NEW CASTLE — Henry County Prosecutor Kit Crane has been called back to active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Crane, 51, a reservist since 1981, said he will be serving with the Office of Military Commissions in Washington, D.C. The office is charged with providing both the prosecution and defense of the detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he said.

“Ironically, I’ll be part of the defense,” Crane said Monday.

Crane, Henry County’s prosecutor for 14 years, reported to duty on Dec. 29. This tour is being limited to not more than 12 months.

It’s the second time in the last few years that Crane has been called to active duty. He previously served for 14 months, spending 12 in Iraq between February 2004 and February 2005.

Crane said he will remain prosecutor, communicating with his office via phone and e-mail. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jerry Miller will oversee the day-to-day office operations.