Warbirds return home

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  More than 300 children, spouses and friends crowded into a hangar here to welcome home more than 200 deployed Airmen from the 23rd Bomb Squadron, 5th Maintenance Group and other units throughout Minot Air Force Base, Sept. 1.

Their five-month deployment to Andersen AFB, Guam, was in direct support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence designed to enhance security in the Asia-Pacific region by providing prudent deterrent capability.

Airmen deployed in March earlier this year, replacing the 96th Bomb Squadron assigned to Barksdale AFB, La.

Lt. Col. Brandon Parker, 23rd BS commander, said he couldn't be prouder of the fantastic accomplishments of the returning Airmen.

While in theater, his team had the distinct opportunity of working alongside sister service members from the U.S. Navy in joint conventional training exercises, as well as working alongside international partners and allies.

"It adds a different dimension to operations," said Parker. "At some point in our career we have to serve overseas, and I'm proud of the sense of fulfillment, especially for folks who deployed for their first time."

One of those first-time deployers was Staff Sgt. Megan McCoy, 5th MXG scheduler. For her, it took some adjusting, but she easily became accustomed to the deployment environment as time progressed. Like with any deployment for service members, one of the toughest challenges for McCoy was being away from family.

She was not alone in that respect; however, with the ever-changing dynamic of technology, the internet played a crucial role in helping to maintain communication despite being thousands of miles away from loved ones.

Staff Sgt. Chris Kenney, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman, and his wife Amanda Kenney, said they used social media and video teleconferencing as much as possible to keep in touch. For them the use of social media has made each deployment a bit smoother to deal with.

"This is my second time deploying," said Sergeant Kenny. "It has really tested me."

It is something the family has slowly learned to adjust to, explained Amanda. For them, it is something they're beginning to become accustomed with the help of technology, she added.

Likewise for Staff Sgt. Aubree Peterman, 5th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment craftsman, social media and video teleconferencing were essential for keeping in constant communication with her son.

There were phases her son went through while adjusting to the departure, explained Peterman. It was during these exceptional moments of separation that the use of video conferencing helped calm the nerves of absence.

Although there are difficulties associated with being away from friends and family, one must remain focused on the mission, added Peterman. By concentrating on the mission, her unit was recognized at the wing-level for outstanding achievement, justifying the separation from loved ones.

For now the returnees will enjoy time off reintegrating with family before continuing on with the everyday duties here.

"We have a lot going on this fall," said Parker. "We look forward to settling back into the mission."

To view more photos of the Warbirds' return, click HERE