MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) -- Warbirds returned home from a five-month rotation at Andersen AFB, Guam, Feb. 23 at Dock 9 here.
Nearly 300 Airmen and more than five B-52H Stratofortresses were deployed to maintain a strategic bomber presence in the U.S. Pacific Air Command.
"It is absolutely important to send our Airmen to the PAC theater," said Col. Steven Basham, 5th Bomb Wing vice commander. "It communicates our dedication to that theater and provides security for our nation."
Minot Airmen participated in many sorties while enjoying the tropical island, but the most memorable for Lt. Col. Michael Swift, 5th Operations Group vice commander and highest ranking from Minot while deployed, was their participation in 'Red Flag-Alaska.'
"We performed very well during the Red Flag scenarios," Colonel Swift said. "Overall, supporting the mission, a strong bomber presence, kept us very busy. Yet, we had opportunities to enjoy our time on the island."
Colonel Swift was not the only Warbird who found time to enjoy his stay in Guam. Airman 1st Class Terry Garren, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, reflected on his favorite places to visit.
"With our spare time, we found trails to hike and a couple great waterfalls to jump off," he said.
With all these great adventures available, the Airmen did keep Operational Risk Management in mind, especially since they were there to keep their jets in the air.
"It was great to be a dedicated crew chief," continued Airman Garren. "Being able to support just one particular jet was a great experience."
The enlisted force were not the only beneficiaries of the deployment. Colonel Basham spoke of the importance the deployment had for his flyers as well.
"This was a great opportunity for our aviators to train in the PAC environment and get to know new terrain," he said. "During Red Flag Alaska, the crews flew with their Navy brethren, which provides for great awareness of our overall mission."
He also said flying off an island is a lot different than flying out of Minot; a training opportunity like this is always an irreplaceable asset to the aviators' flexibility.
However, being home with family and friends is always nice after a long deployment. This is especially the case for the family of Master Sgt. Frank Cowper, 5th AMXS production manager.
"It has been a long time coming and I missed them a lot," Sergeant Cowper said.
His wife Michelle, and their two children, Gannon and Sylvia, were there eagerly awaiting his return.
"That is a long time to be away from your daddy," Mrs. Cowper said. "Neither one of them slept last night; they were so excited."
The Cowper family was not the only family reunited; the dock was full with family members, co-workers and commanders all awaiting the return of their husbands, wives and friends.
After a reintegration briefing scheduled for Feb. 24, and about two weeks of rest and relaxation time, the returnees will officially be back in the nest.
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)