Families and friends welcome home deployers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Hundreds of family members and fellow Airmen cheered while sirens filled the air in celebration, giving their returning loved ones a hero's welcome.  

Approximately 350 Ellsworth Airmen returned home July 30 from a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia where they provided critical air presence, precision strike, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support combatant commander in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Among those greeted by signs, hugs and cheers was Lt. Col. Joe, 34th Bomb Squadron commander.

"I'm particularly proud of our Airmen, both aircrew and maintainers," Joe said. "They produced and executed over 630 sorties in the six months we were there, putting more than 2000 weapons on target."

Joe explained that no matter the circumstances, the Airmen always came through and never quit.

While to some Airmen deployment is a routine occurrence, others are not so accustomed to the process.

"This was a pretty new experience for me," said Senior Airman Jeffrey, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication and navigation missions systems specialist, having just returned from his first deployment. "My time at Ellsworth definitely prepared me for it though. All the training I've done here made it possible for me to accomplish the mission while deployed."

Jeffrey noted that while he had a tough time after arriving in Southwest Asia, he grew more confident in his role as an expeditionary Airman.

"I'm very proud to be a part of this team," Joe said. "It's very exciting to be back home. The missions we accomplished out there were second to none, but we are all happy to be back and are here for a well-deserved rest."