LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Friends and family turned out in force the evening of April 18 at Langley Air Force Base to welcome home Airmen with the 94th Fighter Squadron from a four-month deployment to Kadena Air Base in Japan.
While deployments are a fact of military life, U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Huyck, 1st Fighter Wing commander, said this particular deployment was a little unusual.
"Deploying a full Theater Security Package like this is something unique for the last couple of years," he said. "Usually in the Air Force we deploy as smaller groups, but doing it this way allows us to become tighter as a squadron and it really reinforces the 'fight like you train, train like you fight' mentality. I couldn't be prouder of them. They did outstanding work integrating with both local forces and Japanese forces."
That "train like you fight" mentality meant the 94th FS deployed with not only their F-22 Raptors, pilots and crewmembers, but maintenance and support staff, including members of the Virginia Air National Guard.
"We had about a quarter of our force from the [Air] National Guard as maintainers and flyers, and they did an outstanding job," said Lt. Col. Jefferson Hawkins, 94th FS commander. "It was absolutely seamless, and it allowed us to integrate with local forces, both U.S. Pacific Command forces and the Japanese Self Defense Forces, with no problems."
Deploying with such a large force is never an easy task, but Hawkins said it's something they are used to, and is part of "what makes the Air Force special."
"Movement and equipment are key components of any operation, and we're used to packing and going at the drop of a hat," he said. "It's a true testament to the capabilities of the Air Force and our people."
Another unique aspect of this particular deployment was the ability to train with live and inert munitions, according to Hawkins.
"We could use the Japanese ranges, and this is the first time in a couple years we've been able to do something like that," he said. "It was great training, and really helped make this deployment something special."
For Hawkins, the deployment was special in another way.
"I lived there for three years, so it was nice to go back and see how things changed or stayed the same," he said. "But I'm glad to be home now. Being away from family and friends is hard, but it's part of the military, and we're doing it for all the people back home, waiting for us."
For the family of Staff Sgt. Ashley Freeman, Sr., this deployment is just one of many they have experienced over the years, but the thrill of being reunited never fades.
"We're stoked to have him back," said Chaunte Freeman, who was there to welcome her husband. "We're so excited and we miss him so much. When he deploys we all feel it, but we can still talk and make it work."