Military

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) -- When 24 F-16CJ aircraft touched down in waves on Spangdahlem Air Base's runway 23R, even the casual observer realized there was something special in the air; for what distinguished these landings from others is simple: these pilots have just returned from war.

High-spirited family members and other base personnel gathered at the 23rd Fighter Squadron headquarters here May 1 to greet the returning 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadron pilots.

Tears, laughter, hugs and handshakes abounded as weather-beaten, but bright-eyed, pilots trickled into the reception area to reunite with loved ones.

"Elation" is how Maj. Gen. Michael Wooley, the 3rd Air Force commander, described the mood.

"I'm so proud of all the warriors, not just in these squadrons, but the entire wing," Wooley said. "It takes everybody to be a part of this."

The jets, pilots and support people from the fighter squadrons left for the U.S. Central Command area of operations in mid-January to a forward operating location in support of the build-up for and the eventual Iraqi Freedom operations.

The F-16CJ's, fulfilling their primary "Wild Weasel" mission of suppressing enemy air defenses, destroyed Iraqi radar sites during the 27-day war. In addition, the Spangdahlem fighter pilots also escorted bombers and other fighter jets during their time in the skies over Iraq.

The skies over Germany's Eifel region seemed much more inviting to the returning pilots. Lt. Col. Hank Reed, 22nd FS commander, recalled the moment he made his descent into Spangdahlem.

"It was an awesome feeling seeing the base from the air. I told myself I'd land carefully but I still had a firm touchdown," he said with a smile. "It's great to be home -- the first thing on the agenda is to give my wife a great, big hug."

Stephanie Reed is one of numerous key spouses who, during her husband's near four-month deployment, was able to seek solace from her peers.

"I found a lot of support through the spouses groups and our monthly newsletters, which really helped keep people informed," Mrs. Reed said. "The spouses and the base in general have shown an unbelievable amount of strength, courage and grace."

According to 1st Lt. Leigh Noel, a 22nd FS F-16CJ pilot who welcomed back her colleagues, the respective "Stingers" and "Hawks" squadrons don't plan to rest on their laurels now that they've returned.

"We've been conducting 'Stawk' (stinger and hawk) operations, and really working together to stay sharp in training so that we're prepared for the next conflict should it happen. We're maintaining full-up scenarios in which we learn to fight a variety of aircraft," she said.

The wing commander was among those on hand to commend the readiness and victory of the returning Team Eifel members.

"Our people and those that remained on base worked extremely well together to achieve victory and freedom for the Iraqi citizens," said Col. Stephen Mueller, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "It's wonderful to have our team back, safe and sound with their loved ones."