MACG-38 returns
Marine Corps News
Release Date: 6/5/2003
Story by Sgt. John Sayas
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(May 27, 2003) -- Approximately 292 Marines of Marine Air Control Group 38 returned here May 27. The unit was deployed in several waves in late January and early February in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Marines flew in on a commercial airline and were greeted by a crowd of family and friends who waited anxiously in Hangar 4 and along the station flight line waving flags and banners welcoming home some of America's heroes.
Penni Little and her two children were one of many families who came to greet loved ones.
She said it was a relief seeing her husband, Gunnery Sgt. Bobby A. Little, after four months.
She wrote letters, sent care packages, and spent time at church with her children to help cope with her husband being gone.
Now, there is nothing but smiles and pure happiness for the whole family.
"I am happy to be home," said Little, communications chief, Detachment B, Marine Air Control Squadron 1. "All the Marines did a good job out there. Everything went real smooth."
Little, who made his first real-world deployment during his 16-years in the Marine Corps, based his unit's success on the numerous training exercises they conducted prior to their deployment to Iraq.
The training helped them accomplish their overall mission, which includes providing and conducting airspace control and management within the Marine air-ground task force's area of operation. They also conduct anti-air warfare operations to include the coordination and control of aircraft and surface-to-air missiles, assault support operations, air reconnaissance missions, and offensive air support operations.
"I can't say enough about (the training)," he said. "The training we received here really helped out a lot."
Cpl. Sergio A. Hernandez, driver, Staff Secretary Office, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, did not deploy to Iraq, but traveled to Miramar from Camp Pendleton to meet with his brother, Edgar, who did.
It was tough for him to think that he had a brother fighting a war, but was glad to see him come back safe.
"I can't wait to go hang out, do stuff we don't do all the time," said the Palmdale, Calif., native.
Edgar was excited to be back home with his family and amazed to see the warm welcome the Marines received as they arrived at the station.
"I'm just glad that everyone from MACS-1 came home," he said. "I am sorry though for those Marines who can't come home."
MACG-38 was activated September 1967 at El Toro, Calif., and assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The unit participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq from August 1990 to April 1991.
Elements of MACG-38 have also participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia from December 1992 to March 1993.
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