MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, returned here Wednesday.
The Marines and Sailors deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 1/12 Marines were assigned to Task Force Military Police, conducting security operations, while the Ugly Angels of HMH-362 provided air support under 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
“We dropped troops off at the camps that they needed to be at and dropped supplies for them,” said Staff Sgt. Jaime Cortez, maintenance administrative chief, HMH-362. “My main highlight of this deployment was having successful missions and us returning home safely, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the main body returning home safely.”
While the Marines were deployed, their families anxiously waited for their return.
“It’s awesome having him back home because I missed him tons,” Staff Sgt. Cortez’s wife said, after a long embrace. “Before he left I had a lot of anxiety and nervousness because of the fact that he was going but now I’m relieved. I’m just happy he’s home.”
Though the Marines and Sailors are happy to be back home, some feel they should be back in Iraq.
“It’s alright being back home but in a way I wish I was still there,” said Cpl. Michael Cunningham, motor transportation, Bravo Battery, 1/12. “It’s weird but that’s how I feel.”
The rest of the Marines and Sailors with 1/12 and HMH-362 return here later this month.