Ellsworth Airmen return home from Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 190 Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing were welcomed home after a 189-day deployment to Southwest Asia, July 28.

The Airmen returned home from an Air Expeditionary Force rotation in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

During their deployment the 28th Maintenance Squadron, one of several squadrons within the 28 BW to deploy, met mission requirements and established records for putting bombs on target faster with less ground time.

"We improved mission capabilities and set a new standard," said Senior Airman Candice Thomas, 28 MXS aircraft electrical and environmental systems journeyman.

This was the first deployment for Airman Thomas, who said she was looking forward to celebrating her homecoming with friends next weekend in Deadwood, S.D.

Among the crowd of supporters was Staff Sgt. Anthony Franchina, 28 AMXS aircraft hydraulic systems craftsman, who came to welcome home returning co-workers.

"My co-workers are going to get together with their families so we don't have any formal plans," said Sergeant Franchina. "It's time to get back to work."

The deployment proved to be a positive experience for Airman Thomas who said everyone was supportive.

"The Airmen who have been deployed there before take you under their wing and tell you what to bring and not to bring as well as what to do and what not to do," said Senior Airman Thomas. "I felt prepared and everyone was willing to help each other out."

Along with Airman Thomas and other Airmen from 28 MXS, the 28th Bomb Wing also deployed Airmen from the 34th Bomb Squadron, 28th Operations Support Squadron, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 28th Munitions Squadron, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 28th Medical Operations Squadron.

"It's important to come and show support for our returning Airmen," said Col. Steven Hiss, 28 BW vice commander, who was one of the first to shake hands with and welcome Airmen back home as they walked off the plane. "I'm proud of what they have accomplished and it's good to be here to let them know all the hard work they've put in is appreciated."