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Air traffic controllers return from six-month deployment to Republic of Uzbekistan

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 10/20/2003

Story by Cpl. Robert W. Wynkoop

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Friends and family waited nervously at the Air Terminal here, Oct. 8, as the Marines of Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment B returned home from a six-month deployment to Southern Uzbekistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The squadron, comprised mostly of air traffic controllers, ensured all coalition aircraft in and around their area of responsibility were taking off and landing safely.

Although sometimes repetitive, their mission was nonetheless important.

"For me, every day seemed like Groundhog Day," said Cpl. Jason Gray, MACS-4, radar watch supervisor. "It was long, but we still had some good times."

Many of the Detachment B Marines used their time on deployment to their advantage. From tan belts to green belts, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instruction provided a needed break from their routine, all the while enhancing their skills in self-defense and hand-to-hand combat.

While the KC-130 Hercules and other American cargo airplanes were the predominate aircraft that filled the Uzbekistan runway, Gray said Detachment B also worked with Spanish aircraft as well. "It's a little different when they don't speak the language (fluently)," Gray explained. "Most everyone knows some English; they just have to speak slowly so we can understand."

The squadron's return trip was postponed a few days due to heavy storms across their flight path. Their trip stopped in Thailand for three days," said Gray, a Beaufort, S.C., native.

"We had a great time in Thailand," said 1st Lt. Cesar Terrero, watch commander, MACS-4. "It was some much needed 'libo., We all did a lot of shopping."

Terrero had only one person on his shopping list, his wife Lindy, who anxiously awaited his return.

"I was so terrified," said Lindy Terrero, about her husband?s return. "I was so nervous that my legs were shaking."

Once reunited, her face glowed as she hugged her husband for the first time in half a year. Nearby, hand shakes and high fives abounded as the Marines of MACS-4 welcomed Detachment B back to Japan.

The Republic of Uzbekistan, slightly larger than California, is located north of Afghanistan. The country, with a population more than 25 million, became independent from the former Soviet Union in 1991.