Moody Air Force Base, Ga. -- Approximately 350 Airmen and 12 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returned from a six-month theater security package deployment throughout Eastern Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, March 31, 2016, here.
“We came together to do one mission: to deter aggression at the eastern border and to reassure NATO alliances and we were very successful in doing that,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Bryan France, 74th EFS commander.
France also mentioned that working with 14 different nations presented its challenges, but they were able to overcome it every time.
“I would say I am most proud of when I saw Airmen [from the rank of] Captain to a ‘one-striper’ Airman work with their NATO counterparts, who’s primary language isn’t English,” said France. “Sometimes [they needed] to use translators to communicate, but they were able to establish and uphold standards just like we do every day at Moody. [We were] just in a different location.”
Master Sgt. Jonathon Hewes, 74th EFS, added that being away from home for a long period of time can be difficult for most, but reuniting with your family makes it all worth it.
“I’ve been [deployed] 20 out of the past 36 months, [and every time I return], it’s exciting to get back and spend time with them again,” said Hewes.
“The best word to describe the feeling of being gone for so many months and stepping off the aircraft to see your family is: elation,” France added. “That feeling is continued as I see other Airmen reunite with their own families.”