the 463rd Medical Detachment at Fort Benning.

A public affairs spokesman said nearly 60 soldiers from the unit are expected to arrive at Lawson Army Airfield this morning for a reception at Freedom Hall.

Over the last year, the soldiers have provided medicine and medical care primarily to military working dogs. Soldiers also conducted food-safety inspections in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dogs have become a big part of the mission in Afghanistan, finding explosives that neither a robot nor person could locate. They also play a role in keeping soldiers safe from improvised explosive devices and land mines.

In addition to taking care of the working dogs, soldiers inspected all the food coming into the installation to make sure it wouldn't cause any foodborne illnesses. A fully capable food analysis lab was among the equipment taken to Afghanistan.

While deployed, the soldiers were led by Lt. Col. Scott Hanna, commander of the detachment.

Their base was in Kandahar.

The detachment was created in 1965 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, deactivated in 1970 and reactivated in October 2010 after 40 years.